The deeper I’ve studied Think and Grow Rich by Dr. Napoleon Hill,  the more I’ve come to appreciate how timeless and practical Dr. Hill’s ideas really are. But nothing brought that home quite like getting to know—and learn from—Ben Gay III, who is not only one of the greatest sales minds of our time but was also Dr. Hill’s last protégé.

Ben isn’t just a living link to Hill’s legacy—he embodies it. His stories, his wisdom, his discipline, and the way he teaches success principles with clarity and conviction have had a profound impact on me, both personally and professionally.

Working with Ben has given me a front-row seat to how these ideas aren’t just theory—they’re living, breathing tools when put into action. Ben taught me how to internalize Hill’s teachings, how to simplify them without diluting them, and most of all, how to apply them with heart.

When I reflect on stories like the Enchanted Kettle, I now see them through Ben’s eyes—with a sense of respect, realism, and possibility. I’m reminded that success doesn’t just come from knowing the material—it comes from living it, sharing it, and helping others see the magic inside their own kettle.

"Ideas are things. And powerful things at that, when they are mixed with definiteness of purpose, persistence, and a burning desire for their translation into riches."
— Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

One of the most important and overlooked parts of Think and Grow Rich is the story of the Enchanted Kettle—a short but powerful parable that captures the essence of Hill’s entire philosophy.

This isn’t just a charming anecdote; it’s a symbolic anchor for the book’s first and most vital principle: Desire. The story appears in the chapter titled “Desire: The Starting Point of All Achievement,” and it perfectly illustrates how one simple idea, when combined with belief, persistence, and action, can create extraordinary results.

The Story of the Enchanted Kettle

Imagine an old, black kettle sitting on a fire in a dusty corner of a modest pharmacy.
From it, steam rises—not just from syrup, but from the spark of an idea.
That steam becomes a whisper of possibility, then a vision of bottles, billboards, and global reach.
The kettle is ordinary.
The idea inside is extraordinary.

Dr. Hill tells the story of Dr. John S. Pemberton, a pharmacist in Atlanta, Georgia, who mixed-up a concoction in a kettle—essentially the early formula for what would become Coca-Cola.

Pemberton had an idea for a unique beverage. He cooked up the original syrup in a humble kettle and sold it by the glass at a local pharmacy. The product didn’t make him rich during his lifetime—he eventually sold the rights to the formula for a modest sum—but the idea he set into motion went on to become one of the most iconic and lucrative brands in the world.

His partner, Asa Candler, saw the potential, took the idea further, and through branding, expansion, and belief in the product, turned Coca-Cola into a global empire.

The Lesson

Dr. Hill calls it "enchanted" not because the kettle itself was magical, but because of the invisible power of an idea. 

The key lessons he draws from this story are:

  • Big success begins with a small idea—but only if it’s backed by burning desire, faith, and action.
  • Wealth comes not from money itself, but from the ability to create value and act on opportunity.
  • Persistence and vision matter more than initial circumstances. Candler didn’t invent the formula, but he saw its potential and built an empire around it.
  • Ideas are the true capital—and they can be more powerful than factories, equipment, or even cash.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into strategies for sales success, be sure to join Ben and me every Wednesday on Your Partner In Success Radio for The Closers Inner Circle podcast. We’ll share actionable insights and real-world advice to help you elevate your sales game.