ALIGN CORPORATE STRATEGY WITH THE NEXT GEN’S PERSONAL BRANDING POWER.
WINNING THE POST‑GIG ECONOMY / IT’S TIME TO FIGHT FOR THE RELATIONSHIP ECONOMY
DEVELOPING LEADERS, BUILDING LEGACIES / THE MISSING ENGINE BEHIND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
ARBONNE / CELEBRATING 45 YEARS
GREENWAY GLOBAL / UNITED TOGETHER
Empower your business to Run, Know, and Grow with Exigo Contact us today at sales@Exigo.com or scan the QR Code to book a free demo.
APRIL 14 / 9AM-4PM (CT)
Are you ready to expand your reach and thrive in the fastest-growing market in the direct selling industry? This day-long deep dive event will highlight the leaders who are making it happen and the strategies that are working today.
APRIL 14 / 1PM-5PM (CT)
Choose from three workshops designed to give you actionable strategies you can implement right away:
Join us for the DSN Global Celebration, where the much-anticipated DSN Global 100 List and DSN Bravo Awards are revealed each year.
APRIL 15-16
At this year’s Spring DSU Event, you can expect an educational masterclass with a best-in-class speaker line-up, trending topics and the best networking in the channel.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
THE INDUSTRY AWARDS
JOIN US FOR
EVENT OF THE YEAR
17TH ANNUAL DSN GLOBAL CELEBRATION The Oscars of Direct Selling!
The DSN Global Celebration is the premier event of the channel.
Each year, the highly anticipated DSN Global 100 List is revealed along with the DSN Bravo Awards recognizing the outstanding achievements of the channel’s elite companies and executives.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
The Westin Galleria / Dallas, TX
6 PM—7 PM (CT)
7 PM—10 PM (CT)
FEATURES
Built to Last / Developing Leaders, Building Legacies BY ROB
SPERRY
Winning the Post-Gig Economy BY MICHAEL
CODY
Executive Q&A: Mauricio Domenzain, CEO, Immunotec BY
PATRICIA WHITE
COMPANY SPOTLIGHTS
International Focus: Greenway Global United Together BY JENNY VETTER
DEPARTMENTS
FORWARD THINKING / The Brand Connection BY BRIAN GILL
Company Spotlight: Arbonne Arbonne Turns 45: The Power of a Founder’s Vision BY JENNY VETTER
32
INSIGHTS FROM THE OUTSIDE / Leadership in the AI Era BY KATHLEEN ROSS
FOR YOU / FOR YOUR FIELD / Your Essential Monthly Motivation BY CHELSEA HUGHES
WORKING SMART / The Future of Direct Selling BY JINHUA HOU
THE FUTURE OF FIELD ENGAGEMENT
Your Corporate Strategy
BY LISA ROBERTSON
Direct Selling News (ISSN 15546470) is published six times a year in January, March, May, July, September and November by Direct Selling Partners, 5717 Legacy Drive, Suite 250, Plano, TX 75024. Periodicals postage paid at Lake Dallas, TX and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 5717 Legacy Drive, Suite 250, Plano, TX 75024.
Subscription Rate: Free to direct selling and network marketing executives in the US.
All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without written permission. No statement in this publication is to be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell securities or to provide investment advice.
Direct Selling News
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DIRECT SELLING NEWS
Serving the Direct Selling and Network Marketing Executive Since 2004
A Direct Selling Partners Company
FOUNDER AND CEO
Stuart P. Johnson
PUBLISHER
Patricia White
EDITOR
Lisa Robertson editor@directsellingnews.com
NEWS EDITOR
Sarah Paulk pr@directsellingnews.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Susan Douglass
PRODUCTION MANAGER
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WEB MANAGER AND DIGITAL MARKETING Laura Coppedge
COPY EDITOR Laura Coppedge
DIRECTOR OF SALES OPERATIONS
Nancy Ratcliff support@directsellingnews.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Clay Brewer Sarah Paulk
Michael Cody Lisa Robertson
Brian Gill Kathleen Ross
Jinhua Hou Jenny Vetter
Chelsea Hughes Patricia White
TO ADVERTISE: advertising@directsellingnews.com
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Focused on the Field
AS WE ARE GOING TO PRINT we have just wrapped up Fall DSU. All of us at DSN always come away from these events energized, inspired and grateful for all the hardworking and innovative executives and companies in this channel. It is our goal to always provide you with the insights and information you need to next level your business.
This issue we are fully focused on the field, examining the trends moving the needle of field engagement. In our cover story, we share how helping your distributors build their own personal brands helps you to build yours. We hope you approach this article with an open mind—some of our industry’s set-in-stone strategies just might be holding your field—and you—back.
The rest of our content this month is also fully focused on the field. Michael Cody shares his thoughts on winning the postgig economy. Rob Sperry discusses how companies can best develop leaders to build legacies. Clay Brewer explains the close ties between executive engagement and field-centric leadership. Kathleen Ross examines how leadership is evolving in the brave new world of AI. Read the Executive Q&A to learn how Mauricio Domenzain at Immunotec celebrates leadership and builds culture. And finally Brian Gill takes a deep dive into the brand connection between corporate and the field.
Our Company Spotlight this month shines on Arbonne, celebrating 45 years of success. And on the international front, we check in with Greenway Global to see how this company—born from several acquisitions and mergers—is creating a new international powerhouse.
At DSN, we strive to be your daily resource for global news impacting the direct selling channel. In addition to the recently launched Built to Last podcast, we’ve also recently revamped The DSN Podcast. Released every other Wednesday, it shares articles from our current issue. You can also sign up for free text alerts by becoming a member of our VIP Community where you’ll always get the top stories first and fast!
The educational opportunities never end—we will be hosting our first ever Future of Commerce Deep Dive in Utah in November. We’ll highlight, clarify and demystify the many ecommerce solutions available to direct selling companies in this fast paced, one-day event happening November 19. Secure your spot now at dsnevents.com.
All the best,
Patricia White | Publisher | pwhite@directsellingnews.com
HEADLINES >
n The Real Brokerage Surpasses 30,000 Agents
n LifeVantage Acquires LoveBiome
n DSA Releases 2025 Growth & Outlook Study Results
n DSEF Research Shows Rise in Consumer Trust
n Scout & Cellar Announces Strategic Shopify Integration
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Farmasi Celebrates 75th Anniversary
AT ITS FARMASINERGY 2025 EVENT in Miami, Farmasi welcomed more than 3,000 influencers for a weekend of product launches, market announcements and personal growth. The event also celebrated the company’s 75th anniversary as well as new product launches and the debut of AI-powered beauty tools like the Shade Finder and Virtual Try-On.
“This milestone is deeply personal to me,” said Emre Tuna, FARMASI President. “My grandfather, Dr. Cevdet Tuna, built FARMASI on science, integrity and care for people. Seventyfive years later, we are honoring his vision while expanding it worldwide. FARMASINERGY 2025 proved that our legacy is alive, our community is strong and our future is brighter than ever.”
Oliveda International Hosts Olive Tree Art Installation in LA
OLIVEDA INTERNATIONAL AND ITS SUBSIDIARY Olive Tree People Inc. created what it called a “once-in-a-lifetime art instillation” in conjunction with the Million Dollar Theater on South Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. The unique installation collaborated with two-time Grammy Award-winner Colbie Caillat and featured hundreds of ancient olive trees, with each one being given a voice via a 432hz-frequency transmitter so that their “frequencies” could be heard by attendees.
“When we first made our olive trees and their frequencies available to everyone in 2015, I dreamed of holding such a concert in downtown LA,” said Thomas Lommel, Oliveda Founder and CEO. “With this unique event at the Million Dollar Theatre, the oldest theater in Los Angeles and the world’s only olive tree art installation, we want to honor the 7,000-year history of olive trees and celebrate our 69,000 waterless beauty pioneers who, in less than two years, have launched the waterless beauty movement in North America on its way to Europe and the rest of the world.”
Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill: DSA Successfully Lobbies Congress and White House to Clarify Independent Contractor Status for Direct Sellers
THE DIRECT SELLER AND REAL ESTATE AGENT
Harmonization Act successfully moved out of committee, marking the most significant legislative victory for the direct selling channel in decades. The milestone vote coincided with DSA’s annual Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill, where 85 direct sellers and executives from across the country met with more than 100 elected officials to highlight the channel’s impact and advocate for independent entrepreneurs.
“This is proof that advocacy works,” said Dave Grimaldi, DSA CEO. “We brought entrepreneurs from across the US to Capitol Hill to share their stories and explain the real-world value of this channel. Today’s committee vote is a historic win for independent workers and shows the power of collective voices. DSA and its members have pushed for this clarity for decades, and this milestone brings us closer than ever to protecting the freedom to work independently and build businesses on your own terms.”
dōTERRA Global Convention 2025 Focuses on Empowerment
dōTERRA WELCOMED MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE to its in-person and virtual Global Convention 2025, held in Salt Lake City, Utah. The event highlighted the theme of empowerment and featured best-selling author Mel Robbins as its keynote speaker. Breakout education sessions, hands-on product experiences and a free community Open House at the Salt Palace Convention Center gave attendees the opportunity to explore essential oils options and experience the company’s latest innovations.
More than 850 participants assembled 20,000 hygiene kits intended for distribution during a crisis, in addition to a philanthropic initiative at the event that raised more than $20,000 for Rising Star Outreach, which dōTERRA matched.
“Our convention is about more than products, it’s about community and empowerment,” said Maquel Shaw, dōTERRA Executive Vice President of Marketing. “We are thrilled to introduce these innovative new offerings and gather with our Wellness Advocates in Salt Lake City, where we celebrated their impact and looked ahead to the future of wellness.” DSN
For the full articles, visit directsellingnews.com/ insights
FTC Dismisses Federal Non-Compete Ban
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has formally abandoned its nationwide non-compete ban. In a 3-1 vote, the FTC dismissed the non-compete rule which had been previously stalled in August 2024 by a Texas federal court and had yet to officially take effect.
The FTC will now move to a case-by-case enforcement policy and the Commission will continue to have the authority to investigate non-compete agreements that appear unreasonable or anti-competitive. In a statement released earlier this month, Commissioner Mark Meador offered a proposed framework for evaluating noncompete agreements that would focus on context, necessity and proportionality to “protect legitimate business investments while ensuring that non-competes do not unduly restrict competition or worker mobility.”
“Non-competes should not be judged under a blanket rule of legality or illegality,” Meador wrote in his statement. “A contextual framework—grounded in traditional antitrust principles and supplemented by the FTC’s Section 5 authority—offers a more workable approach. This approach would be more akin to treating non-competes as being subject to a ‘rebuttable presumption’ of illegality, with the employer bearing the burden to demonstrate that the non-compete is reasonably necessary to achieve legitimate business interests and narrowly tailored toward that end.” DSN
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For the full articles, visit directsellingnews.com/ announcements
EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS
FORREST SMITH / Chief Strategy Officer, It Works!
It Works! announced Forrest Smith has been named Chief Strategy Officer. Smith has held executive roles in the direct selling industry and led enterprise-wide modernization initiatives that advanced the adoption of AI, automation and data analytics. In this new role, he will lead growth initiatives, innovation strategy and cross-functional integration.
CINDY MONROE / President, L’BRI PURE n’ NATURAL
L’BRI PURE n’ NATURAL announced the promotion of Cindy Monroe to President. Monroe joined the company as Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth earlier this year and will now lead the company’s day-to-day operations and decision making, working closely with the L’BRI executive team on new opportunities for growth.
Asma Ishaq has been named Chief Executive Officer of Liquid Collagen Acquisition Corporation, a newly established subsidiary of Shaklee. This development follows Shaklee’s acquisition of Modere’s products and intellectual property earlier this year, as well as a recent worldwide exclusive licensing agreement for LiquidBioCell Collagen. Ishaq has more than 25 years of experience as a leader for global health brands and was previously CEO of Modere.
RYAN TALBOTT / Chief Technology Officer, Amway Amway appointed Ryan Talbott as Chief Technology Officer. Talbott has more than three decades of global experience across the manufacturing, consumer goods and technology sectors and brings expertise in software, artificial intelligence, analytics and software product engineering. Talbott will now lead strategy for Amway’s technology infrastructure and utilize intuitive technology and digital solutions to enhance operational efficiencies for the company as it seeks global growth.
IMMUNOTEC ANNOUNCES DUAL-LEADERSHIP MODEL
Immunotec appointed two Heads of Business Development for North America: Mandy Boles and Maribeth Dodd. This dual-leadership model is moving toward a new strategic architecture that the company calls a “bold structure” that reflects its commitment to accelerating expansion across the US and Canada. The growth responsibilities for this expansion will be shared across the two roles rather than one executive, which the company believes will allow it to scale faster while strengthening field support.
Boles brings almost two decades of direct selling experience and is known for converting underperforming regions into thriving markets. Previously, she led international launches and large-scale transformations for organizations.
Dodd brings two decades of experience guiding companies through “explosive growth,” meaning 200 percent year-over-year improvements.
