In May 1971, I attended my first meeting at Emerald Direct, Bill Britt's home in Carrboro, North Carolina. At the meeting, I learnt that the business, after twelve years, had almost 100 different products, was in three countries, and had accomplished sales of approximately $100 million! I signed up, talked to one person, and quit. The timing was just not right, as I had to finish up my football.. baseball career as a UNC Tar Heel. rt included appearances in the Peach Bowl, Gator Bowl, selection as A1I-ACC quarterback, the Coaches All-American game, and being chosen as the ACC's first recipient of the Brian Piccolo Award.
I come from Ayden, North Carolina, a small town famous for producing many state championship teams and athletes. The primary reason for my surviving the rigours of competition at Chapel Hill was this environment. After being selected to the All- ACC Academic team, I enrolled in UNC's MBA-Law program in August 1974 to pursue a legal career. Twice while in law school, I was invited to attend some meetings. Both the times my reply was, "No thanks. I know all about this business. I was in it once. My goal is to become an attorney."
'One day, I skeptically went to see a formal business presentation. I met some old friends of mine at the presentation. They were very excited about the business, but they couldn’t explain how it worked. All that they could explain was that the business had something to do with 100 PV, no door-to-door selling, and possibility of making a lot of money. In fact, I attended four meetings and a Free Enterprise weekend before signing up in September 1974. The first two years were 'internal growth' years. There were financial struggles, fears to overcome, bar exams to pass, strangers to meet, and products to sell. I knew that I needed to be steady, upbeat and kind to all people; and I shouldn't quit. I am glad I didn't quit. I became Pearl in 1977, Diamond in 1979, Double Diamond in 1987, and now, Crown. I retired from my job in 1978. Bill and Peggy were my good friends and advisors. Friends in the business like the Renfrows, Crowes, Zeenders, Martins, Puryears, and many others inspired me.
My three children, Lindsey, Johnny, and Nancy are fun to be with and what makes me happy is that I was there to grow up with them. Today, my children and I live in a beautiful home overlooking a championship golf course on Ponte Vedta Beach, Florida. Our other homes include a 17 acre estate with a house that is nearly 7200 square feet, complete with pool, tennis court, and basketball court in Raleigh, North Carolina; a cottage on the Outer Banks of North Carolina; and an ocean front condominium on Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Vehicles include luxury sedans from Rolls Royce to Lexus, antique autos, a Harley motorcycle, a Humvee Hummer, a 25 feet fishing boat, and many other vehicles. I give all the credit to God. I am thankful for my kids, health, this country, the DeVos and Van Andel families and this business.
Anyone willing to work hard can make this business work. Come join us on the beaches and mountaintops of the world!
