North of the 49th | Amway

We often hear talk about how it’s a changing world – and no more so than when looking at modern work expectations. However, sometimes, just sometimes, you find people and things that represent the best of the past, but bring those qualities into the present.

And, if we’re lucky, we’ll take those lessons and inspirations and move them towards the future.

It’s a week of mixed emotions here at Amway Canada. First off, today marks the official kick off of our 50^th anniversary celebrations. Canuck Central was the first international affiliate upon opening its doors in 1962 (our Commonwealth buddies in Australia like to say they were the first country outside of North America to offer the Amway opportunity, but we’ve got them beat!)

Here we are 50 years later. Plenty of things have changed; many people have come and gone – both IBOs and employees.

Well, not everything has changed. For the past 43 years, there has been one constant at Amway Canada. And this week marks the end of an era of sorts as our Customer Service manager Betty Sherman is officially retiring tomorrow. Hence the aforementioned mixed emotions.

Think about that: 43 years. The focus on Generation Y and X (the latter, of which I find myself a part) has long been about their transient nature: in and out of jobs, switching careers multiple times, no attention span.

So will 43 years ever happen again?

It’s hard to imagine, but those years do sneak up on you. I remember when I was being interviewed for my job here. Walking around, I saw the anniversary notices on the wall – they were riddled with 15, 20, and 25-year celebrations. I thought, “Well, if people are willing to stick around for that long, there must be something to this company.”

Personally, I had moved through a couple of jobs back then: two years apiece. Would this one be any different? Well, I started on June 3, 2002. You can do the math.

But 43 years? Is that a milestone that’s only attainable in a different era? My father, who recently turned 65, spent almost 40 years at 3M (and has since returned as a retired consultant over the past few years). There was the assumption then that you’d stick with a company and the company would stick with you.

Sadly, I find that attitude seems to be changing. Yes, it’s good to challenge ourselves, learn, and grow. But I believe in being loyal to the company I work for; and I hope that sense of responsibility is two-way. Maybe I’m outdated in my thinking, but I’d like to think there are people and companies who don’t treat each other as easily replaceable.

I had the pleasure of sitting with Betty last month to discuss her career, her plans for the future, and the lessons she’s learned from 40-plus years of customer service. I’m looking into how I can best share those memories with you.

And speaking of memories, I have a favour to ask of you. As I mentioned, we’re kicking off Amway Canada’s 50^th celebration – and part of that will be building a memory wall on our Amway Canada Facebook page. So if you feel like sharing your memories, photos, and experiences, please send me an e-mail at northofthe49th@opportunityzone.com and we could share your memories with the world!

What are your thoughts? Do you see staying anywhere – even your home – for the next 40 years? Why has this mentality changed? And is it for better or for worse?

Comments are open! All the best,

Jay