Do you remember the outrage a year and a half ago when the CEOs of Ford, Chrysler, and GM flew to Washington, D.C. in private jets to ask for $25 billion in taxpayer money to avoid bankruptcy? Not that selling off private jets would have covered the $25 billion these guys were asking for – but it would have been a nice start.

It’s unfortunate that we see this kind of arrogance and greed in the Corporate world. Millions of people were laid off from thousands of companies while big wigs like these CEO’s live in the lap of luxury. You saw very little about any CEO taking a pay cut during the turmoil this country went through during the latter part of 2008 and 2009. Instead, they cut out the jobs of average American’s while keeping their pay and perks intact.

Most CEO’s have a lucrative bonus plan in place – including the Founders of YTB. The difference between our Founders and the CEO’s of other companies is that Coach, Scott, and Kim’s bonus is based in part on the performance of the company. Some based on pay or salary, while another chunk is based on stock options. Unlike other CEO’s or companies (like the Big Three in Detroit) our three founders forfeited 355,000 shares in options each of the last two years because the company didn’t meet the performance goals they wrote down to achieve that would trigger each bonus.

In case your wondering – that’s called accountability.

While there were some riffs about the forfeiture of options from critics, I would have loved to see the outrage over actual shares being awarded. It’s one of those “damned if you do – damned if you don’t” scenarios we enjoy from Zealots who flip flop depending on how it furthers their own agenda.

Regardless of which side of the fence you sit on, the fact is our Founders aren’t the type who take big pay days when the company isn’t performing as promised. The buck stops with them so to speak – which goes back to their AL Williams days as “Reps”. (Not to mention its just good business.)

To further illustrate our Founders desire to create a healthy, viable company they’ve restructured their compensation based on overall performance rather than acting like the fat and happy Executives we see in traditional corporate models. The company announced the new pay structure in a press release on Tuesday:

In order to ensure the Company continues its best practices related to executive compensation, YTB is transitioning to a performance-based incentive compensation program. Effective for the 2010 fiscal year, certain Company executives are entitled to incentive compensation if the Company achieves growth in the number of Business Owners at fiscal year end compared to the beginning of the fiscal year; if the Company meets or exceeds certain financial objectives established at the beginning of the fiscal year; or if the executives meet or exceed certain personal or departmental financial and budgetary objectives established at the beginning of each fiscal year.

Nothing like taking personal responsibility and holding yourself accountable for the overall health of your company now is there? If our Founders and Executives don’t perform to acceptable standards – they’re not paid that handsome bonus other CEO’s are paid. Instead they created an incentive to meet or exceed goals which could compensate them above and beyond their previous pay structure.

Because YTB is a public company obviously all this was filed with the SEC and you can find details of the new compensation package along with a breakdown of objectives that are now required from the Executive Team. Compensation now rides on and includes the growth of business owners (or IBC’s), cash flow and available cash on hand, bottom line earnings reported to stock holders, and other discretionary objectives for each department.

Based on the Press Release that was issued – and the terms of the new compensation that were filed with the SEC – simple logic would have you conclude that the Founders and Executives are at the very least willing to do their part for the overall health of the company.

That being said – not everyone who read the filing was able to comprehend or discern what went down. In a very comical and incredibly bizarre “Google Alert” – some jack ass laid claim that our Founders could be getting ready to resign after landing a sweetheart deal.

I’m not kidding – our self-proclaimed “YTB Expert” thinks you can quit (or resign) AND collect severance to boot. His focus – a two year deal that’s structured under the old compensation package that he claims will enable Coach, Scott and Kim to ride off into the sunset. While they haven’t resigned (yet) according to this dolt – we all need to be cautious of this severance stipulation.

Typical.

For the record, the clause he didn’t “copy and paste” on his blog stated otherwise:

Accordingly, a beneficiary under no circumstances would receive any payment under the Program if he left YTB without good reason or was terminated for cause.

