1. Where were you born and raised; current city; family; hobbies; past business highlights...
I was born in Minneapolis, MN but moved to my father’s hometown of East St. Louis, IL when I was five, which is where I grew up. I’ve lived in metro Atlanta for 22 years and I have three adult children – one son and two daughters. I love dogs (I have two), college and pro football, hanging out and cooking for my children when they come home, and for my friends. I’m a big fan of R&B music (Earth, Wind & Fire is the greatest group of all time), and I love to play cards and games in general. I’ve worked at one of the technical colleges in suburban Atlanta for almost 20 years. I started out as an adjunct instructor teaching one class. As opportunities opened up within my department, I applied and was able to advance. While working, I returned to school and earned an M.S. degree in Organizational Leadership. In my current role, I serve as a Vice-President.
2. How have you grown or personally developed since joining PlanNet?
Being in the PlanNet has been like having an executive coach but without the high price tag! Because this is my first time in network marketing, I have read the recommended books that are beneficial to having success in this industry. I have also been able to learn and apply best practices, one of which is to follow the leaders. This has been key for my development because this business is not like academia, and methods that are effective in my current position don’t necessarily work in network marketing. Therefore, I try to imitate what has been proven to work by my directors; specifically, that this business is about helping those who made the decision and financial commitment to partner with me. Also, before joining PlanNet I'd started paying down debt, but since being here, I've used my Director's income to knock out most of it and my credit score has tremendously improved.
3. What drives you; what motivates you?
I want to retire before I turn 60 (I'm 58) and although I have a good career, it will not afford me the luxury of retiring early. I want to have the kind of wealth that allows me to do whatever I want to do – like help my children if they need money, have the very best medical care and not worry about deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, take dream vacations for weeks or months, and not have to be financially dependent on my children when I’m older!
4. Who would you consider a role model and why?
Director Pethral Daniels! She is the evidence that "financial, personal and time freedom" isn't just a theory. It really happens if you do the hard work, make sacrifices, allow yourself to be coached (by Director Nina Vital!) and you don't quit. After only three years in the business, she's been able to leave her six-figure corporate job. She's also a role model because she remains mature and unwavering even in challenging situations. Finally, she's insightful, and that translates into her coaching and decision-making. I think Director Daniels models each of our pillars.
5. The three words that describe you best are:
Competitive, impatient (but constantly working on it!) and thoughtful.
6. If you had some sound advice to give to anyone what would it be?
For those of us who were big fans of the HBO series Game of Thrones, everyone knew that "Winter Is Coming." For us in the PlanNet, In the next several months, work harder than you ever have before, rank up, pique the interest of everyone you know – especially talk to those people who intimidate you or those who you assume are already "set" – and build the largest business you can because "Momentum is Coming." Be ready!
7. What does your life look like five years from now?
I will have been retired from my Plan A for four years and I'll spend the warmer months in one of my favorite northern cities – Chicago or New York – and the rest of the year in my house in Atlanta or another place of my choosing. I will spend a lot of time with my children and grandchildren. I'll be making financial contributions to organizations, political candidates and social causes that matter to me, like Juvenile Diabetes, Adult Literacy & Economic Equity and organizations that take care of dogs. I'll be able to do whatever I want because I'll be earning a multiple six-figure residual income.