1. Where were you born and raised; current city; family; hobbies; past business highlights...
Edmond and I were born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. We have four children and six grandchildren who we love watching as they explore and experience the world around them. Travel of course is our number one pastime with food, fun, and fellowship following closely behind it. Edmond was born from a long line of entrepreneurs and was shown the blueprint at an early age. I, on the other hand. came along kicking and screaming as I was truly a 9-5 girl and had not been exposed to that side of life. With Edmond at the helm, we have had several businesses, from owning an experienced lawn service, to property preservation, to being former Allstate Insurance brokers, to our current business, automobile dealership and brokerage. One can say that we have worn many hats.
2. How have you grown or personally developed since joining PlanNet?
We are very grateful that we are in an industry where continued growth is imperative. Understanding and experiencing LEADING vs. MANAGEMENT firsthand has been a tremendous development for us. In our other businesses, people would comply with what was required of them because we were paying them wages. Here at PlanNet, you must ask yourself WHY would a person do what we ask of them? Why would they follow me? Do they feel that we truly have their best interest at heart? Our coach, Walter Powell, has often said that you cannot move a person’s hand until you touch their heart. So, our motto is "HOW CAN I HELP?”
3. What drives you; what motivates you?
Although we still have to check in and be present for our brokerage, we also get to set our own schedule. I (Deneene) am also motivated to keep pushing because I watched my mom who was a single parent leave at dark:30 in the morning and return by dark:30 at night to keep a roof over her and my head. I was a latchkey kid and often had no one to attend award ceremonies, PTA meetings or extracurricular activities that I was involved in during school. I am so thankful that we could attend the majority of our children's and grandchildren's events because it gives them confidence and that village that is so needed to raise our children today.
4. Who would you consider a role model and why?
Edmond and I both agree that our parents were the best role models. They taught us to be true to who we are, while striving to be the absolute best that we can be. Life lessons were modeled by not giving up no matter what. Every day that you are given is a new day to learn and not fret over what you cannot change. They were the coaches, the teachers, the disciplinarians, and the cheerleaders – all of which gave an amazing balance to life.
5. The three words that describe you best are:
Loyal, Genuine, and Determined.
6. If you had some sound advice to give to anyone what would it be?
Our advice to anyone is whatever you do, you must commit to the process. There will be times that you will have to tweak it, but don't check out or peddle backwards. Keep your feet moving in a forward direction and stay focused. NO LIMITS!
7. What does your life look like five years from now?
Dividing our time between residences in different states, traveling internationally, and STILL in PlanNet Marketing helping families, one at a time.