It’s not that a clause like this is really necessary. Can you imagine walking into the Boss’s office sitting yourself down and stating “I’d like to resign – what kind of severance can you offer me?”

You’d either be thrown out and most likely fired “with cause” (for being stupid) or suffer the brunt of company jokes for years to come. (Again – for being stupid.)

You might be wondering if this idiot wrote this out of desperation or due to sheer stupidity. While I’m certainly not a mind reader and I hate having words put in my mouth (like he does with me) I’m pretty certain that this zealot thinks we’re the suckers due to the growing number of YTB’ers (including myself) that make it into his “Dumbass Den”.

In his own arrogant and self-righteous way, our lack of intelligence can’t possibly uncover the obvious error because those in MLM aren’t smart enough. We’re beneath the almighty professionals who pick – poke – and pry at anything and everything our company does.

On the other hand: If you think Coach, Scott and Kim have even the slimmest chance of quitting and having the Board of Directors approve a single dime of the two year severance package that was written – you DO belong in a “Dumbass Den”.

Likewise, for those who are reading up on the internet about ZamZuu or YTB at this time – go back to Tuesday’s article and the statement that John is helping us weed out those that aren’t intelligent or responsible enough to uncover fact or truth. Seriously – If a big old red flag doesn’t come up warning you that nobody gets a severance package when they resign – how could they even be considered a viable prospect?

See my point?

Are his statements ridiculous, absurd, bizarre? Sure they are – that’s what we’ve all come to know, but not quite love about John. But trust me, there’s no way you’re going to convince an arrogant pompous ass like John Frenaye that he’s wrong. His ego is just too big and overpowering to allow anyone to knock any logic or sense in that brain of his. (That – or there’s just not enough room down there.)

At this point, the best you can do is smirk (or laugh out loud like I did) and be thankful and grateful that you’re not as desperate (or stupid) – nor are you likely to run into anyone who is because John’s pretty much got a lock on weeding out any bottom feeders for us.

Instead, turn it around and be thankful. If for nothing else – for ability to read and comprehend the English language.

Then you can move on and be thankful that our Founders are willing to do what it takes to provide a viable, profitable, and respectable business opportunity for those of us who see things for what they really are.

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That life is boring at YTB. ;-P

I apologize for not getting something out sooner – the kids had early release the last two days and we had projects planned. I also have a business to run and don’t have the vast amount of time in my profession that others apparently have. I have however been trying to sort out fact from fiction from various sources I know and trust via phone since the latest episode of “Days of YTB” has hit cyberspace.

Before we get started…I think it’s appropriate for the proper background music due the nature of what’s happened this week. For your listening pleasure, I’ve resurrected an oldie but goody that I’ve used before when there’s so much talk about YTB.

Apparently there was a mass exodus of wackos over the last 36 hours that have put out some pretty outrageous stuff. As usual, those of us who have a firm grasp on the situation are left to clean up the mess. Due to time restraints, I need to warn everyone that I have not read – but merely heard some of the rumors I’m about to squash. Therefore, please understand that some of what I might comment on – may not have ever been written in the vast space we call the internet – nor can I reference just who said it.

The following is a list of what I have heard and what I know to be true.

YTB’s CFO, John Clagg has resigned effective February 2nd. I’ve heard of various scenarios on how this came about. Some reasonable and some outlandish. The reasonable would consist of being burned out. With what the company has gone through since the California Law Suit was filed the day before the 2008 National Convention, and a new CEO who has a keen eye on the companies bottom line – it’s understandable that it would drain anyone.

Another reason I’ve heard is that John saw the writing on the wall – meaning, YTB isn’t going to make it.

Please…

One, the company has secured a $650,000 loan based on the expectant sale of the former home office located at One Country Club Drive. Which is odd – because it’s been widely publicized for years on various boards and blogs that YTB doesn’t have any assets to speak of. (Who knew?)

