Just Picture It Now

I’m kind of scratching my head these days wondering what in the world is going on with YTB.

I’ve been told that the California Attorney General will be shutting YTB down, and I would assume that means my days with the company are numbered.

If you look at this logically or from a legal standpoint, California can only prohibit YTB from operating in their particular state. This notion that Jerry Brown and his office has the power to shut the entire company down is nothing more than wishful thinking. Illinois, on the other hand, does have to authority, and while they are cooperating with California, we are coming up on a 3 months without any further word or action from the Illinois Attorney Generals Office.

Some are still holding on to hopes that they will. Of course these are the same people who are looking for the FTC to come around, even after the ASTA was told to go pound sand back in 2005.

Meanwhile, “back at the ranch” YTB has been rolling out marketing materials and upgrades like there’s no tomorrow. (Like that play on words don’t you…”no tomorrow”.) We’ve seen new presentations both on line and off line within the past week. We’ve also seen a brand new Travel Training Course, which enables those of us who care to, to earn 70% of the agent commission paid to YTB.

Now late last night, I see that the company has upgraded its marketing site with a brand new look.

While I’m not 100% positive about this, and I could be mistaken, I believe this is yet another “reactionary move” as our critics like to call it. It wasn’t enough for California and other critics that YTB had a marketing site that looked like all the other REP sites out there. It didn’t matter that there was never any possibility for someone to join the YTB as a REP from the main YTB Corporate domain (ytb.com) the company needed to make a clear distinction between what belonged to Corporate and what belongs to the REP’s and RTA’s out in the field.

I also have to wonder if the home office flipped the switch yesterday in honor of one of YTB’s favorite critics. While there was a post yesterday on the blog that finally came up with something to spin about the new killer presentation, (although he did say it was “great”) he did lead the rest of the flock right to the YTB main domain that this new site is hosted on.

Leave it to him to break this kind of upgrade.

For the record, the home office isn’t done. I’m really not at liberty to discuss here what’s in the works, but we’ll all find out soon enough from the proper channels.

One last note; and it’s on a more personal level, but has to do with all these upgrades going on. I’ll be upgrading myself within the next few days. Exactly what that is, I aint gonna tell you just yet. I’m at liberty to do so, but just want to keep you in suspense. ;-P

You’ll just have to check back in the next few days to find out.

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Labels: YTB International, YTB News, YTB Upgrade

Posted by TravelPro at 5:22 AM | Permalink

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some are just bigger than others. ;-P

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

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

I enjoy the journey with a man I call "Coach".

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Labels: Coach's Playbook, J. Lloyd Tomer, Travel MLM, YTB International

Posted by TravelPro at 7:36 AM | Permalink

Would it surprise you that Coach is well respected in the Network Marketing Industry? During his years in A.L. Williams, 21 years in all, Coach became very successful with A.L. Williams (now known as Primerica Financial Services) and became financially independent. I know that upsets some people, based on many of the myths out there about rich people being greedy, scamming others in order to make this money…

Whatever…

Truth of the matter is Coach is an Executive. Just like any other Executive with any other company out there. You might want to head out to your local news stand this week and read his “Executive Corner” article in the Network Marketing Business Journal this month.

What I find especially gratifying at this point in time is that those of us who truly understand the features, advantages, and benefits of Network Marketing know that any successful company that’s making strides in the industry the way YTB is aren’t the least bit fearful about what’s going on right now.

Others would like us to be, but we see this more as an opportunity; or a right of passage if you will as not only a key player, but dominant force in the Network Marketing arena and industry leader in our product. (That would be Travel.)

If you did your due diligence about the industry, you’d recognize that most of the major players out there at one point or another went through what YTB is just now heading into at this point in time. Amway is probably the biggest winner out of all of them, winning a case thrown at them by the FTC in 1979. In 1986 California brought a Permanent Injunction against Herbalife. Nu Skin had Attorney Generals from 9 States hammering away at them in 1991, they even made Newsweek for being one of them pyramid things.

I know the Network Marketing Industry has had “critics” who were so fearful they spend and exorbitant amount of time attempting to shut industry leaders down. What’s funny about each of these cases is that part of the claim is that each of the companies will run out of “suckers”, one of those endless chains that we hear so much about.

Well, each of the above companies are still enrolling new distributors to this day, so when do you think they might run out?

Hello? Anyone?

