How One Entrepreneur Hit Rock Bottom Then Climbed to the Top After taking on the nightclub business in the 1970s, including creating the legendary Studio 54, Ian Schrager turned to hotels.

After taking on the nightclub business in the 1970s, including creating the legendary Studio 54, Ian Schrager turned to hotels. His successes have included New York's Morgans and Royalton; Miami's Delano; the Mondrian in West Hollywood; and Sanderson London. His Ian Schrager Company has a partnership with Marriott International for Edition Hotels.

The following is an excerpt from a personal essay by Schrager to be published in Gillian Zoe Segal's new book, Getting There: A Book of Mentors (Abrams Image).

I grew up in Brooklyn. Back then it was very middle class and everyone was striving to improve their lot in life. I'm happy I wasn't raised somewhere more affluent. I think it made me hungrier.