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National Military Appreciation Month: Shared Principles within Unique Communities
For David and Sharron Coley, life after the U.S. Air Force was a topic of discussion during their time in service. Like many active-duty service members across the United States, the Coleys knew that they would not serve in the Air Force their entire lives and wanted an opportunity that could carry them through to their next chapter. Their goal was to continue to live the values they learned while in the military: leadership, mentorship, and the drive to succeed.
With Amway, David and Sharron found exactly what they were looking for.
Amway offers everyday Americans an opportunity to explore business ownership without having to deal with the typical cost and infrastructure hurdles that come with more traditional entrepreneurship.
When David and Sharron started their Amway business, they were still an active military couple. Avoiding the need for a traditional brick and mortar store, while still having access to popular products and supply chains, was appealing to a couple frequently moving from place to place.
Beyond providing accessible avenues to business ownership, Amway’s community-based ethos—not all that dissimilar to the teamwork and camaraderie fostered by the military—stands out not only to IBOs like David and Sharron, but also to Amway employees.
Dale Selvius, Director of eCommerce Marketing, has worked at Amway for over 20 years. He has also been a part of the tight-knit community of military families for a significant portion of these past two decades – having an in-law who served in the Navy, and now as the father of a Navy Sailor on his first deployment. Throughout this time, Dale has noticed a lot of similarities between these two communities, particularly in their deep-seated values of teamwork, mutual support and leadership.
Dale’s experience as a part of a military family has shown him how people band together to get each other through difficult times. He also views IBOs and Amway employees as a tight-knit community, united in their goal to support entrepreneurs as they look to grow a business, expand their capabilities and make a difference. Dale is also a firm believer in the fact that both communities help you build a strong foundation for life beyond them.
“The opportunities within the military as well as Amway can serve as a gateway to the rest of your life,” observes Dale. “Oftentimes, IBOs take the skills they learned through their Amway business and embark on new entrepreneurial ventures. The military is also an opportunity for young women and young men to serve their country, while they learn skills they can apply to their life afterwards.”
Aaron VanZyll is a Supervisor of Rules Administration at Amway. His experience working with many military IBOs reminds him of his beloved stepdad, who served on the USS Monrovia.
He believes that IBOs with a background in the armed services show the highest levels of dedication and compassion when approaching the Amway business.
“IBOs, particularly those who have served, have a strong commitment to the business and their personal goals. They apply their life lessons to their daily activities,” observes Aaron VanZyll. “Growing up, the stories my stepdad would share with me of his Navy days echo the same values of patience and hard work that I’ve come to greatly appreciate about Amway IBOs as well.”
Most Americans would agree that a military career is one of the most admirable and honorable career choices one can make. When military members and veterans make the decision to become an IBO or work at the company, it is a testament to the opportunities, leadership and community Amway provides.
Like hundreds of IBOs have come to find, the Amway business model works to complement the pressing demands of their military life.
This National Military Appreciation Month, Amway is proud to recognize all the active military and veterans, who continue to live out their values of leadership, service and mentorship through the Amway community.