Opposites Attract

Bill and Sandy Hawkins met while they were attending college in northern Minnesota. Their backgrounds were similar in that they had both come from upper middle-class families with conservative values, and had attended large suburban Minneapolis high schools.

The similarities ended there, however, and if the statement that “opposites attract” is true, then Bill and Sandy exemplified that principle. Bill was very outgoing, and if his true major in college had been listed on his degree, it would have said, “Partying.” Sandy, on the other hand, was shy and not nearly as social as Bill. “When I first met Bill,” says Sandy, “I was instantly attracted to his outgoing personality.”

“The Pit”

Bill and Sandy dated for over two years. During that time Bill graduated and took a job as an English teacher at a Minneapolis high school while Sandy stayed in school. After Bill’s second year of teaching they got married and moved into a ninety-nine-year-old home that they attempted to fix up. “There’s only so much fixing up you can do on a teacher’s salary, however,” says Bill. “Our friends referred to our home as ‘The Pit,’ and in retrospect, it really was!”

Even with less than sterling living conditions and old cars, they still weren’t making enough money. So Sandy took a job as a legal secretary. Being young and desiring upward mobility, they found their situation very frustrating. “My parents had instilled in me the idea that I could really do something great with my life,” says Bill, “and I believed them. The problem was discovering what it was.”

Life Passing By

“Along with my innermost beliefs, there were two things that prepared me for this business. First was the fact that all my friends seemed to be doing a lot better than we were economically, and that bothered me. Secondly, six months before we saw the independent business plan I discovered that I owed the government an extra $600 in taxes, and I had to go to my father to borrow the money. I was twenty-seven years old, driving an old car, living in an old house, and didn’t have $600 to my name. That combination of circumstances really made me realize that life was passing by, and that if I was going to do something with my life, I’d better get on with it.”

Excited About the Possibilities

When introduced to independent business ownership through a neighbor, Bill and Sandy got excited about the possibilities but were naive about how to conduct a business. “It’s a real tribute to the business when two people like us, with no business background, are able to do as well as we have done,” comments Bill. “We decided to work hard for five years and see what would happen. What we discovered was that the reward for our efforts was fantastic.”

Beyond Education

In just eight months Sandy quit her job, and in another eleven Bill left his teaching position with an income seven times greater than his previous salary. Bill is quick to add, “I really enjoyed teaching. But when the income was no longer necessary, I found there were other things I could do with my time that I enjoyed even more.” Bill still thinks education is essential and has a lot to do with what makes America great. He feels, however, that education also has its flaws. Even though I have 232 credits in higher education, my first six months in this business taught me more about personal and economic freedom than I had ever learned before.”

Rewards

Today Bill and Sandy have many rewards to show for their years of diligent effort. Their dream home is located on beautiful acreage, and it was built with top quality materials throughout. They also have a second home on what is considered one of the premier lakes in Minnesota. Bill has had the time and money to build a massive collection of rock n’ roll memorabilia. They drive luxury cars and own boats, personal watercraft, and snowmobiles.

There have been numerous other rewards, but Sandy likes to talk about what is really important to them. “We have two beautiful daughters who would not be here if it weren’t for this business. The freedom of time we have because we’ve built this business has allowed us to be very involved in their lives.

Blessed

In August 2001, Kristen was married to Adam in the wedding of her dreams. “We are so blessed to have a wonderful son join our family. We are also excited that they have chosen to build this great business.”

“We have hundreds of friends all over the country, many of whom have also earned their own personal freedom. There’s lots of joy in seeing people that you’re involved with achieve their goals and dreams.”

One of the greatest rewards for Bill and Sandy is the amount of time they have for each other and their family. They also have tremendous peace of mind knowing that they have a financially bright future. “Considering where we were when we got into this business,” concludes Sandy, “we feel that our greatest asset is knowing and understanding where all the blessings come from!”