Sunday was supposed to be our day of rest with no meetings this day.
But that didn’t quite happen. We awoke around 7 a.m. and started to the airport a little after 8 a.m., spent most of the day in airports and on two flights and arrived in Knoxville, Tennessee around 4 p.m. After getting to the hotel, we checked in. Have you ever checked into a huge hotel that’s completely vacant? It was a little creepy at first; I mean, I’ve truly never — in my life — think I’ve ever gone into a huge hotel and not seen a single soul other than the person checking you in.
So after MJ made a few jokes, he and I dropped the bags off and went off to Best Buy to pick up some equipment and then stopped by and attended a local church service on the way back — right before dinner. Good times.
Actually, while we were at the Best Buy, something hilarious happened in the store. I mean, really, it was hysterical, and I wish I had a photo of it (maybe I’ll try to recreate it at another Best Buy). It’s a bit too long of a story to post.
Monday morning came quickly, and with such a tough time slot on the first day of the week, we were half expecting an audience of 40-60 people. But when we arrived a half hour early, the room was already half full, and the room continued to swell until it was full. I’m guessing there were about 225 people in the audience, and I expect over 100 were guests.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure how comedy was going to work at 8 a.m. on a Monday morning — but it worked out just fine. Michael Jr. had a really casual and relaxing approach into the bit and took some audience questions, which then kicked us into a presentation about the Vision, Products, and Business Opportunity.
We were so impressed with the preparedness of both the audience and the guests; among many exceptionally well-managed meetings, this was probably the best. I can’t say enough great things about Jeff Johnson, the local Diamond, as well as the host of leaders there who were helping out with all sorts of logistics and making sure people were comfortable (Kristi, David, Victoria…many others I am sure I am missing).
Finally, Jeff closed with what I think is the most poignant and compelling question I’ve heard thus far on the Road Tour. He asked the audience, through the telling of both a personal story as well as a gut-wrenching experience about a couple for whom he cares deeply, to find the reason they weren’t going to join Univera, and to share this with the people that they loved. Meaning, with all that the opportunity this can provide — friendship, physical renewal, income, freedom — what’s really the good reason you have to withhold this from the people that you care so deeply about?
I can’t do his departing thoughts justice in one paragraph and in the written word; all I can tell you is that it was a powerful reminder of the responsibility as well as opportunity that we share. Jeff and team, thank you for being such outstanding hosts and coordinating an incredible event.
And RIGHT after this meeting, we were off to Jacksonville.
Have I mentioned we have had gorgeous sunshine this entire trip? Spectacular! And beyond this, not a hitch with all of our transportation. Every flight on time, every bag checked and received, nary a problem — apart from difficulty finding yogurt parfaits. But that’s something we can manage around.
(This is called foreshadowing).
Jax was GORGEOUS; despite a coming cold front, we arrived to find temperate air, a nice breeze, clear skies. And the drive to the Ramada Inn over a few bridges with glistening water surrounding us was therapeutic for each of us.
Unfortunately, Stephen had doctor meetings that afternoon — which supposedly forced him to eat at Bob Evans right after we checked, in since he couldn’t join us at 5 p.m., which I find absolutely hysterical. If any of you know, Bob Evans is like a more upscale McDonalds in terms of food choices. It’s not that it’s a bad restaurant, but it’s just a country-style restaurant (haven’t been in years) with very basic home cooking and a lot of focus on the comfort foods. So he was ranting about his meal of biscuits and gravy, walking in, as we were walking out to our delicious meal at Bonefish Grill comprised of fresh fish and grilled vegetables. While I wish Stephen could have joined us, there was at least a little humor in where he ate and what he thought about it.
The meeting was run by Jim Wagner — and I’m telling you, this guy is an incredible host. He’s warm, friendly, compelling, professional, and gentle. Each of the Exec’s, as well as Michael Jr., was really amazed at his talent in hosting such a well-run meeting. So many people, like at other events, helped out behind the scenes including Ginger Ward and so many others whose names won’t make the pages of this blog (hopefully some of your photos will, though).
And the attendance was great, I’m guessing 150 but with a lot of guests — and beyond. This was really a fun event, exactly like last time, with great energy along with some new leadership.
Road Tour in Pictures
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