Today, based on what they went through, you don’t get very many people out there who just dismiss the above mentioned companies as one of those “illegal pyramids”. History has proved the critics wrong by overcoming the objections place before them by Government Agencies.

I’ve heard it said, “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.”
The few critics that are out there concerning YTB keep throwing up Kim Sorensen’s comment about “legitimizing” our company. I’ve got to ask at this point, what’s going to happen when the claims made by the California AG are proven to be unfounded and YTB is still standing strong? What’s going to happen when the tide turns and we can use this complaint as an asset on the other side?

Amway, Herbalife, and Nu-Skin can now use documentation to combat any knuckle head who wants to throw the words “pyramid scheme” as an excuse.

If someone wants to tell you that YTB isn’t at that point just yet, just politely smile and agree for now. But fully understand that the ASTA attempted to shut down YTB via the FTC with a complaint back in 2005. The Florida AG “investigated” back in 2006 and never found enough to even file a complaint. And we can’t forget what YTB did for all Agents in Rhode Island, who because of the critics who wanted to “blow the whistle” on YTB helped eradicate a law on the books that had been in place since 1972.

History has already given us a glimpse of what we can expect, and that’s probably why Coach is the featured “Executive” in a leading Network Marketing Publication this month.

Welcome to the Big Leagues Coach!

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Labels: Network Marketing, NMBJ, YTB International

Posted by TravelPro at 5:58 AM | Permalink

Yesterday I posted about Coach’s involvement in the church. Today, we’re going to post about his involvement in the community at large. Last October, Coach was honored for his community involvement with YTB at a State of the River Bend Luncheon, an event organized by the Growth Association of Southwestern Illinois.

“YTB International Inc. was honored for its community involvement. The Internet-based travel agency that has its headquarters in Wood River has seen a 300 percent jump in sales and the creation of 134 more jobs between July 1, 2006, and June 30 of this year.

Lloyd Tomer, owner and founder, received the award — and was the only honoree to put on the ship captain’s hat, which is presented to each winner along with a plaque.”

A few days later, an entire article was written up in The Telegraph about YTB and pictured the man honored at the luncheon.

YTB International keeps growing

WOOD RIVER — Rapid growth and achievement have earned YTB International in Wood River a Growth Association Captain of the River Bend award for community enhancement.

YTB, American Water, Riverbender.com and The Telegraph will receive the awards at the Growth Association’s State of the River Bend luncheon at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at The Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College.

YTB has seen a 300 percent-per-year growth the last four years, said Andy Cauthen, president and CEO of YourTravelBiz, which is part of YTB. The company employs 277 in Wood River and Edwardsville.

“I’m so happy they have come back to their roots in the River Bend,” said Monica Bristow, president of the Growth Association. “They were in Alton for a while. They outgrew the space and (were) in Edwardsville. They blossomed in Edwardsville.”

“Things are going well at YTB,” Cauthen said.

The Internet-based company, founded by area residents Lloyd Tomer, his son, Scott Tomer, and colleague J. Kim Sorensen, began renovating the former Kmart store on Illinois Route 143 in Wood River last year and moved into 20,000-square-foot renovated office space in December. The Wood River building is still in the process of renovation, with even bigger plans to come.

“YTB is currently working with the Wood River City Council in acquiring land for YTB’s corporate campus,” Cauthen said.

The campus will include four office buildings, lakes, a hotel and conference center and an employee recreational park. The project will take three to five years to develop on about 50 acres at an approximate cost of $150 million.

“Our building will be built under LEEDS (Leadership and Energy Environment Design),” Cauthen said, “with more efficiency and environmentally friendly. Even the furnishings are ‘green.’ It’s a growing trend in forward-thinking businesses. It costs more upfront but is more profitable.”

Cauthen credits the company’s leadership for having vision and integrity. He said they have taken the firm to where it is. The company was in the old Meridian Bank building in Alton from January 2001 to July 2005, when it moved to Edwardsville because of the need for space. Success and growth made the move to Wood River desirable.

“We expect to employ 350 at the end of the year,” Cauthen said.

Lloyd Tomer is chairman of the board. Cauthen said the Tomers and Sorensens want to keep the company in area. The company has 125,000 referring travel agents.

“We were just short of $300 million in travel sales last year,” Cauthen said. “In 2007, projected travel sales will be $1 billion.”

YTB assists or trains people to start their own Internet travel businesses.

“We developed the booking engine,” Cauthen said. “The technology is personalized for each. We provide technical and administrative support.”

