New Platinums attending their first official Amway-sponsored IBO event were excited to arrive at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Having achieved their first major milestone in the Business, new Platinums are eager to learn more about building a successful, sustainable business as well as visit the Amway™ Corporation. Following registration, many of the visiting IBOs toured the IBOAI® offices, located in the hotel’s adjoining office building.
It was a pleasure for IBOAI Governance & Oversight member, Howie Danzik, and the staff to greet the energetic, enthusiastic IBOs and show them where the Board meets, discusses and decides plans, policies, and programs to help IBOs across North America grow their businesses. As they were guided through the massive Boardroom and meeting rooms, the rising stars in the Business asked several thoughtful questions and listened intently during their tour through the IBOAI offices bearing historic photographs of those who helped shape the Business and original products from days gone by.
Although they may have previously read about the origin, purpose, and structure of the IBOAI, and how those elected to the Board work for the benefit of all IBOs, to visit where the Board and Amway staff make vital decisions for all IBOs impressed the new Platinums.
Shin Hye and Reid Oshiro from Hawaii commented, “Within these walls, there’s so much work accomplished by Leaders today as well as history of how this Business came to be and continues to flourish. It makes us want to strive to serve on the Board in the future … to give back.”
Christy-Ann and Marc Rufa of Long Island, New York were “attracted to the Amway™ business by the opportunity to live a different and better life.” While strolling through the IBOAI meeting rooms, Christy-Ann exclaimed, “It’s amazing to see where the magic happens! It’s better and bigger than we even imagined. They have our backs!”
Coya and Todor Andonov, Newlyweds and new Platinums from Wisconsin, agreed it was “surreal” to visit the IBOAI offices they had heard about. Todor remarked, “The Founding Families poured so much into the Business and created a great opportunity – and the Board continues to do so.” Coya said, “It’s gratifying to learn how much the Board and Corporation work together and value the opinions and feedback from IBOs.” Todor and Coya agreed, “Becoming Platinum is a stepping stone to living out our values. For us, helping other people is what it’s all about.”
As voiced by many of the visiting Platinums, Brenda Valenzuela and Archila Antonio of Albuquerque, New Mexico, discovered the IBOAI offices were more impressive than they previously thought, especially the big Board room. Brenda mentioned learning the IBOAI history was interesting. Archila commented, “The fact that they’re bringing more people to the Board from different geographic areas and backgrounds makes me feel confident we are well represented by the IBOAI Board.”
As the new Platinums exited the offices, they were given a goody bag for their busy week ahead – XS™ Energy Drink, Perfect Empowered Drinking Water®, a pack of “Thank You” cards, literature on IBOAI® membership, IBOFacts®.com, and Direct Seller insurance, a blank journal and pen bearing the IBOAI® logo.
