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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Do You ZamZuu?

I got back from a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with extended family last night just prior to the Steelers vs. Ravens game. To tell you how out of touch I was this weekend, I had no clue that Big Ben wouldn’t start last night. (Much to my shock and surprise.)

While watching the pre-game before last night’s game, I made my rounds to the various travel publications to see what else I might have missed over the extended weekend. What wasn’t a shock, or a surprise was seeing YTB prominently placed yet again on the front page of Travel Weekly with the headline YTB: ‘We’re not going away’.

Yes, it’s true, a trade publication has finally ponied up and is preparing the industry that YTB is – like it or not – here to stay.

You can probably imagine how this news is going to sit with some with more twists and outrageous claims in an attempt to turn the tables back to thier own illusions. Others will simply ignore the warning and continue on with the impossible dream of ridding “their” industry of the likes of YTB.

Nadine Godwin took advantage of one of the many Super Saturday events up in New York the previous weekend at the Park Central Hotel on November 21st. The event was hosted by a very magnetic group of TSO’s. If you haven’t heard about or seen Noah Matos, not to worry, you will. He’s one of the most dynamic new Directors in YTB these days.

Based on how Nadine’s story was written, it looks like she was a participant of this New York meeting the way she quoted Scott Tomer and his message to the group of about 100 TSO’s and guests. Unlike other eyewitness “reports” I’ve seen in years past on blogs and message boards, Nadine not only had the guts, but the foresight to actually make her presence known and was able to clarify a number of points in this well written article.

It’s no secret that YTB has been battle tested the last few years. The company has had most everything – including the kitchen sink thrown at it. That comes with the territory when you include the three letter word “MLM”. It brings out some real nut cases – including the high profile ones. One such critic thought he had the power and ability to end the model and the company based on the premise that you pay for the opportunity to recruit others into the business. That’s called a pyramid scheme – which are illegal and ultimately shut down. 

Regardless if you deal with facts or fiction surrounding what is or isn’t a pyramid scheme – YTB is not only still around, but holding meetings and trainings in cities like New York every weekend. Sure the company had changed over the years. Good companies do that. Even profitable companies like Wal-Mart and McDonalds. Have you seen the new McCafé’s sprout up the last 6 months? You know there was a time when you had a choice of a hamburger and cheeseburger (a hamburger with a slice of cheese) when you ordered there – right? YTB has always been a company that likes to introduce new ideas and products. YTB Flowers, YTB Golf, YTB Outdoors and YTB Romance were all products introduced years ago.

Today, YTB has shopYTB for even more income opportunities using a model and a team of people who have proven that ordinary people can produce some large numbers. (Travel Weekly has shown us that for years.) For some reason however, a few in the industry don’t recognize $424 million in travel sales. All they can see and all they ever talk about is the recruiting revenue that’s 1/4 of the total travel sales. YTB didn’t create the pour margins in travel – but we sure have to put up with most of the crap because recruiting revenue pays better. (Which isn’t hard to do.)

Look – I know there are people who can’t wrap their tinny little brains around the Network Marketing business model. While a simple “no thanks” would do, there are those who – for one reason or another – feel the need to dig up every negative aspect they can find about the industry. And if they can’t find it – they make it up just so they have something to do with their time. Doesn’t make much sense to me either – but like I told you last Wednesday – you have to let it go and move on.

They said the the entire travel industry would cut us off – didn’t happen.

They said California would be able to shut us down for being a gigantic pyramid scheme – Instead, we’re putting together franchise documentation.

They said the Class Action filed by the ambulance chasers was powerful. Turned out to be redundant, irrelevant, immaterial and a big ol’ pile of scandalous crap.

They said we’d be bankrupt with the doors closed by the end of last year – no, April – no, Convention – no, third quarter – no, end of this year. Well, you get the idea here – and we’ll continue to read this position until the cows come home.