RYAN MCLARRY / Chief Executive Officer, Thermomix USA
Vorwerk LLC, parent company of Thermomix, announced Ryan McLarry has been named Chief Executive Officer. McLarry has more than two decades of cross-industry experience leading strategy, sales and consumer innovation and has held senior leadership roles where he led growth initiatives for large global companies. In this new role, McLarry will drive US momentum through the Thermomix TM7 launch and expansion efforts and contribute to the overall global growth of the Vorwerk Group.
ROBERT OBLON / Chief Marketing Officer, Velovita
Velovita announced Robert Oblon has been named Chief Marketing Officer. Previously, Oblon founded and led a number of multimillion-dollar direct selling companies and brings expertise in business strategy, marketing, brand development and growth acceleration. In this new role, Oblon will oversee the company’s global marketing initiatives, fuel brand innovation, elevate market presence and foster deeper connections with Velovita members and customers.
AYO OLASEINDE / Chairman of the Board, Saladmaster
Ayo Olaseinde has been named the inaugural Chairman of the Saladmaster Board of Directors. The newly established board is a strategic move to support long-term growth and brand sales for the company. Olaseinde brings more than four decades of direct selling experience to the position and previously served as Saladmaster President. He will now guide the formation and operation of the Saladmaster Board and provide hands-on support to Saladmaster dealers and distributors.
Cambridge Nutritional Foods announced Ashley Farmer has been named Chief Executive Officer. Farmer previously served as Chief Commercial Officer and succeeds Chris McDermott, who announced his retirement after 22 years with the company. Farmer brings more than a decade of experience in direct sales and, since joining Cambridge Nutritional Foods in 2023, has worked to unify sales, marketing, product and all digital functions within the company.
QUINN BAILEY / Chief Financial Officer, It Works!
It Works! announced Quinn Bailey has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer. Bailey joined It Works! in 2019 and most recently held the role of Vice President of Tax, where he led the company’s global tax strategy and compliance efforts across a complex international footprint as well as led key automation initiatives that streamlined the company’s financial operations and enhanced scalability.
CATHERINE SCOTT / Executive Vice President of Revenue, Hugh & Grace
Hugh & Grace announced Catherine Scott has been named Executive Vice President of Revenue. Scott brings almost two decades of experience in direct selling, omnichannel strategies and global sales leadership to the role and is known for her track record of driving revenue growth, fostering consultant engagement and expanding brands into new markets.
DANIEL TAYLOR / Senior Vice President & General Manager of USA, 4Life
4Life announced Daniel Taylor has been promoted to Senior Vice President and General Manager of USA. Taylor joined 4Life in 2001 and most recently served as Vice President of Business Intelligence and Analytics. Previously, he was Supervisor of Manufacturing and Senior Director over Latin Markets. In this new role, Taylor will lead 4Life’s sales strategy in the US, Canada and the Caribbean. DSN
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THE GUIDE 2025
A CURATED RESOURCE TO HELP YOU FIND STRATEGIC BUSINESS PARTNERS SPECIALIZING IN DIRECT SELLING.
THE CHANNEL IS EVOLVING RAPIDLY—companies and executives must stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies to build for the future. But it can be time consuming and hard to find the right suppliers to partner with.
That’s why we’ve developed The DSN Guide. In each issue, The Guide includes curated lists by category of expertise and service. These suppliers currently serve the channel—they understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with direct selling and can help you implement your intiatives.
2026 ISSUE CATEGORY
JANUARY / FEBRUARY DESTINATIONS, TRAVEL SOLUTIONS, EVENT PRODUCTIONS & INCENTIVES
MARCH / APRIL CREDIT CARD & PAYMENT SOLUTIONS & COMMISSION PAYMENT SERVICES
MAY / JUNE SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY
JULY / AUGUST DISTRIBUTION, FULFILLMENT & LOGISTICS
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER BRANDING, PACKAGING & SOCIAL MEDIA SOLUTIONS
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER LEGAL, TAX, CONSULTING & EXECUTIVE SEARCH
CONSULTANTS, LEGAL SERVICES,
The C3 Executive Search Experience
The successful interface between the Company + Candidate + Culture is the prime directive and objective of C3’s executive search process.
The magic is in C3’s exclusive devotion to the Direct Selling Industry plus our extensive experience, success and relationship connections as career-long executives in the DS community.
C3’s Clients have the benefit of our industry-leading, fee-friendly search process combined with savvy, current, and relative consultative support throughout the journey.
> The DSN GUIDE Connects Your Business with Direct Selling Companies
Today’s direct selling executives look to THE GUIDE to find the right partner for their projects. Whether you offer incentives, event production, payment processing or logistic services, make sure the top companies in the channel know who you are, what you do and how you can help them!
LET'S TALK!
To find out how your company can appear in THE GUIDE , contact Nancy Ratcliff at advertising@directsellingnews.com.
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STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION
8/9/24 5:12 PM
(Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685). 1. Title of Publication: Direct Selling News. 2. Publication No.: 1554-6470. 3. Filing Date: Sept. 29, 2025. 4. Frequency: Bimonthly. 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 10. 6. Known Office of Publication: 5717 Legacy Drive, Suite 250, Plano, TX 75024. 7. Headquarters or General Business Office of the Publisher: 5717 Legacy Drive, Suite 250, Plano, TX 75024. 8. Publisher: Patricia White. 9. Owner: Success Partners Holding Co., 5717 Legacy Drive, Suite 250, Plano, TX 75024. 10: Known bondholders, mortgagees and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amounts of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None. 11. Title: Direct Selling News. 12. Issue date for circulation data below: September 2025. 13. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Monthly Trade Publication. (Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 10 Months/No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date): a. Total No. of Copies Printed (3350/2700). b. Paid and/ or Requested Circulation: 1. Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions Stated on Form 3526 (2365/1938). 2. Paid In-County Subscriptions (0/0). 3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution (0/0). 4. Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS (0/0). c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (2365/1968). d. Non-Requested Distribution: 1. Outside-County as Stated on Form 3526 (3230/2583) 2. In-County as Stated on Form 3526 (0/0). 3. Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS (0/0). 4. Distributed Outside the Mail (50/50). e. Total Non-requested Distribution (865/645). f. Total Distribution (3230/2583). g. Copies Not Distributed (120/117). h. Total (3350/2700). i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (73.22%/75.03%). 17. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. Patricia White, Publisher, Oct. 1, 2025.
The Brand Connection
How corporate and field brands multiply each other.
BY BRIAN GILL / CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, 4LIFE
We are better together.
CONSUMERS DON’T JUST BUY PRODUCTS. They buy what products say about them. That’s why you and I keep asking questions like: What shoes are those? What podcast do you listen to? What’s in your pre-workout? Why that brand and not the other one? Brands tell a story—not only about the product but about the person who chooses it.
In direct selling, two stories meet: the corporate brand and the field leader’s personal brand. The power is in the overlap—the Brand Connection— the place where corporate credibility and a leader’s unique identity reinforce each other. That connection is a growth engine when we build it on purpose.
THE POWER IS IN THE OVERLAP— THE BRAND CONNECTION—THE PLACE WHERE CORPORATE CREDIBILITY AND A LEADER’S UNIQUE IDENTITY REINFORCE EACH OTHER.
Borrowed Credibility: A Two-Way Street
The Brand Connection is a shared experience. The corporate brand isn’t just what headquarters says it is; it’s what the field demonstrates it to be in thousands of interactions—and what customers repeat after those interactions.
In this shared experience:
n Leaders borrow corporate credibility—science, standards, supply chain, service, social proof.
n Corporate borrows leaders’ credibility—their reputation with friends, their consistency online, their lived results.
n Every recommendation, every story, every short video is a trust transfer.
The Four “S”s that Strengthen the Brand Connection
Different companies use different words, but these four guiding principles show up again and again. Build your Brand Connection on them.
1 / SCIENCE: When products meet passion
People are picky about what goes into their bodies and homes. Good—they should be. Corporate brings the evidence: patents, certifications, clinicals, transparent sourcing and clear claims. Leaders bring passion and translation. The connection works when leaders can say, “Here’s why this matters to me, and here’s the proof you can check for yourself.”
Science in Action: A wellness-focused leader films a 60-second reel explaining your flagship ingredient, links to your evidence brief and uses approved claims. Their influence plus the company’s scientific support moves prospects from awareness to interest.
2 / SUCCESS: When opportunity meets potential Corporate provides the platform—tools, compensation, logistics, training. Leaders provide the potential—skills, consistency and a clear “why.” The connection clicks when the platform makes it simple to start, simple to share and simple to scale.
Success in Action: A new distributor attends your leadership summit, executes your first-seven-days playbook and shares hitting an early milestone on social. Their post shows your system is duplicable and creates momentum.
3 / SERVICE: When service meets heart
Communities rally around causes that feel real. Corporate can align with reputable partners and measure outcomes. Leaders can mobilize local service and tell authentic stories, not for optics but for impact.
Service in Action: A local team of distributors runs a service activity aligned to your cause, shares permissioned photos and reports a clear result (“150 hygiene kits assembled”). Their community sees your brand’s values in action.
YOU’RE NOT BUILDING ONE CORPORATE MEGAPHONE; YOU’RE ENABLING A THOUSAND RESONANT VOICES.
4 / SATISFACTION: When satisfaction exceeds expectation
Customers expect modern ecommerce: fast checkout, clear pricing, dependable delivery and honest reviews. Corporate owns the infrastructure, and leaders own the relationship. The connection thrives when both sides are obsessed with the customer experience.
Satisfaction in Action: A customer posts a fivestar review and unboxing story noting fast delivery and easy checkout; your leader follows up with a helpful tip and reorder reminder. Their praise plus your CX infrastructure amplifies confidence across their network.
From Megaphone to Network
If top leaders build authentic personal brands, their teams will follow. That’s good news. You’re not building one corporate megaphone; you’re enabling a thousand resonant voices. Think of it as distributed media—costefficient, trust-rich and incredibly scalable.
A megaphone broadcasts in one direction. A network reverberates in many. When distributors speak to people who already know and trust them, messages travel through warm pathways—teams, gyms, schools, congregations and group chats—where attention is earned and recommendations convert.
One voice can spark interest; a chorus creates momentum. Local dialects, life stages and niches give your message tone and texture that a single corporate feed can’t replicate, and algorithms routinely reward that human proximity.
In this model, the company shifts from broadcaster to platform and operating system. You define the narrative and cadence, set clear guardrails for claims and compliance and design the customer experience. You equip distributors with ready-to-personalize assets, smart links and analytics, then handle the heavy lift—payments, fulfillment and service—so the distributor can focus on high-trust conversations. They run the “last mile” of storytelling for their communities—in their own voice—with your credibility embedded at every step.
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The company’s role: Provide the systems. Model the behavior. Spotlight great examples.
The distributor’s role: Show up consistently. Tell the truth. Serve the audience. Invite them into the story.
Your company has a brand. It’s what it says and does over time.
Your field leaders have a brand. It’s what they say and do over time.
The Brand Connection—where those two stories intersect—is where trust multiplies and growth accelerates. Strengthen that connection. DSN
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Leadership in the AI Era
Going beyond the hype to real transformation.
BY KATHLEEN ROSS / FRACTIONAL CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER & KEYNOTE SPEAKER
I’VE BEEN SPEAKING ABOUT AI TRANSFORMATION ACROSS THE COUNTRY for the past few years, and there’s one question that continues to come up when I speak with leadership: What if the real barrier to AI adoption isn’t our teams’ capabilities, but our own leadership blind spots?
Just kidding. I wish that were the question more leaders were asking.
Most of the questions I actually hear are: How can we save money? What can AI do for us? Can’t AI replace an entire department? Even when leaders don’t say it out loud, that’s the internal dialogue. And honestly, I get it. This is the moment to evolve or get left behind.
But the harder, more important question is this: How do I need to change the way I lead? What old habits do I need to abandon to prepare for an AIpowered future? That’s the real challenge.
YOU CAN’T lead an AI transformation WITH PRE-AI LEADERSHIP HABITS. IT’S LIKE TRYING TO COACH FORMULA ONE WHILE DRIVING A HORSE AND BUGGY.
THE LEADERSHIP PARADOX
I watch executives get excited about AI’s potential. They send new tools to their teams and get frustrated when adoption doesn’t happen at “machine speed.” But most haven’t adjusted their own ways of working.
You can’t lead an AI transformation with pre-AI leadership habits. It’s like trying to coach Formula One while driving a horse and buggy.
Stanford research shows that 70 million US workers are about to face their biggest workplace transition because of AI agents. That includes leaders. There’s no playbook for this because the technology is evolving faster than any of us can predict.
EVERYONE JUST GOT A PROMOTION
Here’s the mindset shift most people miss: everyone in your organization just became a manager. Not of people, but of AI tools and agents. Your marketing coordinator is now managing AI for content creation. Your sales team is directing AI assistants for lead research. Every role now includes prompting, quality control and knowing when to intervene.
AI CAN PROCESS
CUSTOMER DATA, BUT it can’t build the trust THAT CLOSES COMPLEX DEALS.
TWO PATHS FORWARD
Right now, I see two very different approaches to AI adoption.
n Path One: Cut and Save
Leaders who choose this route see AI as a way to reduce headcount, streamline operations and focus on the savings alone. It’s tempting, but it’s shortsighted if you don’t have a plan for what comes next.
n Path Two: Train and Transform
These leaders view AI as a way to amplify human capability. They reinvest efficiency gains into reskilling, new opportunities and innovation. And look, not everyone can be saved, but this path opens new opportunities and creates roles that don’t exist yet.
