CALLING THE PRESIDENTS

Calling the Presidents is your front-row seat to history’s greatest leadership laboratory. After visiting every presidential library, home, museum, and gravesite, Ken Hartley distills lessons from all 47 presidential terms into practical insights you can apply immediately in leadership, business, and life.

This is not a political book. It does not argue policy. It does not promote parties. It is a leadership book built from history’s most scrutinized real-world case studies.

Inside, you will discover:

• Timeless leadership principles demonstrated under pressure, crisis, and decision.
• Verified quotations sourced from original speeches, letters, and archival records.
• Leadership strengths you can model and mistakes you can avoid.
• Clear leadership applications you can implement right away.
• Little-known, fascinating historical anecdotes about each president.
  
  

From Washington’s character to Lincoln’s communication to Theodore Roosevelt’s command, each chapter reveals what distinguishes leaders who leave lasting impact from those who simply held office.

Whether you lead a company, a team, a classroom, or a family, the presidency offers the ultimate case study in influence, responsibility, and legacy. These lessons are not theoretical. They are battle tested under the weight of history.

If you want leadership wisdom that has already stood the test of time, this book delivers it.

Officially released on President's Day, February 16, 2026. You can order now directly from Ken. Copies from the printer should be available by March 3rd. Then Ken will ship out all ordered copies to addresses within the continental U.S.

The book order price of $25.99 includes shipping within the continental U.S. 

PRAISE FOR CALLING THE PRESIDENTS 

“Not only is Ken Hartley an excellent speaker, he is also a fantastic writer. His research and documentation for this book make it well worth the read. This may seem like a book about history, but it is really a book about leadership! Ken takes this information and personalizes it for the reader. This book should be required reading for every person who loves America.”

–Dr. Robert Rohm, President, Personality Insights

“I’ve been fortunate to have known Ken Hartley for most of my life. I’ve watched him delve deep into the lives, decisions and idiosyncrasies of each one of our Presidents - first as a hobby, then as an exercise in leadership growth. As a renowned expert in leadership and personal communication, I’ve also professionally benefited from Ken pouring into our Supervisors and Command Staff  at the Jackson Police Department through training and mentoring. His latest book, ‘Calling the Presidents’, combines his knowledge of the Presidents, and his expertise in leadership and integrates both in a way that provides teaching moments for any leader seeking to continue their growth. Purposefully avoiding the political slants of most texts concerning the Presidents, Ken brings out some little known facts about our Presidents, describes priorities and decisions of these world leaders (both good and bad), and gives solid direction (Executive Orders) we all can take from each President. If you read only one book this year to support your leadership journey, this should be it.”

–Thom Corley, Chief of Police, Jackson, Tennessee

"Perhaps the most fascinating and intriguing book I've picked up in many years. The insights, feats, and exploits of the men who shaped this country are laid bare in remarkable detail. Ken Hartley's investigative skill in uncovering and presenting such extraordinary information is truly mind-boggling. It's both informative and entertaining and a must read for every leader. Highly recommended."

–David Sherlin, PROcure Advantage