Cauthen said YTB has agents all across the country, in the U.S. territories and Puerto Rico. He said the company founders have “great heart” and want to help people succeed in individual business. He credits the Tomers and Sorensen for the company’s success.

“We are about to go into Canada, target the Canada market,” Cauthen said.
YTB has an open house almost weekly, inviting national distributors to come to Wood River to visit the corporate offices and attend training.

“We anticipate the number of guests in this area being around 40,000 for the year ending 2007, 90,000 in 2008 and upwards of 150,000 in 2009,” Cauthen said. YTB plans to lease space in East Alton for January occupancy to accommodate up to 225 additional employees. Current and future renovation and new development, including project costs, employee payroll and visitor spending over the next three years could exceed $400 million.

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Labels: Coach, Home Office, YTB International

Posted by TravelPro at 5:44 AM | Permalink

One of the things I admire most about Coach is his generosity. YTB has teamed up with the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, and the Chicago Metropolitan area called Feed The Future to provide a meaningful day that honors those children who may otherwise be forgotten during the holiday season. Something YTB has supported since 2004.

That wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for Coach. It’s a program he’s very proud of. To reach some 20,000 children every year to make a difference is just the tip of the iceburg in what YTB and Coach have done for communities.

Another example of Coach’s generosity was demonstrated in today’s article. Back on Super Bowl Sunday two years ago, Coach gave a gift of $1.8 Million to his church to pay of its mortgage, and then some.

Growing up in the church, as my father is a retired Minister, I know how a gift like this can make a huge impact on what a ministry can do. To have a mortgage like this paid off enables the church to give of it’s time and money in other areas, which I can only assume based on my experience, encompasses many outreach programs locally and abroad.

What’s most impressive to me is how he mentors us to do the same. By making as many of us financially free as possible, we get this crazy idea that we could do the same. What’s most impressive is how it’s already happened. I met a Director who used every penny of his YTB earnings to completely furnish a brand new Day Care Center at his church.

Remember the movie “Pay It Forward”? Read this and see if you don’t want to do the same thing….

Businessman pays off church’s mortgage

An Alton church is debt-free thanks to a local businessman’s generous donation on Sunday."

It’s Superbowl Sunday, and it’s going to be a Superbowl service for us today," Pastor Daren Carstens told the congregation.

J. Lloyd "Coach" Tomer scored a touchdown with his congregation at New Testament Fellowship Church, 3303 Homer Adams Parkway, after he gave more than $1.8 million in stock that will be used to pay off the church’s mortgage.

"Isn’t it great to be part of a church doing all these great things?" Tomer said.Standing before parishioners, Tomer told everyone that Sunday would be a day they would remember forever, not because it was Superbowl Sunday, but because of what happened in church.

"You’ll remember this service," he said. "I’m excited."Tomer, chief executive officer of YTB International in Wood River, presented Carstens with a stock certificate worth more than $1.86 million.

Tomer, his son, Scott Tomer, and colleague, J. Kim Sorensen, started the company nearly six years ago in Downtown Alton. They moved the company to Edwardsville to accommodate the growing business and in December 2006 moved into a newly renovated facility in the former K-Mart building in Wood River.

The company operates three divisions -- yourTravelBiz.com, REZconnect Technologies Inc. and YTB Travel Network and is publicly traded under the name YTBL.PK. On Friday the stock closed at $11.69 a share.

The company is an Internet-based travel business. It runs a booking engine and develops, sells and supports the online Web sites of referring travel agents.

Tomer said he made a promise to the church several years ago that if the company’s stock ever reached more than $10 a share, he would pay off the mortgage.

"This is one of the greatest days of my life," Tomer said.Tomer received a standing ovation from the congregation."You know it didn’t come easy," he said.

Tomer shared the joys and sorrows of starting a new business. He said to make it work he and his wife, Christine, sold their dream home, the River House, built in Fairmont Estates in Godfrey in 1927 by John Olin.

"It was our dream house before we were married and even when we were broke," he said.He said they purchased the home back again last fall.

Tomer said after he and his family moved into the house, they began to search for a place to worship."We were looking for something very spiritual," he said.

He said they found it at New Testament."We could go to church, then to the (St. Louis Rams) football game," Tomer said jokingly.

He said he and his family fell in love with the church. Tomer served as pastor of The First Church of God in Benton, Ill., during the 1970s.

Tomer said he encountered many roadblocks along the way to success.

"It wasn’t always easy," he said.He said the one thing he never gave up was his faith and his love for God."Over the last few years God has blessed me," Tomer said.

