January 2007 - The beginning of my first full year in USANA

When I made the decision to leave school and start my business full-time, I had no idea what that meant. There were many meetings in Leanne's kitchen on Clark Ave. - she certainly seems to have it all figured out (Leanne saw the vision from the start - she is a phenomenal leader). I wasn't so sure myself. When I look back now, and see how little money I actually made in my first 4 months in business, I am surprised I stayed in the business! I never thought it was a way to get rich quickly, but I certainly had very high expectations.

The first time I attempted a Silver Run (one of the levels in USANA) was in December 2006 - the same time Leanne did her first Gold Run. This probably means nothing to most of you, but for those who are in the business, you'll understand. It was a crazy idea - I did not have a team or the volume - but I was maxed out on one side. I went for it - Andrea still has the email I sent out. One of the things I had yet to figure out about this business is that it's not really about me, but about the team and their successes and their leadership. I was still very naive and still focused solely on my own efforts.

Christian, Leanne and I at Niagara Falls, Jan 2007

I distinctly remember having a huge argument with my sister when we celebrated my birthday in January. It was about money (what else is new?) and I remember saying that I had made less than $800 that month - so I couldn't pay for a round of drinks (something of that nature). It was pretty ugly - and it really bothered me that I was earning so little each month. But there was something that I knew deep down - that this is the only way out - and so I kept on building, learning and growing - as uncomfortable as it might have been for my family and friends (sorry everyone!).