2008 Independent Marketing Directors of the Year Buck & Donna Steffens
Even as a kid, growing up in Oregon, I dreamed BIG. While my friends were dreaming about driving logging trucks, I dreamed of riding in limousines! I learned early that if you want to live a big life, you need to dream big dreams.
I was introduced to the financial services industry shortly after leaving the Marine Corps, and needless to say, I have been reasonably successful. Enough so, that shortly after Donna and I got married, we had the opportunity to run away from home and move to Europe to live, work, and play (but not necessarily in that order!). Our extended honeymoon came to an end, however, with the illness of Donnas father; bringing us back to the United States. We settled in the picturesque city by the sea Carmel, California. For you golfers; thats right next to Pebble Beach and for you Hollywood enthusiasts; we were nine doors down from Clint Eastwood! Suffice it to say, we were living that big dream that I had started so long ago.
Looking to reach that next plateau and conquer the world, however, we had placed a great deal of faith and more than all of our money into a dot com related investment, and unfortunately, our dream life came crashing down around us. In a few short months, we were left only with our RV and a rapidly growing pile of debt. Most people would have cashed in their chips, thrown in their hand, and given up. Not Buck and Donna! You couldnt kill our dream or our winners spirit that easily! We cinched up our boots, tightened our belts a notch or two, and went back to work. There were times, however, when that motor home got a little crowded! YES, with no other choice, we had moved into the RV!
Thankfully, today, we are much wiser, and those days are long behind us, as our successes in financial services have been greater than ever. The tough times made us wiser and stripped us of the rose colored glasses that once blinded us from reality. Just over a year ago, we noticed some disturbing trends in our industry. We saw the companies we worked with, and the industry as a whole, begin to let people down not only hurting their representatives, but their consumers as well. Tempered by the mistakes of our past, we recognized the immediate need for change. And thanks to the tenacity of some very special people, too numerous to mention here, that change came to us in the form of a company called FDI. Never before have we had the right combination of Products, People, and Prosperity that FDI brings to its members.
The bottom line is that our dreams now are bigger than ever, and we have the right vehicle to take our business anywhere we want to go we only hope that when we look in the passenger seat, youre there with us!
-Buck Steffens
2009 Independent Marketing Director of the Year Alonzo Powell
Like the recipients that came before him, Presidential Marketing Director Al Powell has pushed the bar of leadership up yet another notch. At a time when people are reluctant commit, yet when they need the opportunity the most, Al remains steadfast in his commitment to bring the greatest opportunity in America to the citizens of the World.
His no nonsense leadership style harkens back to his days as a military recruiter in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Ive always told people exactly what to expect From the company, from the team, and from me and then I keep my word Its that simpledo Youve just got to GO AND DO IT!
In a recent leadership summit, Al addressed his team as follows: It amazes me how many people say that they want to build it that they will do whatever it takes, yet arent willing to make some small changes to get it done They say its hard NO! this business isnt hard at all Hard is NOT being able to pay your bills, NOT being able to make good on your commitments, NOT being able to provide for your family, LIVING on the STREET THATS hard. HARD is looking yourself in the mirror knowing that you DIDNT give it 100%, that you could have done more, that you could have gotten up a few minutes earlier and went to bed a few minutes later. This business is the EASIEST thing youll ever do Youve just got to GO AND DO IT!
Al Congratulations from the entire FDI Nation on your achievement and the well deserved recognition as FDIs 2009 Independent Marketing Director of the Year.
FDI has given us a reason to start dreaming big again.
Coming from the Real estate and mortgage industry, I know what its like to earn an incredible amount of money while helping a whole lot of people. I also know what its like to see all my income erode away as the market changed over night. Leaving my Family & Team nothing but shattered Dreams. I know that FDI came along in our lives at such an opportune time. I encourage everyone to show a sense of urgency in building their business. I truly believe that there may never be another opportunity as great as this one. Failure is only frightening to those who believe it to be a possibility. When failure is not in your vocabulary and success is the only option everything else is irrelevant! Keep Dreaming and Dream Big! - Al Powell
Andre Vaughn
Hometown: Dallastown, PA
Buck Steffens
Hometown: Cave Junction, OR
Andamo Tolson
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Brian House
Hometown: Georgetown, KY
Alonzo Powell
Ranjit Powell
Dale Johnson
Monique Vaughn
Eugene Mattison
Hometown: Bowie, MD
Billie Miles
Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Edwin Natividad
Hometown: Mountain House, CA
100K Club & Million Dollar Championship Rings
The 100K & Million Dollar Championship Club Rings are earned by the Elite FDI Nation Leaders.
Buck and Donna Steffens
2008 Independent Marketing Directors of the Year
Even as a kid, growing up in Oregon, I dreamed BIG. While my friends were dreaming about driving logging trucks, I dreamed of riding in limousines! I learned early that if you want to live a big life, you need to dream big dreams....C lick Here to read more
FDI NATION Special Edition - Vol 3
Check out FDI Nation Special Edition Magazine - Vol 3! Full of FDI's Rising Stars and testimonials from all across the nation. Featured stories include Alonzo Powell - 2009's Independent Marketing Director of the Year and FDI's First Vice Chairman Marketing Director - Andre Vaughn.
Click Here to order Your Copy!
