Dave Anderson is a cyclone of energy. The day I interviewed him for our "Native American Entrepreneurs" series, he was functioning on only a few hours of sleep because the previous night he drove from Minneapolis to Chicago in a rain storm. But, Anderson was bursting with enthusiasm when it came to talking about his Famous Dave's restaurant chain and Key Lime Cove Resort.

Anderson embodies the American dream. He will be the first to tell you that anyone can achieve that dream with persistence and hard work. He's also not shy about talking about how difficulties like attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, and bankruptcy nearly derailed his dreams.

Anderson also speaks with pride about being Native American, but he also admits his culture could be an obstacle. Anderson said as a youth he often encountered racism both in Chicago and in the northwoods of Wisconsin where he spent weekends and vacations.

At a time when millions of Americans are seeing their jobs, their homes, and their savings evaporate Anderson's story is inspirational. He has gone from failed businessman, to entrepreneur, to statesman, and back to entrepreneur again. He constantly reinvents himself. All of us could use a little of Dave Anderson's pluck right now.