Two, it was announced on a company call yesterday, and corresponding documentation will be available to the field of some 300 $1000 Quick Start Bonuses will be in mailboxes across the country today. The ZamZuu e-commerce platform announced at the Coach’s Birthday Bash in early January has provided a much needed stimulus package for the field. When the field is making money, the company is making money. The enhanced commission structure enables the average person to attain a bonus, and that builds momentum.

You certainly don’t need to be a CPA to understand that cash flow isn’t the current problem at this point in time. (Still tight, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.)

An interesting observation from some time ago – I remember the exiting CFO being chastised by critics as “unqualified” for the position. It’s rather convenient that the ridicule and lack of qualifications are quickly tossed aside now that John has decided resign. I just love how folks can play both sides of the fence when a new position appears to benefit them. Happens with Directors too. All of the sudden these liars, scammers, and cheaters suddenly turn into Saints simply by leaving the company for another.

It would make any John Kerry supporter proud.

While there is a rumor of massive trading from our Directors due to this news, I’d hardly consider 29,300 shares massive. While John did resign on February 2nd, it was well after the closing bell on Tuesday. (3:00 Central time) I’ve never really understood just why this type of rumor persists with our Directors. I just chalk it up to ignorance and a way for critics to create more drama. Day traders have a ton more fun with this stock than any Director. Due to the timing of our CFO’s resignation and how suddenly (although not surprising) the resignation developed – nobody had any chance to benefit one way or another from this news. Based on the volume, between the verbal resignation and the release of the 8K – the numbers certainly don’t indicate insider knowledge.

Current CEO Robert Van Patten will fill in as interim CFO of the company until a replacement can be acquired. Mr. Van Patten is well equipped to fulfill the roll as CFO for YTB International, and has been in charge of much larger corporations in the past. His leadership is the largest reason why YTB has been able to acquire – all be it small – profits the last two quarters even with revenue down in 2009.

Another rumor floating around is that Ron Head, YTB’s Master Distributor has been terminated. While this may be the case after a thorough investigation – at present any word of termination is premature. Ron has I’m sorry to say been suspended due to possible cross recruiting.

If I’m getting e-mails and calls from every Tom, Dick, and Harry about the next “Big Thing” I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of carrots our Directors are seeing. How much greener the pastures are – how well everyone BUT YTB is doing in this economy – or all those “special positions” reserved for “true leaders” in the industry. I’ve seen and heard some real WHOPPERS in regards to rumors about what’s going on with YTB – including one I’ll mention later – that aren’t created by critics of MLM – but other MLM companies to lure people over to their company.

Attaining a Circle of Champion Director from YTB is a HUGE feather in the cap of any company because – as we all know – YTB created massive amounts of income for those who went to work. So much so, it caught everyone’s attention. Especially in an industry that understands and wants “recruiters”.

A personal note here – and this has nothing to do with Ron or any specific Director who has since left YTB for “greener pastures”. I have yet to hear of see any of YTB’s former Directors leave and actually stay with the next best thing they left YTB for. Several Directors that I know of have been with several different companies since leaving YTB and I can’t think of one (NOT ONE) who is currently better off today than they were the day they left YTB. Nor, with the exception of Corr, who just launched his new venture this week, is currently with the same company they moved on to.

That’s not to say they won’t be able to find another home. For some, I sincerely hope they do. It should be noted however that all of the fanfare up to this point has been nothing more than a passing fancy for every single Director who has left YTB for the next big thing.

Another very curious rumor floating around was that Coach, Scott and Kim were forming another MLM. Honestly, I just can’t wrap my head around this one. Critics, I could understand – they’ve always thought that our Founders would eventually call it quits. Some speculated retirement on some remote island with all our $50 checks in tow – while others speculated another industry entirely to rape and pillage. I’d expect that kind of stupidity from them.

It appears that rumor has also been squashed as Coach has been appointed the newest Master Distributor of…

Wait for it…

YTB.

