OCTOBER 2022
“Stick to the basics and build
Back in 2012, the European Rally in Budapest had
just wrapped up. Along with Rex, the members of the
Executive Team who were in Europe decided to make a
quick stop in the Netherlands for the groundbreaking of
the new central warehousing project, which eventually
became known as Forever Direct.
We flew into Amsterdam and drove the 90 minutes south
to our newest location. It was a cold, rainy February after-
noon that chilled us to the core. As we stood there in the
mud with rain pouring down, it was difficult to picture
what this new facility would look like. We had seen the
blueprints of a massive new modern facility, but today, all
we could see was a muddy field. There were no buildings,
structures or roads to hint at the layout of the project and
help us visualize what was to come.
Earlier this month — 10 years later — Aidan and I went
back. Of course, we have been back multiples times, but
thanks to the lifting of travel restrictions, we finally had
the chance to visit Forever Direct after a two-year gap.
As I stood in the packing area, reminiscing with Remco
Benneker, our Director of Finance, about the ups and
downs of getting the business moving a decade ago, I
couldn’t help feeling a sense of awe and pride at what
has been accomplished.
Peter van Eijk, our Director of Operations, reminded me
that our award-winning facility now employs more than
250 local team members that service over 102 coun-
tries. All of this is supported by state-of-the-art machinery
controlled by the most advance logistics computer
systems in the world. This combination of systems and
people is capable of processing over 100,000 orders
every month.
At Forever Direct, boxes, products, literature and
merchandise move in every direction all around you, yet
your canvas, your Forever story.”
It is incredible what can be achieved with an
idea, passion, professional leadership and a
no-quit attitude.
they still maintain over 99% accuracy on deliveries to Forever Direct is more than a corporate success story.
you and your customers. This is proof that it’s incredible It is a triumph of vision, hard work, investment and self-
what can be achieved with an idea, passion, professional lessness. It is an example of what you can build if you
leadership and a no-quit attitude. These qualities are are willing to set a goal, create a vision, and never give
demonstrated throughout Forever Direct and that starts up on the day-to-day tasks that are routine and mundane
with Gary Shreeve, who leads Forever Direct and all our at times but eventually build masterpieces. I can’t even
logistics operations around the world. A big job for sure imagine or attempt a guess at how many nuts and bolts
but it is in safe hands! hold Forever Direct together, but I am grateful to the
people who remained dedicated and disciplined in making
Of course, we are all very proud of Forever Direct, but it
sure they were all in the right place.
can be said that other companies have great facilities and
systems that they, too, are proud of. But I promise you Think about your own muddy field — in other words, the
this — that is where the comparisons end. blank canvas that will allow you to create your Forever.
Stick to the basics and build your canvas, your Forever
When it comes to what matters most, our people are
story, from those. Use the products, sell the products,
second to none; they are the very best in the industry.
sponsor others, achieve and teach your 4 CCs, and go
During the pandemic, we did not lose one workday.
for Eagle Manager. Do that, and over time, your muddy
Through lockdowns, sickness and distractions, our
field will become a business that will reward you and
Forever teams never stopped. Regardless of their personal
those you love.
or local circumstances, they came to work and continue
to do so. They do this to ensure that our European FBOs Keep Persevering,
have what they need, when they need it.
I love to walk through this sprawling building and catch
up with old friends, especially in our Social Working
Community area. Many years ago, Forever Direct began
this rewarding partnership with the local government. Gregg Maughan
Together, we provide work opportunities for people in the President, Forever Living Products
community with disabilities.
Forever Direct has received awards for this initiative and
continues to provide an inclusive work environment. I
asked our General Manager, Neils Hommel, about this
special relationship and he told me, “At Forever, we focus
on what people CAN do, instead of what they can’t!”
I was overwhelmed as I watched as the business of
Forever go on around me, and I thought about all the
good that was started when we moved a little bit of dirt!