Point is, that all the claims and speculation about YTB over the years from our critics have been proven wrong over time – and Scott, Kim, and Coach have pretty much been spot on. Why? Because critics don’t have the practical experience that our Founders do to make the right choices. They went through the same garbage with AL Williams when the insurance industry got all bent out of shape about part time insurance agents.

To this day, the organization they built still produces residual income some 30 years later based on the very model and standard YTB was built.

That’s not to say our Founders make all the right choices. They’re also risk takers and there are bound to be mistakes made along the way – nobodies perfect here. However, if I had my choice between three men who’ve been battle tested not once – but twice in this industry and made it – you can bet you’re life who I’m going to side with here.

Thanks for the insight Nadine for those of us who have made the right choice here. And thanks for warning our critics that all the smoke and mirrors that they’ve attempted to throw up over time is clearing out of the way.

Despite all the setbacks, I too, “knew we’d be standing at the end.”

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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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Do You ZamZuu?

I was reading Think and Grow Rich (again) and in one of the chapters it talks about a Chicago newspaper that printed in their paper that the brilliant Henry Ford was an “ignorant pacifist.” Ford brought a suit against the paper for libeling him. While in court they put Ford on the stand an proceeded to ask some really ridiculous questions. Ford who finally grew tired of the questioning said, “Why would I clutter my mind with such nonsense when all I have to do is push a button and I can summon to my aid men who can answer any question?” Every person in the courtroom realized what Ford had done with that response. It didn’t come from an ignorant man, but of a man of education. Through the assistance of his Master Mind Group Henry Ford had at his command all the specialized knowledge he needed to enable him to become one of the wealthiest men in America.

Scott Tomer has been the keystone of YTB for quite some time. I’ve watched in amazement as he’s grown, especially in the last several months. The type of pressure and obstacles that have been laid down before him would break many. The strength and calmness I’ve seen and heard in him has been a real lesson in leadership.

I’ve seen people ridicule and scorn Scott for his comments of having only 2 hours of college education. (It was a Monday from what I’ve been told, and the Steelers were playing so it could have been three or for hours if it weren’t for Monday Night Football.) People often question what type of qualifications Scott has to be CEO of his own company, and point to his lack of education to dismiss his title. By Scott’s own admission, being a CEO of a public company has it’s challenges. Many “T’s” need to be crossed, and “I’s” need to be to dotted during daily operations, and being in the public eye, many sit on the sidelines to criticize any decision that’s made. (Easy being a “Monday Morning Quarterback” isn’t it?)

As I’ve watched this company grow I’ve seen many specialists who’ve been hired by the company to help Scott, his father Coach (J. Lloyd Tomer) and Kim Sorensen. Andy Cauthen was one of the first I can remember, and has made a tremendous impact to our company as COO and President. His attention to detail and energy keeps everyone on their toes. Both Gregg Fritsch and David Lash came on board 18 months ago with an expansive background in travel and have been key in the Convergentware upgrade the company is currently experiencing. James Tackett came to YTB with over 20 years of experience producing quality marketing materials for Direct Sales companies that list from A to Z.

If the company isn’t hiring outright, they are outsourcing with industry leaders like Marc Manicini with YTB’s E-Campus training, or bring in supplier specialists with companies like Carnival and Princess to conduct sales events, or form partnerships with MailPound to help promote our product offering.

YTB International’s (YTBLA) most recent addition was publicly announced last evening with a new Co-CEO, Robert Van Patten who came to YTB with 25 years of senior management experience. Robert will oversee many of the administrative, accounting and corporate governance of the company to free Scott up to do what he does best, build. Another piece of the Master Mind Group has been put in place to take YTB to the next level.

There shouldn’t be any mistake that Coach and Scott are Reps at heart. While I realize this makes some cringe, and others even angry because they fear the word “recruiter”, I have my doubts if either Scott or Coach have any concerns on how others perceive the word or the profession. The appointment of Robert Van Patten will not only free Scott up to do what he does best, but put the reigns in the hands of someone who has the experience and temperament to deal the day to day issues of running a publicly traded company.