Carstens thanked Tomer."Oh my goodness!" Carstens shouted. "Is it OK that I jump?

"Carstens said the church has seen many ups and downs, but with Tomer’s gift it will be able to give more to others. The donation will pay off a $1.7 million mortgage and the remaining funds will be used to pay for other debts, audio-visual equipment, programs and charities.

Debbie Butler said Tomer’s gift was wonderful. "It’s very exciting," Butler said.

Butler, who works as Carstens’ personal assistant, said a few members of the congregation knew about Tomer’s plan to donate stock to pay off the church’s debt, but few knew that it would take place Sunday.

"He really is a wonderful man," she said. "This will be a day everyone remembers."

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Labels: Coach, Feed The Future, Pay It Forward, YTB International

Posted by TravelPro at 5:26 AM | Permalink

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just so we’re straight here.

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

Enjoy!

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

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

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

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

"She told them they were going to college to become teachers," said Tomer. 'Whey have both retired from that field."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tomer's Guiding Principles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Labels: Coach, J. Lloyd Tomer, Saturday Evening Post, YTB International

Posted by TravelPro at 5:13 AM | Permalink

There are times when I read or hear about something, and it just doesn’t sound right. I’ve been attempting to get my head around this California complaint off and on since the Convention. Something just didn’t fit. It’s a single state, with the help of Illinois who is still on the sidelines, and we’re still doing business in California. (More business by the way than any other state in the country I might add. ;-P)

If you’ve been involved in the Travel Industry for any length of time, you know who the major players are, who gets along with whom, who hates who, and who just doesn’t amount to squat in the Travel Industry. It’s no secret that the ASTA has put together quite a propaganda campaign against these so called “Card Mills”. Doesn’t matter that YTB now has minimum booking requirements before “cards” are issued, YTB is used because we happen to be the most visible in on the internet and in the trade publications. (Legislation YTB was able to overcome and win in California I might add.)

I had an opportunity to read the complaint that was filed some time ago and one term stood out for me that made me think of one particular organization right off the bat. Since I didn’t have anything substantial at the time, I passed it off as nothing more than a logical guess. However based on this organizations educational piece (choke) the complaint read very similar to the 2005 propaganda that is now being regurgitated oddly enough based on similarities to the California complaint.

Like many now who “think” they have the upper hand now that they have a complaint, it’s not surprising that this group feels safe in promoting their position on the issue, along with a few on the internet appear to be rather boisterous.

I do have to add that I also believe that this “announcement” from this group was also predicated by a need to “out” a former President of their organization for coming over and supporting the very company and model they feel is damaging their industry. (Please note: YTB didn’t make the connection or initial statement, a seasoned Travel Journalist did.)

Oh…did you hear the Davidoff’s are now going to conduct three classes on the company Seminar @ Sea? (Check the latest Travel Compass or my Newsletter this weekend.) Like Marc Mancini and his Geography Bowl down at Funshine in a few weeks, looks like this excuse about lack of training from the other side is just that, an excuse.

Unlike the above industry leaders who offer solutions instead of a steady stream of complaints, the ASTA has a rather long history in attempting to derail the MLM business model. The majority of damage however has been nothing more than propaganda that I suppose some people have taken heed in. With such a powerful force, and I use the term loosely, you would think they would have had more of an impact on ridding the travel industry of the “Card Mills” they report to have damaged them so.

Now we have documentation direct from the horses a… err mouth that they’ve already filed one suit some time ago in California, and while not directly implied, sure looks like they feel mighty proud of the weight they are pushing around once again in California.

I caught wind earlier in the week of the ASTA making claims to have filed a complaint with the FTC back in 2006 about this ever so popular “pyramid scheme” excuse everyone likes to throw out. (The e-mail was copied and pasted in the blue response at the bottom of this post.) It wasn’t until yesterday however that I finally got something a little more substantial.

And a whole lot more.

I want to address this complaint with the FTC as to why nobody every heard a word about this from the FTC, and highlight the excuse. (It’s pretty funny actually.) Here’s the gem as it’s worded from the ASTA.

“We also complained to the Federal Trade Commission, but our request for a trade regulation rule was denied in large part due to lack of support from the supplier community.”

I find it hysterical that they blame the suppliers, the very life blood of their business for letting YTB slip through the cracks. Had nothing to do with the fact that they couldn’t come up with valid complaint the FTC would listen too now would it? Nor could it be that are mistaken or more accurately don’t have a clue what a “pyramid scheme” actually is.

