About Eric Thomas
Eric Thomas, aka the Hip Hop Preacher, is a renowned speaker, educator, author, activist and minister. He is rising to national prominence by delivering high-energy messages that encourage people to live up to their full potential by breaking the cycles of crime, hopelessness and despair that many face daily. Known for his engagingly personal approach, his messages are both dynamic and inspiring. Formerly a high school dropout, he obtained his Masters degree in 2005 and is presently pursuing his Ph.D. in Education Administration at Michigan State University. While consulting at Michigan State, he developed The Advantage Program, an undergraduate retention program targeting academically high-risk students of color. Eric’s representation of the merits of higher education, coupled with his knowledge of the pains of life, inspires people of all walks to break bad habits and reach for new levels of personal achievement.
Click here to watch Eric’s video, TGIM: As Bad as You Wanna Breathe
Eric Thomas, aka the Hip Hop Preacher, is a renowned speaker, educator, author, activist and minister. He is rising to national prominence by delivering high-energy messages that encourage people to live up to their full potential by breaking the cycles of crime, hopelessness and despair that many face daily. Known for his engagingly personal approach, his messages are both dynamic and inspiring. Formerly a high school dropout, he obtained his Masters degree in 2005 and is presently pursuing his Ph.D. in Education Administration at Michigan State University. While consulting at Michigan State, he developed The Advantage Program, an undergraduate retention program targeting academically high-risk students of color. Eric’s representation of the merits of higher education, coupled with his knowledge of the pains of life, inspires people of all walks to break bad habits and reach for new levels of personal achievement.
Click here to watch Eric’s video, TGIM: As Bad as You Wanna Breathe
- About Brad Alkazin
- 26-year-old Royal Ambassador, Brad Alkazin has been with Vemma since 2007, but didn’t get serious about building the business until 2008.
- How Vemma changed him:
- Brad says, “In the beginning, I wanted to do it for more materialistic reasons. I had certain goals around obtaining things or earning a certain amount of money, but it’s morphed into something completely different — a genuine excitement to step up and help others experience the success that I’ve experienced.” He adds, “It’s not about the money for me anymore; we’re making a difference in people’s lives, and that’s what’s so exciting.”
Advice to new people:
“Get excited, and follow the roadmap. Don’t get discouraged — everything takes time. Take advantage of your leaders and get help.”
About Darik Alexander
20-year-old Executive, Darik Alexander has been with Vemma since May 1, introduced by Garret Hill. Darik’s next goal is to reach Ambassador by Convention.
How Vemma changed him:
Darik says, “We are a product of who we listen to, and now I am listening to the people that have the results I want. My whole life, I found myself generally listening to the people that did not have the results in life that I wanted. Now I feel like my life has purpose, meaning, and that I am truly making a difference in the lives of the people around me.”
Advice to new people:
“You have to go get no’s — people are not always going to tell you yes. The difference between successful people and those that are not is their ability to continue even though they feel like they’re constantly failing. Failure is the closest way to get to success, and success is how you really grow as a person in this business.”
20-year-old Executive, Darik Alexander has been with Vemma since May 1, introduced by Garret Hill. Darik’s next goal is to reach Ambassador by Convention.
How Vemma changed him:
Darik says, “We are a product of who we listen to, and now I am listening to the people that have the results I want. My whole life, I found myself generally listening to the people that did not have the results in life that I wanted. Now I feel like my life has purpose, meaning, and that I am truly making a difference in the lives of the people around me.”
Advice to new people:
“You have to go get no’s — people are not always going to tell you yes. The difference between successful people and those that are not is their ability to continue even though they feel like they’re constantly failing. Failure is the closest way to get to success, and success is how you really grow as a person in this business.”
About Karlie Frank
23-year-old Star Platinum, Karlie Frank has been with Vemma since the fall of 2010, but didn’t start the business until June of 2011. Karlie says, “Vemma Elite Jim & CJ Brogan introduced my parents to Vemma, and then my parents introduced it to me. My next goal is to join the Vemma Elite while helping five of my team members earn a BMW.”
How Vemma changed her:
“This opportunity has helped me learn about business, how to be patient, and that even in tough economic times I can control my own destiny.”
Advice to new people:
“The only way you will fail in this business is if you quit… DON’T GIVE UP!”
