About the Author: Konrad “Gus” Goldau
Gus Goldau is an author, entrepreneur, decorated military veteran, and civic leader whose own life mirrors the resilience and adventurous spirit of the father he writes about.
Born in Shanghai and displaced by the tumultuous tides of revolution, Gus’s early life was marked by the same historical displacement that shaped his family’s legacy. Before ever setting foot on American soil, he spent formative time navigating the hardships of a Philippine refugee camp—a crucible that instilled in him an early understanding of survival and adaptation.
After immigrating to the United States, Gus answered the call to service, deploying to the front lines of the Vietnam War. His courage and leadership under pressure earned him the prestigious Bronze Star Medal.
Upon returning to civilian life, Gus channeled his drive and technical precision into the American business landscape, founding and building a highly successful metal fabrication enterprise.
Today, he is a deeply respected civic leader and prominent figure within the San Diego community, dedicated to philanthropy, leadership development, and community resilience.
As the author of Good Advice is Expensive and the steward of his family’s extraordinary archives, Gus brings a rare combination of deep personal insight, historical accuracy, and a shared spirit of adventure to the page. He lives in San Diego, California, where he continues to advocate for the preservation of historical legacies and the timeless values of grit and integrity.