The second path fuels long-term growth, where people use AI as a thinking partner and unlock creativity at scale.
THREE LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES
Leaders today juggle three distinct challenges. They’re still leading people, which requires emotional intelligence, trust and vision. They’re also leading AI, which demands understanding its capabilities and limits. And they’re leading people who are learning to work with AI, which requires creating psychological safety for experimentation and a culture that rewards innovation. All while ensuring teams don’t become overly reliant on AI or abdicate critical thinking to machines.
What’s coming next adds another layer: AI-to-AI conversations, where systems communicate and make decisions without human oversight. How do you lead when parts of your business are happening in conversations you’re not even in? In short, guardrails, but I don’t have all the answers to that one yet.
SIX OUT OF TEN WORKERS WILL need new skills by 2027. THE ONLY WAY FORWARD IS TO START BUILDING THEM NOW.
SPEED MEETS REALITY
Yes, AI can do things incredibly fast. I’ve seen full presentations generated in minutes that once took days. But speed isn’t the same as skill. Learning to use these tools well takes practice, iteration and re-doing.
This isn’t a “stop everything and learn AI” moment. It’s a daily discipline to innovate.
The World Economic Forum says six out of ten workers will need new skills by 2027. The only way forward is to start building them now.
THE FRAMEWORK FOR AI-FIRST LEADERSHIP
Leading in an AI-first world starts with one question: How can AI enhance this process? But the deeper challenge is being willing to rethink how work gets done.
It means blowing up systems that have worked for years. It means accepting that some days you’ll be learning as much as your most junior employee. And it means maintaining the human in the loop for critical decisions while allowing AI to take over the routine.
THE HUMAN EDGE
Despite everything AI can do, humans remain irreplaceable in three areas: taste, relationships and creativity.
AI can process customer data, but it can’t build the trust that closes complex deals. It can optimize processes, but it can’t imagine entirely new business models. It can handle interactions, but it can’t decide what’s truly valuable to a customer.
For field leaders, this is critical. They are the face of the organization, building connections that no AI can replicate.
THE REAL CHALLENGE AHEAD
The hardest part isn’t just a technical one. It’s human. Your people need more support right now, not less. They need to know they matter; that they have a future; and how to get there.
The leaders who succeed won’t be the ones with the fanciest AI tools. They’ll be the ones who remember to implement AI in a way that keeps people engaged and feeling valued in this new world. DSN
KATHLEEN ROSS is an accomplished marketing executive with over 15 years of experience driving brand growth for startups and Fortune 5000 companies. As a CMO, she’s known for spotting whitespace opportunities, executing large-scale campaigns and events and building high-performing teams. Kathleen brings a unique blend of strategic vision and creative excellence—making her a compelling voice for today’s fast-moving marketing landscape.
Executive Engagement & Field-Centric Leadership
The indispensable cornerstones of direct selling.
BY CLAY BREWER / PARTNER, THOMPSON BURTON PLLC
AS AN ATTORNEY WHO ADVISES BOTH EXECUTIVES AND DISTRIBUTORS, I’ve learned there is one thing the strongest companies in the direct selling space have in common: relentless executive engagement and field-centric leadership.
When either are missing, even the most storied companies can find themselves confronting legal exposure, reputational damage and a sudden erosion of distributor confidence
The Contractual Covenant at the
Heart of Direct Selling
Every independent distributor who joins a direct sales company joins under a written agreement that incorporates the company’s policies and procedures and the compensation plan. That collection of documents should be treated as more than boilerplate; it is a mutual covenant laying out the relationship between the company and the distributor.
EXECUTIVE ENGAGEMENT AND AUTHENTIC FIELD CENTRIC LEADERSHIP ARE NOT JUST DESIRABLE— THEY ARE THE INDISPENSABLE PILLARS UPON WHICH ALL SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS RESTS .
Executives promise to apply the plan transparently, and distributors promise to market the brand ethically while building a downline. When openness turns opaque—through secret deals, bridges, undisclosed waivers or selective enforcement—the covenant fractures.
And no incentive can repair the resulting loss of trust. When this covenant—which is foundational to the relationship—is compromised, trust erodes quickly and even strong companies can face instability. Executives and field leaders should grow together, not on the others’ back.
FIELD LEADERS ARE THE CULTURAL
LINCHPINS OF DIRECT SELLING SUCCESS.
Eroding Trust: When Playing Fair Stops Mattering
Your time in the sun is likely to be short lived when you ostracize even the most ardent of supporters, your field. This distance could expose the company to risks.
n CULTURE OF DOUBT
Special treatment and half-truths rarely stay secret. Once the field senses favoritism or deception, belief in fairness vanishes and the overall presentation of the opportunity becomes misleading and deceptive to both current distributors and prospective ones.
n REGULATORY SCRUTINY
Whenever trust fades, complaints will quickly follow; and complaints generate regulatory inquiry.
The Most Cost-Effective Compliance Strategy
Decisionmakers must be transparent. This is the simplest yet often frequently ignored concept. Accountability and open communication with the field allows issues to surface early and disputes to resolve amicably.
But isolation signals indifference and magnifies mistrust leading to both sides doubling down on their ego. Executives must be accessible and share their vision with the field. Direct selling is different than a prototypical retailer that can more closely control the brand’s mission and message. In direct selling, your field must be the ones to fulfill that vision.
Field Leaders as Cultural Linchpins
Field leaders are the cultural linchpins of direct selling success—they don’t just drive sales; they embody the company’s values, vision and energy at the grassroots level. As mentors, motivators and community builders, they shape the tone, trust and belief system. Their influence sets the pace for engagement, retention and growth, making them essential partners in sustaining a vibrant, aligned and high-performing culture.
They can be your staunchest advocates or most feared critics. Choose wisely. Prominent field leaders capture a monumentally large following, for better or for worse.
Best Practices—A Leadership Checklist
n TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION
Executives should maintain regular, honest updates via webinars, emails and Q& As to build trust and alignment. The field must know what the executives are thinking and why.
n FIELD ADVISORY COUNCILS
In reverse, executives need to know what field leaders are seeing on the ground. These councils can assist in presenting field concerns to company management. Executives cannot risk becoming isolated in ivory towers.
n FIELD RECOGNITION AND EXECUTIVE PRESENCE
Have executives visibly recognize field achievements through events, shoutouts and company platforms as well as have executives on
the ground to connect with the field and establish a strong connection between the two. The field wants to be heard.
n
PILOT PROGRAMS
Test new tools, proposed changes or products with a select group of field leaders before full rollout. Field leaders likely know the market better than the executives due to their intimate relationship with their customers and downline.
n
UNIFIED MESSAGING
Ensure executives and field leaders communicate with a consistent voice on company vision, priorities and culture. No double speak. There are likely few things more damaging than having multiple messages circulating at once.
Leadership Engagement is No Longer Optional
The direct selling business model harvests its power from human networks, and human networks thrive on trust, access and shared vision. Whenever executives distance themselves from the field, trust deteriorates. By contrast, when executives remain visible, transparent and accountable, the field reciprocates with loyalty that no marketing budget can replace.
The most trusted companies are those where executives maintain regular dialogue with the field, visibly recognize achievements and share a consistent vision.
In direct selling, executive engagement and authentic field-centric leadership are not just desirable—they are the indispensable pillars upon which all sustainable success rests. DSN
CLAY BREWER’s practice focuses on advising both established companies and startups on a wide range of matters such as business planning, capital raising, corporate structuring, regulatory risk and cross-border transactions. A prolific writer and thought leader, Clay provides strategic counsel to clients and has a strong interest in the evolving direct sales industry as well as digital assets and blockchain technologies.
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THE MISSING ENGINE BEHIND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH. BUILT TO LAST /
DEVELOPING LEADERS, BUILD I NG LEGACIES
BY ROB SPERRY
IN DIRECT SELLING, LEADERSHIP IS YOUR REAL PRODUCT—EVERYTHING ELSE IS PACKAGING.
Companies invest millions in incentives, apps, funnels and compensation tweaks, yet many still find themselves stuck in a constant cycle of churn, retraining and rebuilding.
Why? Because without a systematic approach to leadership development, you’re not building a business—you’re building a customer base complete with an expiration date. Strong systems create growth. Strong leaders create momentum. But strong cultures create legacy. If your company is serious about surviving the next decade, leadership development must become a core competency.
Don’t Chase Stars—Develop Them
Across the industry, a quiet desperation has fueled a revolving door of leader recruitment. Executives coldcall top earners with promises of bonuses and title deals, hoping to lure leaders from competitors. It’s a familiar playbook: high-profile poaching followed by performance clauses and rank requirements.
The result? A culture of transactional leadership where influence is purchased, not developed. If someone joins for a deal, they’ll leave for a better one. The truth is simple: leaders get the organization they deserve.
You don’t build a legacy on star power alone. You build it on systems that consistently raise up coachable leaders who grow through the ranks with deep, organic buy-in.
In 1964, Dexter Yager, a beer salesman with no network, joined a five-year-old company called Amway. Over the next five decades, Yager built the largest network marketing organization in history— over one million distributors across 40 countries, generating $2.6 billion in annual sales at its peak. His secret? He developed leaders systematically rather than chasing them.
Yager pioneered the motivational tape system, ensuring distributors worldwide received the same actionable, mindset-driven training weekly. He held small group “dream sessions” to help leaders set five-year goals with structured accountability. He built a culture that celebrated consistency over flash-inthe-pan performance.
The outcome was leadership depth, loyalty and stability. While competitors were burning cash to recruit big names, Yager was creating an army of empowered leaders who could duplicate themselves, ensuring sustainable growth across generations.
Compare this to companies like Jeunesse, where heavy dependence on stacked leaders without structured duplication led to cracks when top earners left. Influence without infrastructure is a time bomb.
Lessons from Google: Teams Beat Lone Wolves
Google’s early culture idolized intelligence, recruiting top academic minds while ignoring team dynamics. Project Aristotle, a study of 180 teams over two years, revealed a critical insight: Google’s best teams weren’t made of the smartest individuals—they were made of people who felt safe to speak, challenge ideas and admit mistakes.
Their highest-performing teams were built on trust, psychological safety and accountability. Google shifted from hiring lone geniuses to prioritizing collaborative teams, resulting in the launch of Google Maps, Gmail and Google Docs.
For direct selling, the lesson is clear: build teams that last. Develop leaders from within rather than recruit outsiders.
Most companies treat leadership as a title—not a journey. Sustainable organizations understand that leadership evolves in three clear stages.
1 / LEAD SELF
Show up, execute daily actions and build habits before seeking recognition.
2 / LEAD FOLLOWERS
Plug others into duplicable systems, run onboarding and support team calls.
3 / LEAD LEADERS
Coach others to duplicate, build recruiting pipelines and drive scalable growth.
The 72-Hour Leadership Test
Duplication isn’t about info-dumps. It’s about direction. Many companies immediately overwhelm new distributors with product encyclopedias, comp plan charts and corporate history lectures, then wonder why momentum stalls. The truth is belief is built or broken in the first 72 hours. Effective onboarding within this window focuses on:
n Three immediate action steps
n Simple scripts for initial reach-outs
n Clear expectations
n One rank target with a timeline
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STRONG SYSTEMS CREATE GROWTH.
STRONG LEADERS CREATE MOMENTUM. BUT
STRONG CULTURES CREATE LEGACY.
New distributors need activation—not information overload. A duplicatable phrase like, “I just got started, and I’m excited. Can I get your opinion on something?” is far more effective than a polished pitch. Simplicity creates confidence. Confidence drives action.
There are several key metrics that measure what matters in leadership development. These metrics include:
n Percentage of recruits placing a second order within 30 days
n Percentage of active reps with at least one personally enrolled active rep in 90 days
n Customer-to-rep ratio per leader
n Percentage of rank advancements maintained for 90+ days
n Volume concentration per leg
n Leadership rank-to-revenue ratio
If your comp plan rewards short-term volume spikes without measuring retention, you’re prioritizing vanity metrics over sustainable growth. Provide field leaders with a non-intrusive checklist:
n Are 72-hour action plans standard for new recruits?
n Are leaders tracking and teaching tap rooting?
n Are daily/weekly activity systems in place and visible?
n Are launch calls happening within the first week?
n Are mid-rank mentorship pods active?
n Are weekly income-producing activity (IPA) scoreboards used?
Top leaders already do these things, but corporate can enhance adoption by providing appropriate structure and tools without micromanagement.
BUILT TO LAST— A Modern Direct Selling Playbook
WE HEAR IT ALL THE TIME.
Distributors don’t trust owners. Owners don’t trust the field. Customers don’t trust the industry.
This is where Rob Sperry’s new book Built to Last comes in—to build that trust back. This book is a touchstone for constructing a legacy company—the kind that doesn’t collapse when your top recruiter walks away.
If you lead a brand that wants to be around in 10, 20, 30 years—this is the book for you. It’s for the founders who still care more about people than P&L. It’s for the field leaders who are done faking belief and are ready to rebuild it.