Sigh…Coach will be recruiting again and honestly, it’s what he does best. I realize that frustrates some, and I know the fears and phobias surrounding the word “recruiter”. People slap that word on me all the time – and truth be told – yes, I do recruit. I recruit for Carnival, Princess, Sandals, Collette, Delta, Air Tran, Holiday Inn, Avis, Sears, Home Depot, Best Buy, and YTB. (Among others, but you get the idea.) We all recruit in some form or fashion and I fail to see what the concern or deal is when it comes to word “recruit”.

I can only hope that at some point in time they come come to grips with their “issues”. But don’t expect me to own that type of stupidity and fear just because it makes someone angry or bitter. The heightened outbursts and emotions I see reflects more about them, then it ever will me.

In closing, for those of you in YTB for reasons only you have a right to decide and place judgment on – don’t lose your focus or the sight of your dreams. Many of you got into YTB to sell travel and/or e-commerce. Others have found a new spark in the e-commerce platform that has triggered bringing people into a very promising opportunity that like travel a couple years ago was attractive to the masses.

If you’re like me, you see all the deposits waiting to turn into cash when these vacations are consumed this summer. Like the company, you need to think long term and tighten up to stay in the game in order to capitalize on the deposits your sitting on. Others saw checks in the form of cash back this week for doing what you already do – shop. More of the same is coming on the 11th when the residuals for being a business owner are sent out not only for your own shopping but all those who shopped on your sites.

By the way you realize they too got cash back checks this week from their own shopping experience with ZamZuu right?

Call them up…ask them if they think this works.

I got to tell you, it’s a much better alternative than searching the internet right now, trying to get a feel from a bunch of cowards who don’t have the guts to put a real name behind what they plaster all over the internet or talk about on the phone.

Because I had another post scheduled for today, it’s been bumped to Monday. I think you’ll like it and it drives home why ZamZuu is right on mark and why big name companies are going to a model just like ours to sell their product or service. You don’t want to miss it!

Hope to see you again on Sunday in your e-mail box with this week’s wrap up and the Just Picture It Now Newsletter.

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Do You ZamZuu?

I always knew this day would come. I had no idea when or how it would evolve, but I knew it was coming. J. Lloyd Tomer, or “Coach” has handed over his Chairman of the Board title to his son, Scott Tomer so he can take some time to enjoy his “4th Quarter”. Coach will do what is true to his heart and what he does best: Mentoring the sales force through Coach’s Corner while increasing his efforts to the Company’s philanthropic division, Passport to Giving.

That’s who Coach is. Those of use who know him, know how much he’s given back to the community. He’s been a teacher and mentor most of his life and it’s fitting that he moves into this phase of his life during his 4th Quarter. News of Coach handing over the reigns to his son Scott Tomer as Chairman of the Board and Robert Van Patten being names as CEO of YTB International came out today in an 8K filing.

After looking over some of the articles and news documented here, this move has been in the works for some time. We’ll review the changes and moves the last six months for you below to help you understand how well planned and thought out the new changes are. However, this has been something that was understood by Coach, Scott and Kim from the very beginning when YTB was founded back in February of 2001.

With Coach at the age of 75 and new book finally out, a Co-CEO who’s had 6 months to evaluate the company and it’s assets, the new Board not only in place, but with time under their belt so everyone could become acclimated, the timing was right to pull the trigger on this. The new changes also move key personnel into positions and talents they are best suited for.

From what I know of all the executives involved in the new changes announced today, virtually nothing about YTB as we know as TSO’s or Reps here in the field will change. Scott, Coach and Kim will still be around doing what they do best as Reps. (In fact, Coach will still be here in Atlanta in early November.) However, with YTB being publicly traded, YTB International now has a Chief Executive Officer and President in Robert Van Patten, who not only understands Wall Street, but from what I know, thrives in this atmosphere.