That’s what good leaders and companies do. They find key poeple and put them in roles that enhance the entire organization. Nobody can be an expert in everything, and those that recognize and accept that someone else could be better suited for certain roles is a great sign of leadership. By bringing in and allowing others to capitalize on their strengths and expertise benefits everyone involved.

There are those who believe that if you want something done right, do it yourself, which is nothing more than ego getting in the way. If you can let go enough to allow others to work in their element, you end up working more in yours, and ultimately end up getting more done. If a company truly wants to grow and expand, core people are needed in the right place to handle the details that suit them best.

Robert Van Patten has been put in place for his specalized knowledge to aid in his area of experitice and contribute to the building and growth of YTB.

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Do You ZamZuu?

It was mentioned on Coach’s Saturday Morning call that this “consideration” of Franchising was meant to be a “Soft Rollout”. However due to all the focus and obsession right now squarely on the company everyone is talking about, there was nothing “soft” about it. When Coach said “soft rollout” I honestly laughed out loud. I immediately thought about what I learned in school many, MANY years ago when I did a report on Teddy Roosevelt, and remembered the phrase “Walk softly, but carry a big stick”.

With all the attention, talk, and accusations concerning a proposal that hasn’t even been officially released, let alone outlined, manuals produced, training implemented, pricing arranged, and compensation laid out, it makes me wonder what all this fuss is about.

At one exact moment last week, 10:21AM on Tuesday, July 15th, an 8-K Regulation FD Disclosure was filed with the SEC. A Directors call followed with Scott Tomer informing our Directors of this filing, and a Press Release was issued Tuesday afternoon with our “consideration” of franchising.

I feel it’s important to updated and inform you about this proposal from the PROPER sources. Scott has agreed to share a Directors Letter in the Biz Report and I want to make sure you have this communication directly from Scott.

Now just why would Scott have to do something like this? Amusingly enough, and Scott addresses this specifically in his communication, about our competitors and skeptics who make inaccurate, deceitful, slanderous and outright fraudulent statements about YTB. This obsession with YTB is so consuming, that by 10:27AM a post was up on a blog stating that YTB has turned its back on RTA’s. (Note: only 6 minutes after the SEC filing!) Likewise, as soon as the Press Release was issued it was commented on a financial forum that the stock would crash , and one brilliant critic posted Scott’s letter in it’s entirety on another Anti-YTB thread incorrectly assuming that this would cast doubt instead of clarifying our direction in becoming a dominant player in the Travel Industry.

This company can’t sneeze without someone painting some negative spin about it.

With the stock price actually rising following both days of outrageous claims and spin, we can’t help but laugh at the egg on the face of these obsessed critics who think they have YTB all figured out. Clearly the scare tactics used to distract and worry those of us in YTB didn’t take hold or we just didn’t care to listen.

I mentioned some of my reasons why on Friday, but I also like Scotts reasons, and I’d like to document them here as well.

“We became a publicly traded company in 2004 and the skeptics said we would never make it. People said we were crazy to introduce a Reps’ “Bill of Rights” at the 2005 “Your Time to Build” national convention. It was unheard of in our industry. No one had ever guaranteed earnings for its Reps prior to the 2006 “Business of Champions” YTB convention, but that didn’t stop us from introducing the Success from Home Magazine program with its $6,000 Guarantee. We became members of the Direct Sales Association in 2007 and added the “First Amendment to the Bill of Rights” at the “Cleared for Take Off” National Convention to the dismay of our detractors.”

Here is what you need to know about this consideration before the coin has even been tossed to guess heads or tails, and this comes DIRECTLY from Scott Tomer and no one else. I figured here is as good of place as any to get the truth out about what’s in the works, and what we have to look forward to.