Listeners of the BUILT TO LAST podcast will receive a complimentary digital download of the book when they subscribe at builttolastpodcast.com.
BELIEF IS BUILT OR BROKEN IN THE FIRST 72 HOURS.
It’s also critical for corporate and field leaders to work as partners in the onboarding process. Corporate should track diagnostics, supply tools, recognize progress and fund leadership development initiatives. Field leaders should adapt tools to team needs, drive accountability and organically share best practices. This partnership ensures leadership development becomes a shared responsibility, not a siloed burden.
Your Competitive Advantage
Anyone can copy your product; mimic your compensation plan; or replicate your marketing campaigns. What they cannot duplicate is a deeply embedded culture of leadership development that scales naturally through every layer of your organization.
Leadership development creates loyalty, reduces churn, increases engagement and drives sustainable growth. Leaders who are developed internally are more invested, more aligned with your mission and more capable of adapting during market shifts.
Legacy companies don’t survive by chance. They endure because they build leaders systematically— not transactionally.
The companies that will thrive in the next decade will not be those chasing the next superstar but those building systems to raise up everyday leaders who become extraordinary through mentorship, accountability and structured opportunity.
If you want to build something worth sustaining, stop recruiting leaders and start developing them instead. Because in direct selling, leadership isn’t your side project—it’s your business model. DSN
ROB SPERRY is a passionate, purpose-driven entrepreneur who has been full time in network marketing since 2008. Due to his expertise, Sperry has been featured in national and international books, podcasts, blogs, articles and magazines specific to finding success in network marketing. His podcast, Network Marketing Breakthroughs has listeners in 192 countries.
THE FUTURE OF FIELD ENGAGEMENT
BY LISA ROBERTSON
The direct selling channel is at
a
pivotal moment.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES, SHIFTING CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS
and a generational turnover in the field are rewriting how leaders are recruited, supported and retained. The opportunity? Transform these shifts into your competitive advantage.
As younger entrepreneurs begin to engage with direct selling, one thing is coming into crystal clear focus: these young distributors have a strong, preference for building their own personal brand. And they are doing it across platforms and at breakneck speed—launching podcasts, growing social media followings, writing books and creating content that extends far beyond one company’s products and mission.
For direct selling companies, this feels risky. It flies in the face of the time-trusted strategies they’ve always relied on. But the reality is that distributors’ personal brand building efforts are not a threat to corporate success
From Remittances to Independent Wealth
For younger millennials and Gen Z, transparency is no longer a marketing buzzword—it’s the price of entry. In groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind research conducted by Bridgehead Collective, 80 percent of this demographic said they require a high degree of transparency before they will even engage with a brand. According to Heather Chastain, Bridgehead’s Founder and CEO, “This isn’t just about sharing your mission statement; it’s about removing unnecessary jargon, speaking plainly and showing your process openly.”
Equally telling: 68 percent of respondents reported walking away from a brand that felt too scripted or opaque. “Terms we’ve used for decades—PV, QV, legs, left/right sides—are likely to confuse or alienate rather than inspire,” explained Chastain.
The way to remedy this is to adopt straightforward language that doesn’t feel too “inside the industry.” It’s a point made clearly by Rory Vaden, Co-Founder of Brand Builders Group. “The best way to make someone trust you is to speak their language, not your own. Strip away the jargon. Lead with clarity. And you can create connection before you ever make a pitch.”
THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS
1 / PERSONAL BRANDING STRENGTHENS CORPORATE GROWTH WHEN ALIGNED WITH COMPANY STRATEGY
When corporate provides tools and flexibility that integrate brand alignment into their platforms, personal brands become powerful recruitment and retention engines.
2 / TRANSPARENCY AND CO-CREATION DRIVE LOYALTY
Younger millennials and Gen Z expect openness, plain language and a voice in shaping the brand. Inviting them into strategic decisions creates ownership— and ownership drives retention.
3 / MULTI-BRAND REPRESENTATION IS NOT A THREAT—IT’S REALITY
Field leaders want to authentically recommend a portfolio of products. The opportunity for corporate is to be the most trusted, rewarding and proudly promoted brand in that mix.
Authenticity also means acknowledging that as companies we are willing to experiment, learn and partner with the field to create solutions. That collaborative honesty builds trust and engagement from the start.
ACTION ITEM: Corporate messaging should model a plain-spoken, human approach that builds trust. Transparency also means inviting sellers into the process, openly sharing what’s being tested and positioning the company as a partner in finding what works.
“
A personal brand is not a business model—it’s a trust-building system. It’s the leader’s way of earning attention, credibility and connection with an audience .
RORY VADEN / Co-Founder Brand Builders Group
The Rise of the Personal Brand-First Seller
Historically, direct selling companies invited individuals to represent their brand. Leaders were expected to proudly wave the corporate flag and be grateful for the opportunity.
Bridgehead’s research shows that dynamic has flipped.
Today, nearly 90 percent of those surveyed want to lead with their personal brand first when selling. And 70 percent of Gen Z respondents said building their own audience is more important than building the company’s audience. The research also revealed that fewer than 10 percent of younger millennials will work with a brand that is overly prescriptive about how their personal brand should be represented.
DSN’s coverage consistently shows that leaders who put their personal brand first can drive more authentic connections—if corporate supports the integration.
“When someone builds a personal brand, they’re building a bridge of trust,” Vaden said. “The smartest companies don’t try to replace that bridge—they build their own lane right alongside it.”
This is a fundamental mindset shift, but an essential one, according to Chastain. “The role of corporate must shift from granting the privilege of representing our brand to earning the right to be part of the seller’s brand portfolio. Our products and mission must amplify their personal brand—not compete with it.”
ACTION ITEM: Provide training and tools that help leaders integrate your brand into their personal platforms. Instead of restricting their voice, empower them to tell authentic stories that align with your mission while staying true to their individuality.
Focus as a Multiplier
One of Vaden’s most consistent messages is that diluted focus leads to diluted results. Vaden has coached some of the world’s most recognized thought leaders. His experience guiding high-profile personal brands shows that exponential growth happens when leaders channel their energy into one core business before diversifying.
In direct selling, that means ensuring personal brand efforts drive back to the seller’s direct selling business.
“A personal brand is not a business model—it’s a trust-building system,” Vaden explained. “It’s the leader’s way of earning attention, credibility and connection with an audience.”
As an executive, your goal is to encourage leaders to create value-rich content that attracts their ideal prospects. Allow and encourage their personal brand to act as a magnet, drawing people into their circle—where your company’s products and opportunity become the natural next step.
ACTION ITEM: Help leaders view their personal branding not as a separate business model, but as a trust-building engine that powers their direct selling results. Align incentives, recognition and training to reward focus.
Co-Creation Drives Loyalty
Retention has always been the holy grail of direct selling, and Bridgehead’s research uncovered that the number one loyalty driver for the next generation is being seen and treated as a collaborator.
In fact, 76 percent of younger millennials and Gen Z want their relationship with a brand to feel like a partnership. “When we asked what most strongly influences their decision to stay with a brand, ‘being part of content creation’ and ‘having input into brand direction’ topped the list,” Chastain said.
This is a call to reimagine how we involve the field—not just as distributors of our message but as co-authors of it. Give your field a voice in brand decisions. When sellers have a hand in shaping the story, they feel ownership—and ownership leads to loyalty.
From our vantage point, companies that actively lead by formalizing field collaboration opportunities see higher engagement and retention across all generational segments
ACTION ITEM: Formalize co-creation opportunities. Invite top leaders and even emerging voices into advisory panels, content brainstorms or beta product groups. Publicly recognize their contributions to reinforce the partnership dynamic.
NEXT-GEN ENGAGEMENT
BY THE NUMBERS
80% REQUIRE HIGH TRANSPARENCY BEFORE ENGAGING WITH A BRAND.
68% HAVE LEFT A BRAND THEY FELT WAS TOO SCRIPTED OR OPAQUE.
90% WANT TO EXPRESS THEIR PERSONAL BRAND FIRST WHEN SELLING.
70% OF GEN Z VALUE BUILDING THEIR OWN AUDIENCE OVER THE COMPANY’S AUDIENCE.
76% WANT THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH A BRAND TO FEEL LIKE A PARTNERSHIP.
80% REQUIRE THE ABILITY TO REPRESENT MULTIPLE BRANDS.
SOURCE: HEATHER CHASTAIN/BRIDGEHEAD
Today’s seller wants their personal brand to be a curated, authentic collection of products they genuinely use and
HEATHER CHASTAIN / Founder & CEO Bridgehead Collective
love
.
PERSONAL BRAND PLAYBOOK —
CORE ELEMENTS FOR CORPORATE
What does your field need from you? This provides a blueprint for successful personal branding that also builds yours.
1 / ALIGNED THEMES
Identify lifestyle and content topics connected to your product category.
2 / STORYTELLING FRAMEWORKS
Provide leaders with narrative templates for social posts, videos and live events.
3 / FLEXIBLE GUARDRAILS
Maintain brand integrity without restricting creativity.
4 / TRAINING & TOOLS
Offer workshops on content creation, audience growth and engagement strategies.
5 / RECOGNITION
Acknowledge leaders whose personal branding drives measurable recruitment or sales.
SOURCE: RORY VADEN
Multiple Brand Representation Is the New Normal
Perhaps the most disruptive—and controversial— finding from Bridgehead’s research is that the expectation of exclusivity is fading fast.
“Our research showed 80 percent of respondents consider multi-brand representation a requirement when choosing an opportunity. Not a preference. Not a nice-to-have. A requirement,” Chastain shared. “Today’s seller wants their personal brand to be a curated, authentic collection of products they genuinely use and love.”
This doesn’t mean brand loyalty has eroded. “It’s still alive and well in direct selling,” Chastain explained. “But brand loyalty is not the same as brand monogamy.”
For sellers, being able to authentically recommend a mix of products they actually use is part of their credibility. Vaden sees this as a call to focus on corporate positioning. “Be the brand they’re most proud to align with, the one that adds the most value to their personal brand portfolio.”
ACTION ITEM: Adapt policies, compliance guidelines and incentives to accommodate and even leverage multi-brand representation. Focus on becoming their go-to brand authentically.
THE COMPANY’S ROLE IN A PERSONAL BRAND–FIRST ERA IS TO PROVIDE ALIGNMENT, NOT RESTRICTION.
Going from Gatekeeper to Growth Partner
Some executives worry that if a leader’s personal brand becomes too big, they’ll leave the company. But leaders who feel supported are more likely to stay.
“When you invest in helping leaders build their personal brands, you’re investing in their sense of value and identity. They feel more connected to the company that champions their voice and supports their aspirations,” Vaden shared. “That loyalty pays dividends in retention, culture and advocacy.”
The company’s role in a personal brand–first era is to provide alignment, not restriction.
But how do you achieve that? By providing a framework that aligns their goals with yours, one that identifies brand-aligned content themes; provides compliant storytelling frameworks and templates; and sets brand integrity guardrails without stifling creativity and personal expression.
Vaden explained it succinctly, “Instead of wondering, ‘How do we control this,’ you should be asking “How do we harness it?”
ACTION ITEM: Embrace that personal branding is not a threat to your company’s brand—it’s an extension of it. Recognize and reward their success stories. Focus on helping the field build their personal brands while simultaneously amplifying yours.
Collaboration Wins the Future
In an era where authenticity and trust are the currency of influence, the voices of your field leaders will always be one of your greatest assets. Earning their trust through transparency, flexibility and partnership positions your brand as their brand of choice—even in a crowded, noisy, multi-brand reality.
As Chastain explained, “We are now earning our right to be one of the brands they choose to represent.”
The next generation isn’t asking to fit into the old corporate mold—they’re building something new. Companies that succeed in this environment will adapt—creating a culture where personal branding and corporate branding work in tandem, not in competition. DSN
WINNING the POST ‑ GIG ECONOMY
BY MICHAEL CODY / COO, GENISTAR, LTD.
THE NEXT ERA WON’T BE DEFINED BY THE GIG ECONOMY—IT WILL BE DEFINED BY THE RELATIONSHIP ECONOMY. AND NO INDUSTRY IS BETTER POSITIONED TO LEAD IT THAN OURS.
FOR YEARS, DIRECT SELLING EXECUTIVES
HAVE OPENLY
DISCUSSED
THE IMPACT OF
GIG-ECONOMY PLATFORMS and how they are potentially siphoning away a new generation of builders. After a decade of rapid adoption, I suggest that the shine of the gig-economy has worn thin.
The reality for many is that low variable pay, rising risks, algorithm destabilization and changing business models combine to create no path to asset value creation for gig workers. Factor in the impact of AI and the problems and pitfalls multiply. In fact, Forresters released a report in 2023 stating that generative AI was expected to replace 2.4 million US jobs by 2030.
In effect, the gig model has become what Canadian communications theorist Marshall McLuhan might call digital serfdom—you work land you don’t own, while the algorithm plays landlord. Freedom at the front end; dependency at the back.
Now add AI accelerating us into an unsettling post-human marketplace, where authentic human interaction becomes the rarest commodity. This is why the next era won’t be defined by the gig economy—it will be defined by the relationship economy. And no industry is better positioned to lead it than ours.