Back in April I wrote about Robert Van Patten, and actually had a chance to briefly thank him for all he’s done for the company while at this years Convention. Mr. Van Patten brings over 25 years of senior management experience to YTBI and was previously President of IMC Agribusiness, an $800 million dollar division of IMC Global. IMC was also listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company now has someone with the experience and temperament to deal the day to day issues of running a publicly traded company. While few have laid claims to the demise of YTB, with predictions of bankruptcy, we owe a tremendous amount of thanks and gratitude to Scott and Coach for stepping aside to allow Mr. Van Patten to make the hard choices and decisions he has over the last 6 months, but also owe the same to Mr. Van Patten for insight to make these difficult choices.

New Board Members Thomas Baker, Jack Humes, and Patricia Williams who were appointed the YTB’s Board of Directors in June also have vast experience in finance, accounting, entrepreneurial business development, and legal services to corporations and governmental bodies. Their new insight and experience brought to our Board also played a key role in the changes made to YTB.

To Coach, Scott and Kim’s credit – They not only understood that Mr. Van Patten was best suited for this new role – they allowed him to execute the changes necessary.

Make no mistake however. The move announced today by YTB and it’s Board we’re carefully thought out and planned by Coach, Scott, and Kim. If they didn’t believe this was the right move for the field and the company as whole, none of this would have happened. They’re Reps at heart. After a fight and successful settlement in place in California which not enabled YTB to continue doing business in the state, but kept our compensation plan in tact, there’s sufficient prove the Founders have held true to their heart.

By handing over the reigns to Mr. Van Patten to deal with the day to day operations of the company as CEO and President of YTB International, Scott moves over as CEO of YTB Marketing, and Coach is completely freed up to do what he loves – and that’s being with the field.

Key people in key positions – doing what they do best. What a concept!

It will be nice to have both Coach and Scott back here in the field. Coach will not only be doing a book tour with his new book “The Fourth Quarter”, but also has plans for 12 Day Tour to Israel and Jordan in April of 2010. (Check your Travel Portal for more details.)

All in all, it’s a great move for YTB, especially with the way this all this developed. This isn’t some band aid or hasty move that didn’t have input or thought from everyone involved. Not with the Board of Directors YTB now has. Gone are the “good ol’ boys” and “buddy system” and in with some very promising and talented executives. 

Congratulations to Scott, Kim and especially Coach for making this choice, and thank you for your ability to let go. It shows this Rep and TSO you really do care and have my best interest at heart.

And Coach – enjoy your 4th Quarter. ;-P

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Want a tip on how to get a new prospect in front of Coach when he comes to town? All you have to do is wear a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey. ;-P

Coach was in Atlanta last night for one of those “recruiting meetings” at a packed room in the Sheraton Gateway down by the Atlanta airport. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a Founders Award, and while others were handing out the awards, Coach made sure HE had the opportunity to hand me my award once he saw #7 walking down the aisle.

He joked with me to see if my shoulder was okay for this Sunday’s matchup against the Eagles at the time, but we had an opportunity to talk for a few minutes personally after the meeting.

During our talk, I mentioned how I started this nasty rumor about him buying the Steelers, which we both had a good laugh about. It amazes both of us how desperate some people are to taint our company and our model. He mentioned something last night which I wish I could actually do. He said that if you take a phone book from 5 years ago and count the number of Travel Agencies, and then compare it how many are in the phone book today, you’ll see why they’re so desperate.

Problem is, I got a new phone book yesterday and it’s already in the recycling bin because I can’t remember the last time I actually used a phone book to look up a number. (Maybe that’s why Telecommunication MLM’s are hated too?)

His message was clear however, even without having any phone books in the house. Brick and Mortar Agencies are in decline. Rhode Island is a perfect example of that, with a 60% decline in the last 5 years, and why Rhode Island reversed the Agent Licensing. (No money in it.)