“We know how to recruit, build a sales force and sell products and services using the direct sales or network marketing approach. We are convinced this is the best marketing system ever created and we are ABSOLUTELY COMMITTED to continuing the use of this system with YTB. While there will be changes to the process as it relates to the sale of franchises, the downline genealogy and network marketing division will remain intact.”

“We believe a franchise model of our existing business will be easier to comprehend and more readily accepted by the general public. Since franchising is recognized as a traditional business model in virtually all developed countries, YTB’s timeline for global expansion will be accelerated.”

“We anticipate everything that currently exists for RTAs will be in the franchise model and any additional products offered through the franchise will be available to RTAs should they elect to become franchisees.”

“If RTAs elect not to become franchisees, they will be able to continue with no change to their status with all income opportunities and privileges they currently enjoy.“

You can clearly see that this is not all the doom and gloom that some would like you to believe. While there are questions yet to be answered by many, I’m confident they will be answered in time. If the program even launches, it won’t be until next year, so we have plenty of time to get our ducks in a row, take the proper time, and make an informed, educated business decision. Honestly, I don’t think 6 minutes is ample time to base a decision on much of anything, let alone an opportunity like the one proposed.

Thank you Scott for stepping up and making this available to us to answer the plethora or questions and accusations that are out there on the Internet. Scott Tomer is a clear leader and one of three Founders in our company. It would not surprise me to see as a result of this announcement and the way Scott handled it, to see a report that Scott Tomer is now being nominated for President!

Can you imagine? Scott Tomer, from President of YTB International, to President of the Untied States!

Roosevelt who?

Editors Note to the goofballs who would like to take this idea of Scott being President seriously: Be our guest! We’d LOVE the publicity and also love to show the world just how gullible you critics really are.

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Do You ZamZuu?

I was telling someone a few weeks ago that things were going to be very slow news wise up until the National Convention in a few weeks. I have to apologize to that person…Boy did I get that one wrong! It made perfect sense when I said it…why would the company release any new features, announcements, upgrades before the biggest meeting of the year?

Of course it’s not all YTB’s fault. We certainly can’t help that the news media took a keen interest in our Lady Liberty that’s now complete and ready to ship to the convention.

The last few days YTB has come to the forefront once again and the speculation is flying all over the place. I would have thought both events would have been worthy enough to save for the Convention. We can all figure out just why we took the Booking Engine and Steals and Deals links off the Marketing sites. It has been mentioned that this was long overdue and really should have been done at the same time the Rep Links were taken off the Booking Engines years ago. It’s my believe that this separation between the Marketing Site and our Booking Engine is going to prove to be an important element, but for different reasons.

The news yesterday, I suspect was offered up in response to some rumors that I’ve heard about running around the Network Marketing circles which surfaced a few weeks ago. Rumor has it that YTB is getting out of the MLM business.

I’m really not at Liberty (pun intended) right now to write about what all this means. (Other than I REALLY like the idea of being a Franchise Owner.) I do want to point out that the company is only “contemplating” at this time. I’m amazed and dazzled however at how some of our critics who are so well versed as “MLM Experts” were able to switch hats at a moments notice and suddenly become “Franchise Experts”. How they know so much about everything astounds even me.

Here is what I will do. I will post the Press Release here in its entirety and the emphasis will be mine as you read the company statement. For those of us in YTB who truly understand our model, please read carefully and it’s my hope that with my emphasis, you will get a more accurate interpretation of what is being conveyed in this release.

We can let the “experts” speculate on their own. Frankly at this point, I’m actually very amused over some of the interpretations and concerns over this. Reading comprehension and full understanding of YTB’s two separate and unique business models are at a premium. Lack of fully understanding our current business model can be oh so dangerous.

YTB International Contemplates Implementation of Franchises

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Do You ZamZuu?