Industry legend John T. Fleming captured this potential in The Ultimate Gig, reminding us that direct selling gives ordinary people extraordinary opportunities to design a life, not just earn a living. The post-gig era doesn’t discard Fleming’s vision—it reaffirms it
Executives should frame direct selling as the relationship economy—one where trust, community and ownership compound value.
2 / RETURN ON RELATIONSHIPS (ROR) REFRAMES THE METRICS THAT MATTER
Measuring impact through trust, retention and cultural influence reframes the conversation and highlights direct selling’s long-term advantage over transactional gig work.
3 / BELIEF IS THE ULTIMATE RETENTION STRATEGY
Sustaining growth depends on reinforcing four interconnected pillars of belief.
The Gig Economy’s Appeal
We ignore the appeal of gig work at our peril. People choose Uber, DoorDash and other platforms for reasons direct selling can learn from: simplicity, speed and a low barrier to entry. Gig work is “easy to start, easy to quit.”
That’s a signal. If the relationship economy is to win talent, we must match that frictionless entry while adding relational depth and compounding value.
THIS TRANSACTIONAL TREADMILL PRODUCES ACTIVITY, BUT NOT PROSPERITY.
Consider that more than 36 percent of US workers have engaged in gig work, yet Gallup and Pew consistently show they report higher dissatisfaction with income stability and career prospects than those in traditional or entrepreneurial roles. This dissatisfaction creates an opening. Direct selling can position itself not as another short-term hustle, but as a sustainable path for people hungry for flexibility with future upside.
Freeing People from Digital Serfdom
In the gig model, workers own nothing. They have no customers, no transferable assets and no compounding effect for their efforts. They rent their time by the task, and once the ride ends or the delivery is dropped off, so does the income. This transactional treadmill produces activity, but not prosperity. Advancements in AI further reduce gig work’s appeal. For example, self-driving cars are expected to significantly reduce or eliminate the need for human Uber drivers in the next 10-20 years. In the relationship economy, value compounds. People build networks of customers and advocates who trust them, follow them and refer others. That trust becomes a renewable asset—one that generates income beyond the individual transaction. A relationship-driven business lets people step off the treadmill and onto a track that actually goes somewhere.
What Gig Platforms Got Right— and What We Must Do Better
Uber didn’t win because it was sexy. It won because it was brutally simple: download the app, open an account, drive, earn. That’s what relentless simplicity looks like.
For our channel, the lesson is clear: simplicity is not superficial, it’s structural. Every unnecessary click, form or step is friction. In the gig world, people just walk away. In ours, they stall on Day One. To compete in the post-gig era, we must:
n Deliver Relentless Simplicity
Systems so intuitive that new people don’t stall on Day One.
n Reduce Cognitive Load
Shorten the path from onboarding to first income. Overwhelmed people don’t slow down, they stop.
n Remove Administrative Burden
Leaders highest and best use is investing their time on income-producing and network-building activities, not chasing paperwork.
Gig platforms taught consumers to expect frictionless experiences. If we don’t meet that standard, they’ll walk. But when we do—and then add compounding relationships, belief and community—our value proposition outpaces the gig model all day long.
This is our version of Uber-simple—compounding value gig platforms will never provide.
Why Relationship Marketing Outperforms the Gig Model
Gig work rents time. Relationship marketing builds equity. The difference is profound.
n Repeat Purchases = Repeat Pay
Loyal customers buy again—and you get paid again.
DON’T LET DIRECT SELLING BE MISTAKEN FOR JUST ANOTHER HUSTLE. GIG WORK RENTS TIME; RELATIONSHIPS BUILD FUTURES.
n Team Leverage without Employees
Builders who grow teams multiply output without multiplying hours.
n Ownership vs. Dependency
You own the customer relationship and distribution network, not just a rented slot in someone else’s app.
n The Ripple Effect of Advocacy
Not every happy customer becomes a distributor, but advocates share stories, make referrals and extend trust into new circles
A Tetradic Lens for Better Decisions
McLuhan’s tetradic framework helps leaders anticipate both intended and unintended effects of innovation:
n Enhance: What value does this increase for sellers and customers?
n Obsolesce: What outdated steps does it remove?
n Retrieve: What timeless strengths—community, mentorship, recognition—does it revive?
n Reverse: If pushed too far, does it replace human connection with automation?
Think of it as four questions every executive should always ask ourselves: What are we really building here? Are our new technologies and programs reinforcing trust and community? Are we introducing innovations that simplify life for the field or are we layering on complexity?
The tetrad reminds us that every choice has trade-offs. By approaching change with curiosity rather than assumption, leaders can capture the upside of innovation without losing what sets direct selling apart.
From ROI to ROR in an AI World
ROI is necessary but incomplete. The Relationship Economy runs on Return on Relationship (ROR): the compounding value of trust, loyalty and influence.
AI can and should strip away cognitive load and administrative burden, freeing the field to focus where ROR is created—human connection.
As AI thought leader Dan Debnam explains, “AI won’t replace people. People who use AI will replace those who don’t.” AI allows humans to do the work that only they can—building deep, lasting, productive long-term relationships that drive business and profit.
The Four Pillars of Belief—Our True Competitive Moat
Industry veteran Paul Goundry believes that for sustained success to be achieved in the Relationship Economy it depends on belief—specifically, four interconnected pillars that gig models and AI can’t replicate.
1 / Belief in the company. Vision, mission, brand reputation and leadership.
2 / Belief in the opportunity. Confidence that the plan rewards effort fairly, not just the very top.
3 / Belief in themselves. People must see they can succeed with coaching and support.
4 / Belief that they are valued. Recognition, care and community. Knowing that a healthy, inspiring community backs them is liquid gold.
Executives should regularly audit their organizations against these four pillars. A wobble in one weakens the structure. When all four are strong, belief compounds just as income does.
Framing the Future
The post-gig landscape presents both challenge and opportunity. Millions are searching not just for flexible work, but for meaningful work— connection, recognition and the chance to build something lasting.
Direct selling is uniquely positioned to offer that—if leaders frame the opportunity with clarity and conviction. By applying the tetradic lens and strengthening the four pillars of belief, we can make
the relationship economy not just an alternative to gigs, but the obvious superior choice.
Don’t let direct selling be mistaken for just another hustle. Gig work rents time; relationships build futures. The companies that communicate that distinction with boldness and consistency will define the next era of growth. DSN
MICHAEL CODY is the Chief Operating Officer of Genistar Limited, the UK’s fastest-growing financial education and services brand, serving 145,000+ families with nearly £13 billion worth of policies in force. He began his career in the field at 19 and has since held senior leadership roles, including COO of AquaSource. He is passionate about helping people step off the gig treadmill and into businesses that create lasting value through community, leverage and financial education.
RECENTLY, DIRECT SELLING NEWS HAD
THE OPPORTUNITY to speak with Mauricio
Domenzain, CEO at Immunotec. We explored his start with Immunotec, their momentum, thriving culture and what’s on the horizon.
BY PATRICIA WHITE
Q&
AYOU WERE JUST 38 when you took ownership of Immunotec in 2017, a turning point that sparked its largest wave of global growth. How did you first come across the company, and what ultimately convinced you to step in and lead it?
I had nearly 20 years in sales and a strong career in the industry prior. When I had the opportunity to step into Immunotec, what I saw was extraordinary: the most clinically validated product in wellness, backed by decades of research, extraordinary leadership. But this was a company that had been too cautious—too risk-averse—to fully realize its potential.
It was clear we needed to modernize, take thoughtful risks and make big investments to give our Consultants the tools and infrastructure they deserved. I believed Immunotec could—and should—be the best.
When you look back, what moments convinced you that Immunotec was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?
Products come and go in this industry, but very few stand the test of science. For me, the turning point was realizing that Immunocal isn’t just another supplement—it was the only product of its kind, backed by decades of clinical research and protected by patents around the world. When I saw Immunocal featured in the Physicians’ Desk Reference and the Compendium of Pharmaceuticals—a milestone very few natural products ever achieve. I knew this company had something extraordinary. But what truly moved me was witnessing the difference it makes in people’s lives. The countless stories of individuals who regained their strength; parents who felt hope again for their families’ health; and people who were able to live fuller, happier lives because of it.
It’s why I take it every day, and why my children do too—because I believe in giving the body exactly what it needs, nothing more and nothing less.
When you see something this pure, this powerful and this life-changing, you realize you’re not just building a business—you’re building a legacy that touches hearts and transforms lives. That’s when I knew Immunotec was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Q A&
Immunotec just returned from its La Vida Global Incentive Trip—a cruise that brought together thousands of Consultants from across the world. What was that experience like, and what does it say about where Immunotec is today?
It was one of the most extraordinary moments in our company’s history. More than 2,000 Immunotec Consultants from around the world boarded a private cruise ship reserved entirely for our community.
Everywhere you looked, there was energy and joy. We had talent competitions, trivia games, product masterclasses, pickleball tournaments and team-building icebreakers—all designed to celebrate and connect with our people. It was electric.
For me, La Vida perfectly captured who we are as a company. We’re a community powered by happiness. We don’t just reward success, we celebrate life.
And that’s what makes Immunotec so unique: the connection, the belief, the sense of belonging that our Consultants feel when they’re part of something bigger than themselves.
That sense of connection also seems reflected in your recent leadership moves, including the appointment of Mike Potillo as President. What does this mean for Immunotec’s next chapter?
Mike’s appointment is an exciting milestone. He brings decades of experience in the channel and a deep understanding of field dynamics. As President, he’ll play a key role in strengthening partnerships with our leaders and helping us build an even stronger infrastructure for our next chapter of expansion.
Together, we’re focusing on science, purpose and people in equal measure—making sure our momentum is sustainable worldwide.
Immunotec also recently announced the appointment of two Heads of Business Development for North America. Why did you choose this dual-leadership model?
This was a very intentional decision. The US is a cornerstone of our growth strategy, and we knew accelerating here required innovation not just in products but in leadership to help us scale faster, strengthen field support and connect with the next generation of entrepreneurs.
What makes this leadership move significant for the US market specifically?
North America holds a significant share of the direct selling market, accounting for 32 percent of the market share last year alone. To succeed here, you can’t rely on the status quo. You need bold leadership, innovative systems and a relentless focus on consultant and consumer trends. This new model along with our $30+ million investments into manufacturing and tech shows our commitment—we’re here to invest in our people and expand our reach.
You’ve often spoken about trust being central to leadership. How does that influence decisions like this one?
In this business, the most important thing people give us is their trust. Consultants are not just joining a company; they’re joining the leader who invited them. Our job as a company is to protect that trust—by removing barriers, being transparent and equipping people with the very best tools, products and culture to grow their teams and businesses.
Immunotec is known for powerful events— from global conventions to a full private cruise for thousands of Consultants. Why are these moments so important?
Our commitment goes beyond products. We’ve built a company that supports happiness and growth for everyone, one life at a time. It’s that approach that has helped Immunotec thrive, growing by 38 percent in new recruits and 89 percent in customer growth in 2024 alone. Events are where connection and fun are built. You can’t replicate the energy of
“
Our commitment goes beyond products.
being in a room—or even on a ship sailing across four countries—with thousands of people who share the same vision. It shows Consultants they’re part of something much bigger than themselves. These moments create lifelong belief in the brand, the community and what’s possible.
We’ve built a company that supports happiness and growth for everyone, one life at a time.
MAURICIO DOMENZAIN / CEO, IMMUNOTEC
You’ve also launched the ImmunoKids Foundation. What does that legacy mean to you?
It’s a reminder that success isn’t only measured in sales—it’s measured in impact. With ImmunoKids, we support immunocompromised children and their families. For me, that’s the kind of legacy that lasts, and it reflects our purposedriven approach. We’re here to improve lives in every sense.
You’ve spoken often about happiness as part of your mission. Why happiness?
Happiness is a choice, and it’s the foundation of everything we do. When people are happy, they’re more creative, more resilient, more engaged. Our products help people feel better physically, but our culture helps them feel fulfilled. For me, success is when Consultants and customers say: I feel healthier, and I’m happier. That’s what Immunotec is about! DSN
EVERYTHING we think you (and your field) should be reading, listening to and utilizing in order to stay engaged, informed and one step ahead.
BY CHELSEA HUGHES
BOOK / The Art of Thinking Clearly
BY ROLF DOBELLI
The Art of Thinking Clearly is a powerful book outlining 99 common cognitive biases and logical fallacies that cloud judgment, from overconfidence to confirmation bias. By recognizing these mental traps, executives can make clearer, more rational choices in areas like strategy, management and customer engagement. In the relationship-driven world of direct selling, where leadership decisions ripple across teams and networks, Dobelli’s practical insights help leaders cultivate sharper judgment, reduce costly errors and forge ahead with confidence.
YOUTUBE CHANNEL / Founders
BY DAVID SENRA
From James Dyson to Enzo Ferrari, history’s greatest entrepreneurs have much to teach us. David Senra created his YouTube channel, Founders, to distill the life experiences of the greatest businesspeople in history into ideas the listener can leverage in their own work. Why? According to Senra’s favorite quote by Marc Andreessen, “…You can learn from someone’s accumulated experience. There is so much more to learn from the past than we often realize.”