Coach is fully aware of the pot shots people take at him. Honestly, I don’t think it bothers him one bit. If you think about it, why should it? Why should the opinions of a small group, who have never met him, and or even spoken to him matter one iota? Did the few that are so angry at him stay at a Holiday Inn last night or something? None of them have ever met the man or even remotely spoken with him to form any type of recommendation about who Coach is and what he stands for.

In a January 2007 interview with Travel Weekly Coach was asked how he answers the critics, and based on our discussion last night, he hasn’t wavered one bit from what he said almost 2 years ago.

“With network marketing companies, people call them all the same thing, pyramid schemes. You beat that by proving yourself. We just keep doing the right thing. The business is growing, but the travel sales are growing per RTA, too.”

Later that year, YTB ranked #35 in the US with $226 Million in travel, and YTB made one of the largest jumps, 9 spots which ties with another agency, to number #26 this year with $414.5 Million in travel sales.

These critics can spout off all they want, but this kind of documentation speaks volumes about who we are and what we do…and that include one “critic” in California.

We’ve been asking these “critics” to actually meet Coach, even as late as this week. It’s amusing to see how they can be so bold about what they would tell the man in front of his face, but as soon as the opportunity is given, they run with their tails between their legs with all kinds of excuses.

See, instead of resolving the issues they have, their content with being angry and bitter towards a man they honestly know nothing about. It’s much easier to keep the illusion they have, because it’s the only thing they have left to blame in regards to why their business is suffering.

Remember the story about the lost keys in the house, but looking for them outside under the light? Coach is the most visible light they can see, and that’s why so many are focused on him. What they don’t get is that what they’ve lost resides in their own house, not outside were all the attention is right now. Nobody wants to take responsibility for their own actions. I know, it’s a tough pill to swallow. During the course of this year I had to evaluate what I was doing spending so much time on the internet. My business suffered. But that’s not the fault of the TTA’s or YTB it was mine.

I’ve never met anyone more calm and centered as Coach. Well, maybe T. Harv Ecker, but I don’t know Harv the way I know Coach. I’ve spent hours with this man; I listen to his calls on a weekly basis. I’m being mentored by him in Coach’s Corner via e-mail and private conversations. I looked him dead in the eyes last night and I saw a man who’s never wavered, never said a cross word to anyone, and never changed his conviction to take YTB to the top. All he’s looking for is people that are “All In” like he is.

Now I could go the route of some of the “critics” and become bitter, angry, and resentful. Or I could go with a man who sincerely wants to help me. And for the record, no I don’t give him money each month to do that. Just the opposite, he gives me money for following the very simple principles and business advice he’s teaching over 100,000 to do. Some take his advice to heart, some don’t. That’s their choice.

Bottom line for me this week. If you think you know Coach better than I know Coach, have at it. You’re more than welcome to your opinion. We all know what they say about opinions. Everybody has one.

Some are just bigger than others. ;-P

So guys, I’m proud to tell you that YES, I drink the Kool-Aid. I’m a recovering alcoholic, and I know from experience it can be toxic. Kool-Aid however, keeps my mind clear and my head sharp.

I’m also proud to tell you that YES, I’ve been brainwashed. My mind has been cleansed of all the negativity and stinkin thinkin that I was taught about what I can achieve in my life. It’s been replaced with self-worth, self-respect, and a desire to achieve more for myself and my family.

I enjoy the journey with a man I call “Coach”.

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I get a kick out of how much attention is focused on YTB these days. Over the last month, it’s escalated to a degree I’ve never seen before. I realize YTB has been “front page” news for what’s going on a year now, which all started with Royal Caribbean shipping more marketing materials than any other vendor to our annual Funshine show last year, but instead of showing up, sent a form letter to YTB informing the company that they change their mind.

At the time, it was speculated that supplier doors would soon close on YTB, we found 17 MORE vendors this past weekend then last year at our Funshine East show.

That got me wondering…what’s going on with the growing majority of these vendors, that a couple of the “critics” don’t get?

