AUBURN — Author and Auburn native Richard O’Leary will be at the Auburn Public Library at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22, to talk about his rise from poverty to CEO of a 2,500-employee company. Sharing from his recently released book,
“One with the Sea: An Inspiring Rags to Riches Saga of the Son of an Irish Immigrant,” O’Leary will discuss his childhood in Auburn and his secrets to the successful launch of a harbor cruise company that has 13 600-passenger vessels.

Raised by Irish immigrant parents in Auburn, O’Leary went on to attend the Maine Maritime Academy where he earned a bachelor of science degree. His love of the sea would lead him to the serve in the United States Navy and as commandant of midshipmen at the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point in New York. Beginning a civilian career, O’Leary moved to Norfolk, Va., and became the assistant general manager of the Norfolk Port and Industrial Authority. In 1972, he founded a new company called Cruise Venture Inc. and served as CEO and chairman of the board for 34 years before retiring in 2005.

O’Leary’s book follows him through early childhood and seagoing service, to his rise in the business world.

Copies of the book will be availed for sale at the library the night of the presentation.