AI TOOL / Superhuman
ZAIN CAHN
Zain Cahn’s Superhuman AI and tech newsletter is an invaluable resource for leaders seeking to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. Upon subscribing for free, you’ll enjoy perusing this insightful compendium of the biggest tech headlines and AI news each day. Every issue includes the day’s top stories, brief tutorials on how to use AI, app recommendations, social media trends, AI tools to boost productivity and useful ChatGPT prompts to copy and paste.
“
The root of joy is gratefulness. It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful. —DAVID STEINDL-RAST WORDS TO L EAD BY:
SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER /
Jasmine Star
As a speaker, thought leader, podcast host, CEO and entrepreneur, Jasmine Star is passionate about giving other business owners a hand up to success. Star teaches her followers how to build an authentic and relatable online presence that helps scale any business—without pushy sales tactics. Star’s practical strategies will help your field engage with their audience, build a personal brand and nurture relationships with prospects
PODCAST / Modern Direct Seller Podcast
BY BECKY LAUNDER
The Modern Direct Seller Podcast is like having a network-marketing business coach in your pocket. As a former multi-million-dollar team leader in the industry, host Becky Launder brings energy and real-world experience as she shares the latest strategies for selling online, attracting new customers and leading thriving teams. Each episode blends actionable strategies and just-in-time training from industry experts and leaders, making complex ideas simple—and fun—to apply.
AUDIO BOOK / Mistakes That Made Me a Millionaire: How to Transform Setbacks
into Extraordinary Success
BY KIM PERELL
The setbacks that once felt like failures can become the foundation of our greatest successes. Such was the case for award-winning entrepreneur and best-selling author Kim Perell, as she discusses in her new book, Mistakes That Made Me a Millionaire. Perell’s story is a reminder that rejection or stalled growth aren’t the end of the road— they’re part of the journey. Perell’s candid storytelling makes resilience feel attainable, encouraging readers to reframe mistakes as opportunities. DSN
162K+ Views & Downloads & Still Growing Strong
THE
DIRECT APPROACH WITH WAYNE MOOREHEAD — CANDID AND INSIGHTFUL CONVERSATIONS ABOUT TODAY’S EVOLVING CHANNEL.
SINCE LAUNCHING in June 2021, the Direct Approach podcast has been providing direct selling executives an in-depth look at the biggest challenges facing the channel—and unique solutions for tackling them.
2025 has been another year of insights, tips, takeaways and action items from some of the most notable names in the channel. If it’s impacting direct selling, Wayne and his guests will be talking about it on the Direct Approach.
Wayne and the rest of the DSN family would like to thank our growing audience and the 100+ executives and guests for their candor and participation.
MEET THE HOST Wayne Moorehead has deep experience in marketing and brand strategy. He has applied his expertise and passion to help companies (from startups to Fortune 100) define, communicate and activate their brands. Wayne’s rare blend of experience and success has shaped his philosophy on effective growth strategies, and he believes the future of the channel will blend the best of direct selling with the best of direct-to-consumer.
[ EPISODE 114 ]
Shaping What’s Next with Angela Loehr Chrysler / Chief Development Officer, ACN
WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEE GREAT GROWTH when we embrace change, think strategically and focus on what makes us unique—people and collaboration.
[ EPISODE 116 ] Xyngular’s Strategic Shift with Oliver Dibblee / President, Xyngular
IF RADICAL CHANGE IS NEEDED, trust your intuition, trust your gut, trust what you are feeling— and take that leap.
[ EPISODE 115 ]
Fueling Revenue Growth and a Customer-First Experience with Amanda Moore / Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer, Red Aspen
THE WHOLE ECOSYSTEM OF SHOPIFY and how any third-party company can connect with them—that’s where they are better than anyone else.
[ EPISODE 117 ]
A Blueprint for Explosive Growth with Jay Dhaliwal / Founder & CEO, The Super Patch Company “
INNOVATION CAN’T STOP. You can’t be a multi-hundred-million or billion-dollar business without a robust product plan and roadmap.
NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! New episodes drop every other Thursday—make sure to subscribe!
Billion Dollar Brand Builder & Community Marketing Strategist / SHIFT Podcast Host
The SHIFT podcast, hosted by Blake Mallen, sets a bold new standard for excellence in direct selling. It’s a community and platform from a trusted source where top performing distributors can share their stories to motivate and inspire micro-entrepreneurs across the globe.
The SHIFT not only helps your existing distributors grow as people, it can help you grow in numbers! We talk about what’s working today, empowering your field with the right tools and the right mindset to finally make The SHIFT!
2026 is bringing even more SHIFTS— packed with new momentum, new ideas and new perspectives! We’re giving you the power to shine a spotlight on today’s trailblazers and power players by using the QR code to nominate your top performing field leaders.
TOP 100 in US*
TOP 50 in Canada*
50K+ views & downloads
*IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PODCASTS
5 ‑ STAR REVIEWS!
“A *MUST* podcast for any entrepreneur looking to level up in business.”
“All the gas you need to set fire to your business!”
“Modern twists on traditional selling dynamics!”
“Golden nuggets of tips, strategy and encouragement!”
Listen on your favorite platform and visit ShiftPodcast.com to share with your community.
Scan the QR code to nominate a field leader for the SHIFT podcast.
BLAKE MALLEN
DAN MCCORMICK
JENNIFER JONES
ROBIN PACKARD
WES LINDEN
ANDREA GEBHARDT
SARAH ROBBINS
GREG & LENIKA SCOTT
THOMAS TIDLUND & DONNA JOHNSON
ELLEN LUDWIG
GLORIA MAYFIELD BANKS
NICK MARTINEZ
BRIAN CARRUTHERS
TRISHA DEMING
JESSICA LOFTIS
DOUG & THEA WOOD
DSU FALL 2024 SHIFT PANEL
JORDAN ADLER
ADA CABALLERO
STEVE & GINA MERRITT
ANTHONY NAPOLITANO
BETSEY BISHOP
JOHN ADDISON
SARAH ROBBINS & MELANIE MITRO
SARAH ROBBINS
RICHARD BLISS BROOKE
THEDA BLACKWOOD
TAMARA SWEASY
DSU SPRING 2025 SHIFT PANEL
KAREN FETTES
ROB SPERRY
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS /
Greenway Global: United Together
BY JENNY VETTER
IN
ITS
SHORT HISTORY,
GREENWAY GLOBAL HAS EMERGED as a powerful international force, bringing together network marketing leaders from five distinct organizations to form one brand, unified in purpose and vision. The company’s tremendous growth in 2024 propelled Greenway Global to #35 on DSN’s Global 100 List—but its leaders believe this is just the beginning of what’s possible
FOUNDED: 2017
HEADQUARTERS:
Novosibirsk, Russia
TOP EXECUTIVES:
Svetlana Semenova / CEO
Isabelle Laroque / Director International Development
PRODUCTS: Environmentally friendly products
FOUNDERS PRESIDENT LEONID MORGUNOV AND VICE PRESIDENT INNA ZABRODINA ENVISIONED A COMPANY rooted in the mission of enhancing the ecology of the planet, the home and relationships. Their “Ecology Cubed” concept combines sustainable and environmentally focused business practices, safe and effective products for the home and a welcoming, respectful culture that values every Greenway Global partner.
In recent years, this concept has united five powerful brands that have come together to make Greenway Global such a dynamically developing network marketing powerhouse: DLG of France, the Czech Republic’s Empireo, Russian companies Armelle and Beverone and American brand Jeunesse Global.
“In just eight and a half years, Greenway Global has expanded into 59 countries,” shares Svetlana Semenova, Chief Executive Officer. “A particular achievement of the past three years has been
From the very beginning, ecological sustainability has been the core criterion in product development.
SVETLANA SEMENOVA / CEO
the integration of these five strong and promising direct selling companies under our brand. These collaborations brought us unique experience in the industry and deepened our understanding of what it means to work with different corporate cultures. Although still a young company, Greenway Global already holds a solid and respectable position in the international ranking of direct selling businesses.”
Exceptional growth has catapulted Greenway Global onto the international stage, with sales growing from $49 million in 2018 to $326 million in 2024. The company is home to a corporate team of over 1,500 employees supporting millions of partners across 59 countries with more to be announced in the coming year.
INSPIRED PARTNERS, THOUGHTFUL PRODUCTS
Greenway Global is caring for people and planet through high quality, eco-friendly products for health and home. The company’s partners share a collection of over 1,000 home, beauty and health products that serve a range of customer needs.
“From the very beginning, ecological sustainability has been the core criterion in product development,” shared Svetlana. “Our flagship product remains the famous Green Fiber cleaning cloths—effective without chemicals. Other bestsellers are our health and longevity supplements and our perfumes.”
The Greenway Global catalog is comprehensive, featuring much-loved brands that became part of the product collection through the integration of
the five companies now united under the company name. Anny Rey skincare, EnjoyCare fragrances, Sharme personal care products and FOET cosmetics are just a few of the brands that have joined the Greenway Global family of products in recent years, offering the company’s partners a wide range of items to share in their networks.
Greenway Global’s commitment to sustainable business practices—a foundational component of the company’s “Ecology Cubed” concept—extends to the production of the entire collection.
“We ensure that all our products do not harm the environment and contribute to keeping the planet clean and sustainable,” said Svetlana. “Our entire assortment of more than 1,000 items is built on ecological principles which extends to the packaging—recycled cardboard to avoid harming trees and glass containers wherever possible to replace plastic.”
Isabelle Laroque, Director International Development, adds, “We offer everybody the opportunity to join in caring for the environment, a vast project that includes not only our planet, but also our families, our social relationships, ourselves as individuals and our attitude toward everything around us. Together we can make the world around us a better place.”
This mission has inspired Greenway partners from every corner of the globe, uniting them in common purpose, despite the many diverse cultures, languages and customs they represent. This vibrant community of partners lives out the values of the company as they build businesses that reflect the individuality of the places they call home.
The company’s leadership team brings deep experience in the field, with many of them beginning their careers as distributors themselves. Leonid began his career as a distributor. Vice Presidents Inna Zabrodina and Dany Laroque did as well. Dany, Leonid and Inna are aligned with shared values, creating a culture which allows everyone at Greenway Global to grow stronger together.
“Greenway is focused on growth and development while remaining true to the principles of freedom, courage and ambition,” explained Svetlana. “Our goal is to grow, to unite as many people as possible under our banner and to share positivity. We strive to help people achieve their dreams, to strengthen their teams and to create truly international communities that exchange experiences across cultures and nations. The more people we can bring together, the more kindness and positivity there will be across the planet.”
EXPANDING IMPACT
The more people we can bring together, the more kindness and positivity there will be across the planet.
SVETLANA SEMENOVA / CEO “
The past year wasn’t simply a record-breaking time of financial growth, but of international expansion. Additional international markets are scheduled to be launched in 2026 and beyond, including a focus on Southeast Asia, giving Greenway expanded access to more potential partners and customers.
The company has its eyes on expansion in its commitment to sustainability as well, with established ecology goals it plans to realize by 2034. This includes planting five million trees, removing two million kilograms of waste, achieving 100 percent carbon neutrality of processes and operations related to the business and more than $10 million dollars of donations to conservation efforts.
One way Greenway has implemented these lofty goals is its Clean Walk campaign, an event that invited the global Greenway community to serve in the community.
“Our Clean Walk Campaign brought together more than 30,000 people—distributors, customers, friends—in 21 countries, who in one day managed to collect more than 50 tons of trash, 15 tons of which were recycled,” shared Isabelle. “Little streams make big rivers!”
BUILDING BRIGHTER TOMORROWS TODAY
The Greenway Global team empowers its community of partners and leaders at events held across the globe. From weekly online training in twenty languages to international events for leaders, partners from dozens of countries gather to grow businesses in their home countries. The company hosted training and leadership events this fall and
winter in Croatia, Qatar and Thailand with incentive trips on the horizon to Japan and a cruise of the Persian Gulf.
As the company approaches its ninth year in business, the leadership team is eagerly anticipating its anniversary event where thousands of partners will gather and collectively step into the exciting future that lies ahead for Greenway Global.
“Right now, my dream and greatest source of inspiration is to gather a multi-thousand-strong audience for Greenway’s anniversary celebration,” shared Svetlana. “Different languages, nations and cultures will unite under the values of Greenway Global, becoming one team. A team of determined, courageous, free and ambitious people, ready to pursue their dreams and make the world a better place.” DSN
ARBONNE /
The Power of a Founder’s Vision: Arbonne Turns 45
BY JENNY VETTER
When I dreamt of Arbonne, I wanted it to be a place where people could flourish. Arbonne founder Petter Mørck saw a future where the power of nature could inspire not only exceptional products but make a profound difference in the lives of everyone who used them. Petter’s vision has been fully realized in the company he built and in the hearts of the Arbonne consultants who share his passion for nature and vibrant, responsible living. As the company marks its 45th year, Arbonne is enjoying the spirit of innovation that has been a constant all along, bringing the best of nature and science to customers around the world.