While we all know that the driving force behind YTB Travel Network, (that’s the travel side of our business for those who don’t know) is J. Kim Sorenson, we also know that the man most associated with YTB in general is our very own, J. Lloyd Tomer, also known as “Coach”.

It pains me to see Coach maligned and ridiculed the way he is by those who fall for these myths about rich people being greedy, or doing something wrong in order to make the millions that they do. What’s even more aggravating is how some take exception concerning his faith. I come from a long line of Ministers in my family and so does Ronda. To speculate that Coach would be anything less than the members of my immediate and extended family is completely foreign to me.

Knowing Coach the way I do, I can tell you that the man has more ethics, morals, and integrity wrapped up in his little pinky than the whole lot of “critics” who are attempting to shame him into submission. I know that’s not saying much, because there really aren’t that many “critics” out there, but you get the idea.
I wanted to take this week and highlight just a few of the “good” articles I was able to find on the internet concerning Coach. For those that have never met Coach, I hope these articles might give a better picture of just who this man is, and what he truly stands for.

A couple of ground rules before we get started. One, none of these is in the form of press releases by the company. Nor are any of these articles any type of “paid endorsement”. These are people that have actually met the man they are writing about, and I challenge anyone to give me an negative article who has actually spend any length of time with the man they are maligning so horribly on the internet.

Just so we’re straight here.

The first article was found in the Saturday Evening Post in the July/August issue. While I wish I could find the 1983 interview when Coach was with A.L. Williams, obviously that was a little before the age of the internet. This article however, does offer a nice background into just who Coach is.

Enjoy!

A man and his vision: J. Lloyd “Coach” Tomer has a dream—to build his company, YTB, into more than just the world’s largest travel agency

Although J. Lloyd Tomer may be the chairman of the board to a publicly traded company, you wouldn’t know it upon meeting him for the first time. Underneath the easygoing demeanor, he harbors a powerful vision to change the world. And it all started with his mother’s prophecy nearly 59 years ago.

On Christmas Eve before Tomer’s 16th birthday, his mother called all her children into the parlor for what would be the last time. She looked at each one of them.
“She told my brother John to stay on the farm,” said Tomer. “He’s still there.”

She then turned to Tomer’s sisters, Roma and Faye.

“She told them they were going to college to become teachers,” said Tomer. ‘They have both retired from that field.”

When she came to Tomer, she paused for just a second. As she looked him in the eyes, she told him that God had something special for his life that would help transform the entire country. He just had to go and find it.

Tomer’s mother passed away the very next day. Since then, he hasn’t stopped searching for what would fulfill his mother’s dream. Through the years, the search led him in several different directions. A former 82nd Airborne paratrooper, Tomer was called to the ministry in the small town of Benton, Illinois. Of the 44 people who attended his first service on Easter Sunday, 14 were family and friends. Flash forward a few years later at the dedication of the new church building, a former theater, and over 2,000 people were in attendance.

However in 1980, the year after he lost his wife and ministry partner to cancer, Tomer found himself unemployed. He left the church believing he wasn’t serving it as he once had. His next stop on his journey led him to a company that said if he could build a team to sell their products, it would compensate him in direct proportion to the results. Tomer accepted the challenge. His sons, Scott and Frank, were first to join their dad’s team. Together they built a thriving business with more than 250,000 clients in A.L. Williams, a company that promoted the novel idea of buying lower-cost term insurance and investing the difference (between that and the cost of whole life insurance) in a high-interest savings plan.

As a senior vice president at A.L. Williams, Tomer’s 1982 income was more than $175,000. Ultimately, his wealth grew to millions in earnings.

“Everything is so right and honest and moral at A.L. Williams,” he declared in a 1983 Saturday Evening Post interview, “that if I were to build my own company from scratch, this is exactly how it would turn out.”

What Tomer was really saying was, when he builds his own company, it will share the same principles of honesty and morality as A.L. Williams.