You can’t fit a square peg into a round hole. I do have to wonder however why they just didn’t announce a “do over” like they did in their past election.

Did the FTC not realize that this was the ASTA? Look, it doesn’t matter how big and bad you try to make yourself, you still have to prove your case in this country, (THANK GOD) before the Government will find you guilty and actually enforce action.

Why do you think we’re still doing business in California even with such a large amount of money up for grabs?

I often find a blurb from the SEC posted on the Internet concerning the FTC’s stance on pyramid schemes. Why do they use the SEC you might ask? Don’t really know, but my guess is that it “sounds better” than what the FTC has up concerning illegal pyramids.

Again…I need to add that the graphic the SEC has up concerning more participants than the world population has yet to happen in a single solitary MLM. Many of whom have been around for decades. (But don’t let that stop you from listening to a Zealot when they post something like this for you.)

So, the ASTA fails in getting the FTC involved, (as I’m sure many other Zealots have attempted to do) and they spend the next couple of years hitting up any State that would listen and finally found one desperate enough to file a suit. Call it whatever you want. Stupidity – greed - political advancement - I don’t care, but since the FTC, Florida and now Illinois have never stepped up to the plate, what do you think ol’ Gerry has in regard to this complaint?

Nothing more than a very dry bone of contention.

While I know some laugh at this notion that a group or organization in the Travel Industry would have the kind of pull or clout to lobby Politicians. I find it interesting that we have a second article within the last week of more lobbyist throwing money at Politicians, although from the supplier end, but a cool $297K Q2 adds up to organizations getting exactly what they want through what ever Government agency (State or Federal) they think they can purchase.

Those who subscribe to my Newsletter know my stance concerning these suits being nothing more than a personal attack. A complaint filed in an attempt to slow or even destroy a company that is “growing to big too fast”. (The AG’s statement, not mine.) I realize that like terrorists, some flat out deny any involvement, and I’ve stated that I would agree some were not involved. (Not that smart, and not their mode of operandi.)

That doesn’t mean however that there is an organization that does have just enough clout (or money) to push something like this out into the public eye. Unfortunately for them, that’s about as far as their going to get based on the failures they’ve faced concerning past efforts. Which include the FTC, other states who never moved past the investigation mode and California Legislation that was merely a blip on the radar screen and clearly separated YTB from this notion of being nothing more than a “Card Mill”.

Oh, before I go. I did happen to send this “gem” up to the home office with an idea of getting everyone together on the Seminar @ Sea with the Davidoff’s and sending the ASTA a postcard from the Seminar entitled “Greetings from Cozumel”.

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Labels: "Card Mill", ASTA, FTC, Pyramid Scheme, Travel Agent Issues, Travel MLM, YTB International

Posted by TravelPro at 5:35 AM | Permalink

While I was reading this week, I caught a couple of threads with the infamous “predictions” of what our Quarterly Reports would look like. One fruit cake actually speculated a $6 million loss…for the quarter. It’s one of the reasons I don’t like to put things like this out there, you look like a real ass when reports like ours come out.

Of course we’ve learned that “critics” like this spend all their time promoting negative information and spin, and while the “spin machine” hasn’t gotten into full swing concerning the numbers, I’m quite confident that it will be more doom and gloom. Truth of the matter is; it appears that YTB has curbed some of the spending it could in order to reduce losses from the proposed $6 million, to less the $200 thousand.

There are of course expenses that YTB could not control based on the foundation it put into place back in 2007, such as 135,000 square foot home office renovation that should be complete in 2009. It’s odd how critics who know so much about us Network Marketers like to talk about the Corporate Jet purchased that Coach, Scott, and Kim will escape in when the imaginary house of card begins to crumble. Somehow they ignore the $5.7 million in property and equipment spent this quarter alone which should be a big clue that they Founders intend on staying right were they are. Salaries and benefits increased by $2.1 million, while building overhead increased approximately $900,000 due to the increase in employees and number of locations in which YTB operates.

It’s interesting that Travel commissions and services for the first six months of 2008 increased $5,754,019 or 68.5% to $14,148,444 from the $8,394,425 reported in the comparable prior year period. While travel commission increased, the number of RTA’s has decreased.

This is a very important development, not because “the house of cards” is crumbling as some will probably predict, but because directly correlates to what I’ve been telling everyone for years. Please take note of a line on page 9 of the quarterly report that I’m very happy to see. I have to wonder if this line was specifically intended for a new critic we have?