FOUNDED: 1980
HEADQUARTERS: Irvine, CA
TOP EXECUTIVES:
Jennifer Orlando / CEO
Bernadette Chala / Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel
Tina McCrea / Chief Field Officer
PRODUCT CATEGORY: Personal Care, Health & Wellness
We respect the past while staying focused on the future as we lead the way in innovation, technology, science, wellness and sustainability.
JENNIFER ORLANDO / CEO “
Arbonne’s Annual Global Training Conference held this year in Las Vegas was an exciting opportunity for the Arbonne team to celebrate the company’s anniversary, its community of leaders and consistent, purpose-driven growth.
A Legacy to Celebrate
It’s been a year of milestones at Arbonne, as the company looks back on its 45-year history and how its commitment to the intersection of science and nature has shaped a beautiful and impactful legacy. Arbonne’s theme for 2025 was innovation, but for those familiar with Arbonne, they’d say innovation has always been its north star.
From Petter’s decision to forge a new path towards safer, cleaner personal care products and Arbonne’s longstanding commitment to healthy living to the company’s latest scientific breakthroughs, innovation is simply a way of life.
“We know what a milestone it is for a direct selling company to reach the 45-year mark,” shared Jennifer Orlando, Chief Executive Officer.
“We respect the past while staying focused on the future as we lead the way in innovation, technology, science, wellness and sustainability to help our customers achieve even better results.”
Jennifer took the stage and spoke about Arbonne’s history of partnering with talented direct sellers, and she shared photos of Stian Mørck, Petter’s son and Arbonne’s Brand Ambassdor and other legacy leaders when they joined the company. Connecting its origins to the present and future, Jennifer announced that one of Arbonne’s current top leaders was born in 1992. Laughter and applause broke out across the event space, as many of the leaders in attendance were building businesses when this younger leader was born.
Tina McCrea, Chief Field Officer, shared, “We’ve come so far in terms of our sales leaders—as much as we invest in them, they invest in us. And their success is our success. We have always believed that Arbonne has the best sales field in the industry, and that was made clear once again at our conference in Las Vegas. Arbonne has always led from the front in terms of investing in our sales field to empower them to be their best.”
Arbonne is celebrating this special anniversary throughout the year, including a special focus on nature, just as Petter would have chosen. During the company’s Global Day of Caring and Nature Academy event in October, all employees were encouraged to spend the day in nature, immersing themselves in outdoor experiences organized by Arbonne.
Plant-Powered Potential
Petter Mørck believed in the power of nature—not just for its purity, but for its potential. He was convinced that plant-based ingredients could be both incredibly effective and inherently sustainable and that this was the key to a better state of living. His vision was to create skincare and nutrition products that harnessed this strength of nature to support long, vibrant and responsible living.
His vision has been more than realized at Arbonne, home to nature-inspired collections of skin, body and hair care, and nutrition products sold through an enthusiastic field of Arbonne Independent Consultants working across six international markets.
Today, Arbonne has evolved to reflect the modern needs of consumers everywhere, while staying true to Petter’s vision and values. From its ingredient policy focusing on safe, effective, vegan, glutenfree and non-GMO formulations to its 30 Days to Healthy Living Program that has served millions since launching in 2013, Arbonne continues to be at the forefront of science and nature.
This summer, the company announced a new line of breakthrough products—HerCore Essentials, a line of supplements designed for women at every life stage, crafted with clinically studied ingredients to meet real, everyday health needs.
Arbonne has always led from the front in terms of investing in our sales field to empower them to be their best.
TINA MCCREA / Chief Field Officer
The Arbonne opportunity has been attractive to prospective entrepreneurs for decades, consistently aligned with Petter’s vision of a place where “people could flourish.” Today’s Arbonne leaders view building a business as more than just an opportunity to earn but also an opportunity to thrive.
“We take a holistic view of what it means to be an Arbonne Independent Consultant. It’s about being a whole person, pushing yourself to be the best person you know you’re capable of being,” explained Jennifer. “It’s an opportunity to be your best self in terms of developing leadership skills and public speaking skills. It’s about investing in yourself as a person and becoming a leader. We think our field does that the best; many of our field leaders are recognized as the best in the industry with loyal customers who have used Arbonne products and followed them for decades.”
Arbonne Independent Consultants often see themselves in Petter’s dream to work at the intersection of science and nature and his desire to do good in the world. The company has been B-Corporation (B-Corp) certified since 2019 and recently completed a recertification process that is required every three years. Arbonne has shifted the conversation about what it means to be a company that gives back by investing through
the communities it serves, in addition to the work championed by its charitable foundation. Arbonne is also committed to giving back to the direct selling community, supporting the channel through advocacy and influence.
As Bernadette Chala, Chief Legal Officer, explained, “It’s important to protect our company and sales force and advocate for their businesses with our elected officials. We need to remain vigilant in the current regulatory environment. We must preserve this channel as one of the best opportunities that any industry has to offer as a path to entrepreneurship, and we need to be mindful of how many independent workers there are globally—and the positive impact they have in our local communities.”
A New Era for Arbonne
Arbonne will close out its 45th anniversary in a big way, as the company moves into its new corporate headquarters—a beautiful, modern, high-rise space—in the heart of Orange County, California in January 2026.
While 2026 will hold a new theme for Arbonne, the current flow of innovation never stops and neither does its commitment to remaining an empowering place for Independent Consultants and corporate team members to call home. With new scientific breakthroughs in development for 2026, 2027 and beyond, Arbonne will continue to push boundaries, innovate and improve quality of life—just as it has since 1980.
“We’re going to continue to push and to innovate,” shared Jennifer. “We’re very excited to see what the next 45 years will bring. We have more initiatives and launches on the horizon. We’re just getting started!” DSN
The Future of Direct Selling
Why smarter pay-ins and pay-outs are key to growth.
BY JINHUA HOU, HEAD OF DIRECT SALES PAYMENT / CITCON
THE DIRECT SELLING INDUSTRY HAS ALWAYS THRIVED ON TRANSFORMATION. Technology has reshaped how distributors connect with customers; how products are marketed; and how businesses expand across borders. Asia, in particular, has become the proving ground for digital-first models, where mobile adoption and financial innovation move faster than anywhere else.
But as the industry modernizes, one critical element has often been overlooked: payments. Too often treated as a back-office function, pay-ins and pay-outs are now central to growth, trust and competitive differentiation. Companies that rethink payments not as operations but as strategy will lead the next chapter of direct selling.
Pay-ins: The Growth Engine
At the heart of direct selling is a simple moment: the customer purchase. Yet too many companies still rely on outdated, one-size-fits-all payment methods that don’t reflect local realities. For today’s consumers, paying for products should be effortless, seamless and aligned with their everyday financial habits.
n Meeting Consumers Where They Are
Across Asia, digital wallets have become embedded in daily life. Solutions like Alipay, WeChat Pay, GrabPay, GCash and Paytm aren’t just alternatives to banks—they are the bank for millions. Similar stories are unfolding in markets from India where UPI has become ubiquitous, to Latin America where localized vouchers and wallet systems are driving inclusion.
PAYING FOR PRODUCTS SHOULD BE effortless, seamless AND ALIGNED WITH EVERYDAY FINANCIAL HABITS.
Direct selling companies that align with these preferences see immediate benefits. Customers complete more transactions, abandon fewer carts and return more often. Distributors gain confidence when their customers can buy easily without friction or failed payments.
n More Than Transactions
A smooth payment experience is more than a sale—it’s a signal of trust. Each successful payment builds credibility for both the company and the distributor. Over time, this trust compounds into stronger relationships, deeper engagement and faster expansion into new markets.
Pay-outs: Retention and Trust
If pay-ins fuel sales, pay-outs fuel loyalty. For millions of distributors, commissions are not a bonus—they are an essential part of household income. How quickly and reliably those earnings arrive determines not only satisfaction but long-term engagement.
n Speed and Accessibility
Gone are the days when waiting three to five business days for a bank transfer felt normal. Distributors now expect earnings to arrive as quickly as they make a sale. Instant or same - day pay-outs create confidence, while delays erode trust.
Just as with pay-ins, localization matters. Wallet-based pay-outs, increasingly common in Asia and other high-adoption regions, give distributors immediate access to their funds for everyday use—whether that’s paying bills, buying essentials or reinvesting into products.
n Stability Through Compliance
Cross-border pay-outs are complex. Companies must navigate varying regulations while delivering transparency and consistency. Those that do this well send a clear message: your earnings are safe here. That stability fosters stronger distributor relationships and protects the business from unnecessary risk.
INSTANT OR SAME-DAY PAYOUTS create confidence, WHILE DELAYS ERODE TRUST.
Smarter Payments, Smarter Operations
The benefits of rethinking pay-ins and pay-outs extend beyond the field. Payment fragmentation— managing multiple providers across geographies— creates inefficiency, compliance risk and added cost. A unified approach solves this. Streamlined systems reduce reconciliation challenges, free up technology resources and ensure companies can scale without adding unnecessary complexity. This isn’t just operational efficiency—it’s strategic clarity. It also creates a foundation for innovation. Emerging models like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) are already reshaping how consumers purchase, while embedded finance and wallet-linked loyalty programs are beginning to transform customer journeys. The companies ready to capitalize on these opportunities will be those that have already invested in modern, flexible payment infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
Asia remains the world’s laboratory for payments innovation, but other regions are quickly becoming fertile ground. Latin America, for example, offers diverse local solutions and a regulatory climate that allows for creative experimentation. For direct selling companies with global ambitions, it represents an exciting next frontier.
Ultimately, the companies that will define the future of direct selling are those that treat payments not as transactions, but as relationships. Pay-ins that reflect local habits build customer confidence. Pay-outs that are fast, compliant and accessible reinforce distributor trust. Unified systems that simplify operations and enable innovation unlock sustainable growth.
A Frictionless Future
The future of direct selling will be defined not only by how companies market their products or motivate their distributors, but by how seamlessly they manage the flow of money. Pay-ins and pay-outs— once treated as operational details—have become the foundation of trust, engagement and long-term growth.
Organizations that simplify complexity and embrace localized, compliant and efficient payment solutions will be the ones that thrive. Those that fail to adapt risk leaving both their customers and distributors behind.
Payments are no longer background processes; they are strategic levers of success. For direct selling companies ready to elevate trust, accelerate sales and expand across borders, the path forward is clear. The industry leaders of tomorrow will be those who harmonize pay-ins and pay-outs today.
And for those ready to take that step, the time to lead is now. DSN
JINHUA HOU has over 10 years of cross-border direct sales experience across China and the United States, with expertise in payments, logistics, development of local Chinese distributor networks and government relations.
DECEMBER 9–11 WASHINGTON,
SPEAKERS
The headlines say we’re winning, but the fine print reveals threats your company can’t afford to miss.
• FEDERAL: sweeping FTC rulemakings and signals of FDA scrutiny.
• STATE: California PAGA lawsuits, New Jersey’s ABC test, Delaware HB 162, and new Texas mandates.
• REPUTATION & POLITICS: partisan hearings and cultural narratives casting doubt on our model.
Register for the DSA Legal + Regulatory Conference and get the foresight to help you meet these challenges head-on.
Headwinds on the Horizon
MOMENTUM CAN be clarifying. The more visible things become for the direct selling channel, the more clearly we see the headwinds forming around it.
Over the past several months, direct selling has been back in the national conversation—and that visibility has revealed what’s at stake in the year ahead. On Capitol Hill, during the hearing for H.R. 3495—the Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act—lawmakers spoke passionately about the freedom that independent work provides to millions of Americans. Yet others used the same moment to question whether that model should exist at all.
That 15-minute exchange captured the divide our channel now faces. Some policymakers understand that direct sellers are entrepreneurs building businesses on their own terms. Others still view the model through the lens of outdated assumptions.
Meanwhile, the regulatory landscape is shifting. Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson has confirmed that the agency’s proposed
DAVE
CEO of the US Direct Selling Association
rule on earnings claims remains active. And Congressman Frank Pallone, ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has stated that when Democrats next control the House, he intends to examine the channel’s compliance with FDA standards. These signals make one thing clear: scrutiny is coming.
For direct selling companies, these debates aren’t abstract—they cut to the core of how our businesses operate. They will shape how products are marketed; how income is described; and how independent sellers engage with customers. The companies that succeed in 2026 will be those that lead with credibility, invest in compliance and make their voices heard before decisions are made for them.
2025 gave us momentum. 2026 will demand vigilance. The policy environment ahead won’t define our channel—how we respond to it will. Every company that values independent work, transparency and trust has a role to play. Join us in this fight to protect the channel and to ensure that the freedom and integrity at the heart of direct selling endure. DSN
#COMMUNITY #STRONGERTOGETHER
GRIMALDI
DSN’S MISSION is to support and serve the channel through journalism and advocacy. That mission is made possible thanks to the generosity of our Supplier Members. Thank you for continued support and dedication.
Businesses Supporting Your Business
LOOKING TO BECOME more efficient and effective? Consider bringing in an outside resource and relying on their expertise. The companies on the following pages are proven partners to direct selling companies. They understand the challenges you face—and have the experience and expertise to help you solve them.
