Frank Vitale poses for an official portrait in the Army portrait studio at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Dec. 03, 2024. (U.S. Army photo by Leonard Fitzgerald)
Morgantown, WV – July 7, 2025 – Forge Ahead: The Blueprint to Creating a Winning Strategy in Business, Life, and Wrestling, authored by Frank Vitale, has been honored with a Silver Award in a nationally recognized review process evaluating excellence in business literature.
Praised for its optimistic tone, practical tools, and grounded approach to leadership and self-development, Forge Ahead stood out among hundreds of submissions. Reviewers highlighted the book’s clarity, accessibility, and emphasis on timeless values like discipline, humility, faith, and service—woven together with Vitale’s unique perspective as a business leader, former Army officer, and lifelong wrestling coach.
“This book is a page-turner… It presents the big task of succeeding in business and life as all about going forward—creating constant momentum with logic, purpose, and heart,” one reviewer noted.
Forge Ahead encourages readers to “show up,” contribute authentically, and lead with integrity. It blends personal stories with actionable insights, urging readers to embrace adversity as a teacher and to lead from a place of purpose.
In response to the award, author Frank Vitale shared:
“I’m honored by this recognition. I wrote Forge Ahead to offer practical wisdom drawn from years in business, the military, and on the wrestling mat. If the book helps one person show up with purpose and lead with heart, then it has done its job.”
Frank Vitale is the President & CEO of Forge Business Solutions, a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and an advocate for leadership rooted in service, connection, and strategy. Forge Ahead is available online and at select retailers.
About the Book: Forge Ahead explores the intersection of personal growth and professional excellence. Chapters include: Show Up, Contribute at Your Best Level, Waste Nothing, The Power of Connectivity, Stakeholder Importance, and Process Development. Drawing on wrestling, business, and military experience, Vitale guides readers through building a life and enterprise driven by purpose.