“Revenues generated from the direct sales of travel are recorded as deferred revenue until recognized in the period the travel departure takes place.”

Meaning, travel commissions are not reported on our SEC filings until AFTER we actually have the money in hand to report as revenue. While the percentage of Marketing Commission (74.5%) and Travel Commissions (19.7%) have narrowed slightly the SEC report now states that recorded revenue from actual sales are not reported at the same time.

Who knew?

Proper knowledge of how our industry works could prove to be a very important element in California. Actually, some in California already know how this works based on the Legislation that went into effect back in January of 2007 when YTB was able to continue to offer credentials after minimum “booking” requirements were met.

Some however, must not have gotten the memo.

Overall, not a great quarter, but certainly not the horrible showing that was predicted. The key is going to be retention as it is with all companies. I do admit, it’s going to be somewhat difficult due to those who don’t verify what they’ll read from the critics. Proper education in just how we operate and what our model reports to the SEC will be key, and I’ll steal a line that our critics like to use all the time.

"The numbers don’t lie."

Truth be told, they've been lying for years, and it's my hope that when the suit is either thrown out, or YTB is found to be a ligitimate business model based on proper understanding of how revenue is reported, we'll find out just who has been lying to who.

Labels: MLM Myths, SEC, Travel MLM, YTB International

Posted by TravelPro at 6:19 AM | Permalink

Every once in a while I see something that surprises even me. I was just sent an e-mail from someone who told me to take a look at what he had found.

Much to my delight, I’ve been nominated for a Blogger Choice Award as the Best Travel Blog. I have no idea when it happened, who nominated me, or just why I was nominated. Frankly, I don’t care and have to admit, it’s pretty cool!

I’ve always enjoyed writing and this blog has been a real joy to write, especially since YTB took center stage last October. To be honest, I didn’t want to write about what was going on back then. I really struggled with it. But I also knew that what was going on at the time had another side to it and knowing YTB, it’s Founders, and it’s people the way I do, it was more important to document and link to the facts. Being able to keep the facts separate from fiction has always been important to me and to get the e-mails and phone calls I have about how much people enjoy and appreciate what I do is extremely rewarding.

I constantly tease about something I call R&D, which stands for “Rip-Off and Duplicate”. I’ve used this term for years, and while it’s a twist or play on words in what’s actually known by those who teach success principles as “modeling”, to see all the people who duplicate what I write on their own blogs and to see people talking about me in message boards and forums is really something.

Many people use paid advertising, others use links in signatures. Others just blatantly promote their blog everywhere they post to try to drive traffic to their sites or blogs, in an attempt to recruit people, even when it’s against the policies of such forums.

I on the other hand, like the “organic” type of links. Organic links are produced naturally from others who happen to like (or dislike) what you’ve written. It’s unsolicited, and obviously has some relevance to those who link to you. I can’t list all the top links that point here, but all kinds of people link here for content and updates. I’ve been amazed when I look at some of the referrals and links from other Network Marketers, other members of YTB, and even from another unrelated web site. (Barry Manilow?!) Of course, I also get a ton of links from those that claim I don’t matter, but they still keep commenting and reading based on time per hit. (Nice to know I take up so much of their time and energy.)

By writing about relevant and interesting topics, these organic links can be very beneficial and provide very high rankings within minutes. When WGN aired the Lady Liberty story, I found myself at the top of the search rankings within minutes of posting. The Travel Weekly Power List also produced a ton of traffic here.

I think my first post on this blog was very apropos given how far reaching and relevant this blog has become. It all started with a dream that I simply took action on. Now almost three years later, to see how far it’s come and what it’s evolved into is humbling and amazing.

I don’t know at this point if who sent the e-mail, nominated me, but who ever nominated me, I wanted to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude for the honor.

Thanks to all who have sent e-mails, called me, and offered personal expressions of how much they appreciate what I do.

The pleasure is all mine!

Now damit…go VOTE FOR ME! ;-P

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Labels: Best Travel Blog, Blogger Choice Awards, Organic Links, Referral Marketing, Travel MLM, YTB International

Posted by TravelPro at 8:30 AM | Permalink

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Roosevelt who?

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

PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Labels: Franchising, Network Marketing, Scott Tomer, Travel Agent Issues, YTB International, YTB News

Posted by TravelPro at 6:20 AM | Permalink