LPT
901 Sam Rayburn Hwy Melissa, TX 75454 sales@lpt.io lpt.io
LPT is a payment platform designed to support direct selling companies globally. Our services include: Global connectivity to 150 countries in 50 currencies, including direct connectivity to most alternative payment types, secure tokenization, customized fraud solutions, including our proprietary Fraudhawk™, advanced reporting tools, and online dispute management.
PAYQUICKER
400 Linden Oaks, Suite 320 Rochester, NY 14625 844-258-3006 payquicker.com
PayQuicker is the leading global payout provider to direct selling organizations. Instantly make secure and compliant payouts to your field in local currency across the globe with our award-winning solution that provides the largest selection of flexible and modern spend options.
WORLDPAY
8500 Governors Hill Drive Cincinnati, OH 45249
866-622-2390 worldpay.com
Worldpay powers businesses of all sizes to make, take, and manage payments. Whether online, in store or mobile, you’ll find Worldpay at the heart of great commerce experiences globally.
LACORE COMMERCE
901 Sam Rayburn Hwy Melissa, TX 75454
801-891-5873
lacorecommerce.com
At LaCore Commerce, we turn your Amazon chaos into control—and your brand into a revenue machine.With $200M+ in sales managed and thousands of unauthorized sellers and listings removed, we’re the go-to partner for 50+ direct selling companies. If you’re tired of losing control on Amazon, let’s fix it—for good.
GOBI INSIGHTS
90 W 500 S Bountiful, UT 84010
877-359-1870 gobi-insights.com
Gobi Insights optimizes post-checkout e-commerce operations for direct selling companies. Using its CARO process, Gobi identifies cost-saving opportunities in payments, sales tax, fulfillment, and more—enhancing efficiency and profitability without requiring changes to the existing e-commerce platform.
SCP offers the most holistic consulting services specific to direct selling companies today. We’ve worked with more than 70 companies over the last three years alone, and served more than 250 years collectively in the industry.
CHECKOUT.COM
40 10th Ave.
New York, NY 10014
tyler.chapman@checkout.com checkout.com
Checkout.com is a global payments platform built for performance. In a complex, fast-changing industry, we provide the technology and expertise to help you thrive—one transaction at a time. Trusted by leading brands like Sony, Wise, and GE Healthcare, we turn payment challenges into opportunities for innovation.
CITCON USA LLC.
2055 Gateway Place, Suite 500 San Jose, CA 95110
808-647-4409
citcon.com
Citcon delivers innovative, reliable payment solutions enabling merchants to accept over 150 global mobile wallets and alternative methods via one single API. Our unified platform simplifies local to local, cross-border, online, in-store, and mobile transactions, enhancing security, speed, and customer satisfaction.
NEXIO
727 N 1550 E, 3rd Floor Orem, UT 84097
877-551-5504
nex.io
Nexio simplifies and accelerates payment processing in the Direct Sales Industry. Nexio offers swift deployment to distributors, streamlined payment operations and seamless integration with software solutions allowing you to navigate payment complexities with ease and confidence.
RUNA runa.io
Leading fintech, Runa, provides the infrastructure powering payouts to 5 billion+ consumers across 190+ countries. Businesses instantly transfer funds to cards, wallets, or through gift cards, boosting revenue & simplifying transactions. Based in London & New York, Runa is backed by leading investors.
GLOBAL ACCESS, LLC
2889 W Ashton Blvd, Suite 350 Lehi, UT 84043
801-420-9200
globalaccess.com
Global Access provides end-to-end international shipping solutions for direct selling companies, specializing in cross-border logistics, duties and taxes, compliance, and technology. Our platforms streamline global fulfillment, reduce costs, and ensure seamless delivery to customers worldwide.
MINER GROUP LLC
11905 Sara Road Laredo, TX 78045
956-712-8842
minergroup.net
Miner Group LLC offers solutions for the Mexican Market! For over 30 years, we have helped companies expand to or optimize their operations in Mexico. We offer product and ingredient evaluations, customs clearance, regulatory compliance, label translations, and logistic services for the Mexican market.
LACORE LOGISTICS
900 Wilmeth Road
McKinney, TX 75069 214-817-4802
lacorelogistics.com
LaCore Logistics provides distribution and order fulfillment services. Our highly automated distribution center provides both domestic and international directto-consumer shipping solutions. We offer omni-channel fulfillment solutions ranging from marketplace fulfillment for leading marketplaces to business-to-business fulfillment for leading retailers.
QUICKBOX FULFILLMENT
11551 E 45th Ave. Unit C. Denver, CO 80239 720-990-5642
quickbox.com
QuickBox is an omnichannel 3PL partner for high-growth eCommerce and B2B brands shipping 10,000+ orders monthly in health, wellness, beauty, nutrition, and supplements across DTC, retail, and Amazon.
IMPACT HEALTH SHARING
8210 W State Rd. 84 Davie, FL 33324
impacthealthsharing.com
A non-profit organization offering an affordable solution to one of your distributor’s biggest challenges and financial burdens—affordable healthcare. Since 2020, we’ve helped thousands of members reduce their healthcare costs by 30%-50% through a modern, communitydriven solution that works better and feels better—the way it should be.
BLOO KANOO
827 W 525 Highlake Rd., Suite 628 Winfield, IL 60190 blookanoo.com
Bloo Kanoo empowers direct selling distributors with interactive livestream shopping, enabling real-time engagement, product demonstrations, and seamless purchasing. Our platform blends online and in-person experiences, helping distributors build authentic connections, boost sales, and enhance customer confidence through shoppable video commerce.
ORDERGOOVE
382 NE 191st Street, Suite 56661 Miami, FL 33179 marketing-team@ordergroove.com ordergroove.com/industry/direct-selling
Ordergroove is the leading subscription platform for direct selling brands, driving predictable, recurring revenue. The world’s largest and fastest-growing brands like Juice Plus+, Plexus Worldwide, and Metagenics rely on Ordergroove’s seamless and frictionless subscription experience to maximize customer lifetime value.
ADI MEETINGS & EVENTS
6380 Silver Sage Dr. Park City, UT 84098 dianna@adimeetings.com 321-423-7229 adimeetings.com
ADI meetings is a women owned global corporate incentive travel, meetings, and event management company. We curate once-in-a-lifetime experiences for your attendees, connecting top achievers to your brand while understanding and meeting the needs of your industry.
KATAPULT EVENTS
5840 Red Bug Lake Road, Suite 140 Winter Springs, FL 32708 407-915-9060
katapultevents.com
Fresh. Exciting. Bold. Your field deserves the best and we help you deliver. Out-of-the-box creative production with experienced show management. We execute on budget and make you look AMAZING!
MERESTONE
82625 S. Wilson St., Suite 101 Tempe, AZ 85282 480-945-4631
merestone.com
Merestone is an award-winning production company with 50 years of expertise, specializing in creative services, trade show design, scenic fabrication, and cutting-edge audio-visual and lighting solutions to create immersive, high-impact brand experiences at events worldwide.
DIRECT SALES EXPERTS INC.
EXECUTIVE SEARCH
8305 Via Vittoria Way Orlando, FL 32819 craig@directsalesexperts.com 407-489-3351 directsalesexperts.com
Direct Sales Experts is a highly confidential Global Executive Search Firm with over 50,000 top direct sales executives on file. Let us help you find A Players to grow your business.
HANNA SHEA
844-344-7177
hannashea.com
Since 2007, Hanna Shea Executive Search has been the go-to search firm in support of the direct selling industry. Hanna Shea finds top talent for companies in need of building or improving an executive leadership team for organizational success.
MULTI IMAGE GROUP
1701 Clint Moore Road Boca Raton, FL 33487 800-523-2682
mig.cc
Founded in 1979, Multi Image Group (MIG) is a women-owned, family-run creative event production company fueled by innovators, strategists, and technologists who craft custom live, hybrid & virtual experiences for some of the world’s biggest brands.
Momentum Factor is a leading digital risk management firm specializing in online compliance monitoring and global online reputation management services for the direct selling industry. Our passion and mission are to protect companies from the brand and regulatory risks associated with online and social media technologies.
FLEXPAY
410 Saint Nicolas St, Suite #007 Montreal, QC H2Y 2P5 817-300-1996 flexpay.io
FlexPay is the leading failed payment recovery platform for auto-ship and recurring payment businesses. FlexPay’s innovative platform uses multiple technologies to achieve the highest failed payment recovery rate, resulting in reduced involuntary churn and faster revenue and profit growth.
APPTOR.AI
Yitzhak Sade 37 Tel Aviv, Israel +972-5467-06315 apptor-ai.com
Apptor.AI powers AI-driven messaging and automation for direct selling companies and distributors, seamlessly integrating into your existing CRM and back-office systems. Our platform helps distributors engage customers, predict behavior, personalize communication, and drive sales through intelligent, automated actions that boost retention and revenue.
BOARDS
691 S. Milpitas Blvd, Suite 212 Milpitas, CA 95035 boards.com/brands
Boards is a field activation and communication platform used by over 3 million distributors worldwide. With Boards, brands can connect with their fields, tailor content and communication, enhance training, and gain valuable data insights.
FLUID
139 Hunters Grove Lane, Suite 207 Lehi, UT 84043
385-336-7404 fluid.app
The front end for Direct Selling. AI-Powered E-commerce, Mobile App, Website Builders, and Social Selling.
Award-winning social commerce software for affiliate, influencer, MLM, party plan, and social retail companies. Our turnkey back-office solutions include Wayroo, delivering advanced commerce, comment selling, and payment solutions.
EXIGO
1600 Viceroy Drive, Suite 125 Dallas, TX 75235 214-367-9933 exigo.com
The leader in commissions, back office and eCommerce software and services. The global leader in cloud-based Platform-as-aService (PaaS) for direct selling companies. An open framework for billion-dollar giants to startup companies. Exigo supports MLM, Party Plan and Affiliate models, operating in single global markets.
FLIGHT COMMERCE
1208 E. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 222 Tampa, FL 33602
813-277-0625
flightcommerce.com
Global Operations Management Software. Advanced Comp Plan Programming. Sales Force Backoffice & Automation. Web Site Design & Replication.
HUSSLE
1633 W Innovation Way, 5th Floor Lehi, UT 84043
800-544-7044
hussle.tech
Hussle’s all-in-one solution makes it easier for sellers to connect, share, and sell. We guide them to the right actions at the right time so they can sell smarter, perform better, and fuel serious revenue growth.
ICENTRIS
707 West 700 South Site 104 Woods Cross, Utah, 84067 801-383-3262
contact@icentris.com icentris.com
iCentris empowers direct selling companies with scalable eCommerce, back office, and party plan platforms. With over two decades of experience, we deliver intuitive tools, real-time analytics, and automation. *Now featuring 2.0 versions of our mobile app and party plan.
INFOTRAX SYSTEMS
1875 S. State Street, Suite 3000 Orem, UT 84097
801-431-4900
infotraxsys.com
Software & SaaS solutions for startup, emerging, and global direct selling companies. See our ad on the back cover.
JENKON
201 NE Park Plaza Dr., Suite 220 Vancouver, WA 98684 360-256-4400
jenkon.com
Constant innovation and software stability are the reason world leaders rely on Jenkon. Tailoring software partnerships, unique to each customer, empower our five decades of leadership. Jenkon customers control their own destiny, while leveraging our latest innovations. Contact Jenkon today!
NOWSITE
now.site
Nowsite is an AI-powered platform for network marketers that makes social media, lead generation, and sales simple. In just 30 days, the impact of Nowsite is significant — the average user achieves a 132% increase in social media engagement, 80% more leads and 40% more sales. Trusted by over 100,000 users in 130 countries and 150 languages, Nowsite helps network marketers sell more, recruit faster, and grow their businesses with ease.
RALLYWARE
650 Castro St, Suite 120-376 Mountain View, CA 94041 877-858-8857 rallyware.com
Rallyware is the Field Enablement Platform delivering a modern distributor daily experience—personalized sales and recruiting guidance, training, and incentives. As a trusted technology partner to top global brands, Rallyware is committed to sustained growth and field success.
ZIPLINGO
355 South 520 West, Suite 100 Lindon, UT 84042 info@ziplingo.com ziplingo.com
Ziplingo is a messaging platform for Direct Selling companies—automating realtime communication with distributors and customers. It connects to your back-office and powers global channels like Email, SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, and more, streamlining messaging across teams, markets, and languages.
AVALARA
512 S Mangum St. #100 Durham, NC 27701 niki.hocking@avalara.com avalara.com
Avalara automates tax compliance for businesses, managing sales tax, VAT, and global tax regulations. Trusted worldwide, Avalara simplifies complex processes across borders so companies can stay compliant and focus on growth.
JUNE 10-12, 2026
DSU Europe is returning to London!
EUROPE’S TOP DIRECT SELLING LEADERS
WILL GATHER ONCE AGAIN to explore the latest insights, strengthen industry connections and discover new opportunities for growth. Learn from the industry pioneers, seasoned executives and visionary leaders who are shaping direct selling. Our speakers are poised to ignite inspiration, spark meaningful dialogue and provide actionable insights to propel your business to new heights.
MARRIOTT HOTEL REGENTS PARK / LONDON, UK REGISTER NOW & SAVE THE DATE
Don’t miss this chance to participate in an event that promises to elevate your business and continue shaping the future of direct selling in Europe.