I had an opportunity last week to visit the home office of YTB International, Inc. Back in December, the company moved to a brand new location in Wood River, Illinois for Phase II of a three phase process. It was the second move in as many years and needed to be done in order to keep pace with the company’s growth and long term vision of being the number one Internet Travel Company in the world. After this visit, I would have to agree with this vision and am not only confident that YTB Travel Network will be number one in the next few years, but am also very proud to be a key part of YourTravelBiz.

After more than two years with the company, the company has always exceeded my expectations in what it said it was going to do and provide to those of us out in the field. Making it easier and better for those of us who want to build and create a future for ourselves if we just plug into the systems they have laid out for us. I can think of several improvements and advances over the years that have far exceeded expectations. This visit to the new home office was no different.

I have to admit, as I came up on the building, it was not what I had expected. Nobody told me that the renovations for Phase II only consisted of work done on the inside of the building. The outside was simply a shell of the old K-mart that had been abandoned some 10 years before. It wasn’t until I walked inside the building that I started to get a taste of the type of work that had been done and why people were so excited about what was being built. Here is a taste of what I found.

The main lobby was open and very modern. A couple of large LCD displays were found behind the front counter to display pictures of previous events from the National Convention, Coach’s Birthday Bash, and other Regional Trainings and events across the country. Another display produced a quad display of security cameras around the front, side and hallways inside the building. A large YTB International, Inc. logo is proudly displayed as you walking into the lobby area. (Just in case you didn’t know where you were.) The front counter was a white oak, and the floors covered in an ivory marble.

The entire complex was very modern and quit festive, including a couple of surf boards propped up in the windows of several of the Department Heads, one which included “Surfer Girl” just inside Sandy Pippins office, who happens to be not only YTB’s first employee, but has grown with the company as Vice President of Corporate Administration.

As the tour began, I realized just how many people at the home office actually support us out in the field. The facility is separated into different sections totaling 190 employees who specialize in departments which include, Representative Support, Travel Support, Travel Documentation, Travel Fulfillment, Travel Credentials, Marketing, IT, Legal, Payroll, Association and Corporate, and even a specialized department for those of us who speak Spanish. All these people dedicated to helping those of us out in the field to answer questions and provide the best support possible. To top it off, you got a strong cense that these people not only enjoy what they do, but are happy and eager to help us. And why not, the same Christmas Bonus is up for grabs this year for these employees as last year, tripling the end of the year bonus if they hit the magic number of 152,269.

After the tour, a lunch was served at the Gateway Center, just south of the home office. After the luncheon we had a chance to meet with Chairman of the Board ‘Coach’ Lloyd Tomer, YTB Travel Network President J. Kim Sorensen, and YourTravelBiz CEO Scott Tomer. We also heard from Andrew Cauthen, who joined the YTBI team in November 2004 as Chief Operating Officer of the YTB subsidiary. He was subsequently named President of YTB in October 2006, and on March 1, 2007 was named CEO of YTBI. John Clagg, our newly appointed Treasurer, also serves as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of YTBI as well as its subsidiaries. He joined the Company in December 2003. Eric Smith, Chief Information Officer, the keeper of YTB’s massive IT infrastructure who joined the company in 2001. Ted Lindauer, Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs and General Counsel, who has worked with the company since it’s inception in 2001, but recently closed his California practice to come work with YTB full time in the summer of 2006. The YTB management team is unified in one vision – commitment and support to it’s RTA’s and Reps.

After listening to each of these Department heads, I’m more confident than ever that YTBI is here for the duration, and committed to supporting myself, and my growing team. As I grow, YTB grows with me. YTB has increased its corporate staff from fewer than 30 employees in 2004 to 190 as of March 8. Plans include doubling this support staff to 400 by the end of 2007, and a total of 750 by year end 2009. With only one quarter of the new home office being finished at this point in time, that leaves another 100,000 square feet to house this support staff.

I thought I saw something in this company more than two years ago. In reality, it’s actually better than I thought it would ever be. YTB has always had a way of exceeding my expectations and I’m thrilled to see what’s happening to this company. Now more than ever!

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