After retiring and selling his A.L. Williams business to his son, Frank, Tomer quickly discovered that he missed his longstanding role of coach and mentor. And he still hadn’t fulfilled his mother’s dream and began looking for something else. In 2001, at age 67, Tomer came across an opportunity that he simply couldn’t pass up–a business that combined Internet travel and referral marketing. Together, with his son Scott and longtime friend and business associate J. Kim Sorensen, the Your Travel Biz (YTB) Travel Network came to life in the small town of Alton, Illinois.

Today, Tomer is going stronger than ever and credits his energy, health, and longevity to a life of balance and staying busy. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that his positive vision of the future inspires everyone from family to field leaders to employees to travel industry associates around the world. Earning the esteemed title of “Coach” from his “team” of more than 170,000 referring travel agents (RTAs), field leaders, and marketing reps, Tomer is enjoying his lifelong passion of mentoring others to success in life and in business.

Although YTB becomes more successful every day and though many believe he found the answer to his mother’s dream, Tomer is still searching. He believes the search will end with the kickoff of his 10,000 Millionaires program in January 2009 on his 75th birthday.

“My father is 74 years old, and he is looking forward to the fourth quarter of his life when he turns 75,” says son Scott. “He knows he will accomplish more in the fourth quarter of his life than all the other years combined.”

Tomer’s Guiding Principles

“Hundreds of people have come up to me at our conventions and said, ‘Coach, YTB saved our pension, saved our home,’” Tomer says. “And I think of this multiplied hundreds of times. We have a chance to do something that’s never been done in the history of this great country of ours, and this is only the beginning.”

The 10,000 Millionaires program is Tomer’s main vision for the fourth quarter of his life. He wants to build 10,000 millionaires in 10 years based on the 10 principles that he has followed in his own life. The new program kicks off with the release of his debut book, The 4th Quarter, where Tomer shares his story for the first time and talks about each of the principles that guided his life. He is also working hard on the infrastructure of other programs that will be available to YTB’s reps and RTAs.

Throughout his life, Coach Tomer inspired many people. Bill Charlton, a retired 26-year Tennessee truck driver, had to return to work as an 80-hour-a-week driver for a pharmaceutical company to make ends meet. “Coming out of retirement can be a familiar scenario for ‘seasoned citizens’ of the baby boomer era,” says Bill and his wife Ro. “Boomers are running out of options to make ends meet when their retirement funds run out.”

Their friend, Rick Ricketts, first introduced them to YTB. “We found out the financial rewards were excellent,” says Bill. “But the best part of this business is helping other people gain financial freedom.”

YTB offers two different opportunities. The first is owning a YTB travel Web site. By referring friends and family to your Web site, the owner, or RTA, earns commission through the travel booked. The other opportunity is to become a rep and sell travel Web sites. YTB reps earn commission when they sell travel Web sites, and also have the ability to earn overrides on the sales made by other reps in their team.

Wise men have said that if you want to become a millionaire, find one who will mentor you and do exactly what he tells you to do. Here’s where Tomer really shines. On his weekly “Coach’s Call” conference calls, he talks about such topics as goal-setting and attitude, offering inspirational insights harking back to his days as a pastor. The calls attract thousands of listeners each week as Tomer shares steps to success in business and in life and inspired the 10,000 Millionaire program and his book.

YTB also hosts Red Carpet Days almost weekly at the company’s home office, where hundreds of eager YTB prospects and new RTAs can meet the home office staff that serves them every day in various ways. Visitors are offered tours of the facility and treated to lunch, followed with a presentation by Tomer and his co-founders. The Red Carpet Days are now a very popular event and great way for reps, RTAs, and prospects to learn more about the heart of the company.

With Tomer’s willingness to always credit field leaders and reps of YTB and a powerful vision to build 10,000 Millionaires, YTB is well on its way to becoming the number-one travel agency in the world.

“The abilities and successes of our reps and RTAs never cease to amaze and inspire me,” Coach says. “I’m extremely excited to mentor people in how to be successful, not only in business but also in life.”

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