Entrepreneur: Interview with Marilyn on December 27, 2015 (Original Version)
My involvement with the 'original' Youngevity began in 1994 when it was owned by Founder, Craig Keeland and located in Dallas, TX. One night I was surfing the TV channels on our local Christian station when I heard a young man say, ‘If you had never cleaned your home in 40 years, what would it look like?’ My first thought was, ‘GROSS’. That definitely got my attention so I paused to hear his explanation. As I listened I was wondering why I had never heard of detoxing the body. He further explained that the body builds up toxins that lead to disease, so it is important that you do this at least once a year. The product he was holding up was called, ‘Cleansing Herbs’. It made sense so I purchased the product. When the supplements arrived, I began taking them according to the directions on the label. Within a week, my energy level was incredible, and I felt wonderful. When I heard it was a Network Marketing Company I was disappointed as I had always stayed away from that type of business. However, when I realized the product did what it said it would do and how I felt after, I knew it was something I could share in good conscience because it worked wonders for me. I called the company and spoke with a lady, who explained the business, and I enrolled as a Distributor. Shortly after, I received a call from the company, stating that I was selected as one of twelve, to fly into Dallas, all expenses paid, and train on the products and building a business so I could professionally share with others. I took the opportunity! When I returned home, I began following the business plan, booking and hosting home parties, etc; I was successful in building the business, and lifelong relationships, with customers and other business builders in the company.
In 2003, Craig flew into Orlando to share with me that he was starting a new business venture and selling Youngevity to a company owned by Dr. Joel Wallach and his son Steve, called American Longevity. I had the option to stay with Craig or merge into AL. After researching AL and the new company that Craig was starting, I made the decision to merge into AL. It was the best and wisest decision and I’m thankful I made it. My first AL convention was ‘over the top’ and I was awarded a Certificate by CEO, Steve Wallach, for being the first 'Youngevity' Diamond Distributor to come into American Longevity since the merge. It was exciting to be one of the original ground-floor members of Youngevity and now a ground-floor member in the merger of the two companies. Over the years, I have received many awards and certificates but the most exciting event was when AL changed its name legally to 'Youngevity' in 2004. That made me a true original at age 69!
My favorite thing about being an Entrepreneur and building my own Youngevity business is being my own boss, working out of my home office, and having the opportunity to share health with others. It allows me to earn a residual income and see others regain their health and vitality, naturally, with vitamin and mineral supplements of the highest quality. Another incentive is qualifying monthly, which earns me a Car Bonus that pays for my new 2015 Nissan Versa Note. It's a beautiful peacock blue and I love driving it to appointments - it's the perfect lead into conversations about the products and business.
A typical day for me as CEO of my own company is actually a two-part response. My business has changed from the early days. When I first began I was in
full swing ‘networking’ and on the go to grow my business, build lasting relationships, and customer loyalty. I did many trade shows, in-home and hotel meetings, trainings, and sharing the products at different venues; I worked by phone and personal contact. Now at age 81, I provide Customer Service, (my passion), enroll new customers and Distributors from the comfort of my home. It's important that Associates and Customers can reach me and rely on me as a beneficial resource. If I don’t have the answer they need I recommend they call Dr. Wallach on his radio program and speak to him directly. He is the expert and doctor. He is truly a legend with over 40 years of experience, and knowledge that expands through the ages. He is an American treasure to the Health & Wellness industry and I’m proud to call him my friend. If folks have a question regarding product ingredients or other questions regarding the products beyond my knowledge, I also refer them to our Scientific Advisory Board or give them the link to our online Resource Center.
There is no other company that I would rather partner with. Youngevity products are top-of-the-line, and the business model is excellent. It's an exciting opportunity for anyone seeking the advantages I shared. And the latest greatest news I want to share to wrap up this interview… the company is now 'Youngevity International' so, I have customers all over the world. We’ve gone GLOBAL! - Marilyn (*-*)