23-year-old Star Platinum, Karlie Frank has been with Vemma since the fall of 2010, but didn’t start the business until June of 2011. Karlie says, “Vemma Elite Jim & CJ Brogan introduced my parents to Vemma, and then my parents introduced it to me. My next goal is to join the Vemma Elite while helping five of my team members earn a BMW.”
How Vemma changed her:
“This opportunity has helped me learn about business, how to be patient, and that even in tough economic times I can control my own destiny.”
Advice to new people:
“The only way you will fail in this business is if you quit… DON’T GIVE UP!”
- About Jed Buenaluz
- 25-year-old Executive, Jed Buenaluz has been with Vemma for about a year and a half. Jed was introduced via friends, Brad, Holly, Ryka and Natasha. Jed says his next personal goal is to reach the Presidential rank.
- How Vemma changed him:
- “Apart from getting out of my 1987 Scooby Doo Van into a BMW paid for by Vemma? I was working three minimum-wage jobs, eating a ramen diet, while going to school full time, and frustrated and feeling stuck in life. Vemma has completely changed my attitude and the way I think. It’s helped me dream bigger. My relationships and attitude are so much better. It’s changed me in many different ways and provided me an opportunity to build a business internationally.”
Advice to new people:
“Number one, establish your Why. What motivates you when you’re down, when things aren’t going your way? You’ll need it to fuel you onward. Resilience is the key to success!”
About Luke Kish
20-year-old Executive, Luke Kish has been with Vemma for seven months. He was introduced to Vemma by Luke Wilborn when he came down to San Diego State University. Luke says that Wilborn took him under his wing and has been a great mentor. Luke’s next goal is to reach Star Executive by the end of this year and become an Ambassador by April.
How Vemma changed him:
Luke says, “The opportunity has made me realize how I want to live my life. It completely broke my employee mindset and exposed me to a lifestyle different than what I knew. I now travel spreading this positive message and help people do what I’m doing.”
Advice to new people:
“My advice for the newest person is to plug in, be coachable, and make this opportunity a priority. Why? Nothing is more important than becoming successful and making money.”
20-year-old Executive, Luke Kish has been with Vemma for seven months. He was introduced to Vemma by Luke Wilborn when he came down to San Diego State University. Luke says that Wilborn took him under his wing and has been a great mentor. Luke’s next goal is to reach Star Executive by the end of this year and become an Ambassador by April.
How Vemma changed him:
Luke says, “The opportunity has made me realize how I want to live my life. It completely broke my employee mindset and exposed me to a lifestyle different than what I knew. I now travel spreading this positive message and help people do what I’m doing.”
Advice to new people:
“My advice for the newest person is to plug in, be coachable, and make this opportunity a priority. Why? Nothing is more important than becoming successful and making money.”
About Jennifer Neel
23-year-old Platinum, Jennifer Neel has been with Vemma for almost two years. Jennifer was enrolled by her mom, Executive Lorna Neel, but was initially introduced four years ago by Kelli McCamy.
How Vemma changed her:
“This opportunity has been amazing for my whole family. My brother and parents both had great health results from Vemma, and the financial benefit kept them from losing everything three years ago when the economy took a huge hit in Texas. I was about to graduate from TCU and was on the job search, and I found there was very little out there to choose from, if anything at all. I realized my options were to work for less than $30,000 a year while working 60 to 70 hours a week, or do something different. I chose to do something different. I love Vemma; it’s an opportunity like nothing else out there. I work Vemma part time, and I’m also a Real Estate agent. One of the best things about this business is it teaches you how to achieve your goals, gives people hope, and gives them the ability to live the life and lifestyle they want to have.”
23-year-old Platinum, Jennifer Neel has been with Vemma for almost two years. Jennifer was enrolled by her mom, Executive Lorna Neel, but was initially introduced four years ago by Kelli McCamy.
How Vemma changed her:
“This opportunity has been amazing for my whole family. My brother and parents both had great health results from Vemma, and the financial benefit kept them from losing everything three years ago when the economy took a huge hit in Texas. I was about to graduate from TCU and was on the job search, and I found there was very little out there to choose from, if anything at all. I realized my options were to work for less than $30,000 a year while working 60 to 70 hours a week, or do something different. I chose to do something different. I love Vemma; it’s an opportunity like nothing else out there. I work Vemma part time, and I’m also a Real Estate agent. One of the best things about this business is it teaches you how to achieve your goals, gives people hope, and gives them the ability to live the life and lifestyle they want to have.”