Joe Markiewicz

Amway's Don Wilson – Creating Eternal Priorities

John Wooden is known as probably one of the best coaches of all time.  And that is any sport whether professional or college sports.  His record is unmatched and I'm sure it will be for a long time.  However, what is so impressive about coach Wooden is not his great record but the man he is.  He kept his priorities right through out his great career...

Don Wilson, “One of the things I respect about John Wooden is his focus on setting priority on what matters most. Coaching basketball was not a destination worthy of a life. He has other priorities.”

Don Wilson Nancy Wilson Quick Quote Favorite

I always tried to make clear that basketball is not the ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live. There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior. Until that is done, we are on an aimless course that runs in circles and goes nowhere. - John Wooden, Basketball Coach

Don Wilson and Nancy Wilson are members of IBOAI

IBOAI, the Quixtar IBO official trade association, serves and protects the business interests of independent business owners, Quixtar Ibo’s. Organizations leadership includes Jim Janz, Randy Haugen, Brad Duncan, Don Wilson, Billy Florence, Jody Victor. 2007 IBO association board members include: Kanti Gala, Bill Hawkins, John Merris, Joe Markiewicz, Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, Kathy Victor, Bob Andrews and Bill Hawkins

Amway and Quixtar are sister companies owned by Alticor Inc.

© 2007 Don Wilson & Nancy Wilson Amway / Quixtar IBO. Reprint permission given to Joe Markiewicz IBO Updates site.

Joe Markeiwicz - Billionaire Working Harder Than Ever

When most people think of a billionaire, they more than likely think of yachts and huge houses and traveling the world and things like that.  I bet most would not think of a billionaire working longer hours than the average guy.  But this billionaire is certainly doing that.  I'm sure he has his share of nice cars and houses since he is one of the richest men.  But he is still working harder than ever at his passion.

I am not advocating 18 hour work days.  But there is a lesson to be learned from this.  I don't think he is working so hard to make another billion.  I think he has a passion for what he does...

Twenty-six years ago as a Stanford University graduate student and a co-founder of Sun Microsystems, Andreas Bechtolsheim designed a simple but powerful personal computer workstation that would help define the modern technology era.

Today, at a high-performance computing conference in Dresden, Germany, he plans to introduce his newest machine: a supercomputer to be named the Sun Constellation System that will compete for the title as the world’s fastest when installation is complete this year.

“It is hard to believe that 30 years later I am still working on the same problem,” said Mr. Bechtolsheim, who is better known as Andy.

Between the milestones, Mr. Bechtolsheim, who is 51 years old, has designed a parade of computers that have continued to squeeze the most processing power or storage capacity into the smallest possible space. And, despite becoming one of the richest people in the world, he remains obsessed with designing ever more powerful computers. His new machine, which is currently being installed at the Texas Advanced Computing Center in Austin, is the latest example of his trademark elegant and simple engineering. It is set apart from other supercomputers made from tens of thousands of networked microprocessor chips by Mr. Bechtolsheim’s ability to orchestrate the range of computing disciplines that are needed to create the fastest computers.

As such, he is the leading candidate to inherit the mantle of Seymour Cray, a famous computer designer who consistently designed the world’s fastest computers from the 1960s until his death in a car accident in 1996. “He is this amazing blend of artist and engineer and that reminds me of Seymour,” said Larry Smarr, an astrophysicist and supercomputer user, who was an early customer of Sun Microsystems’ computers as director of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications during the 1980s.

Mr. Bechtolsheim’s 18-hour-a-day dedication to computer design is all the more remarkable because of his wealth. He has founded three successful companies in addition to being one of Google’s first financial backers. The initial $100,000 check he wrote to the Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page is an investment now worth more than $1.5 billion.

Read more from the Joe Markiewicz Business Technology article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/26/technology/26sun.html?ex=1340510400&en=98235584723d5bd6&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

© News feature of Joe Markiewicz blog site.

Amway's Jim Janz: Russian Courage and Faith

What an example of courage for all of us.  This may seem like a small act.  But it took a lot of courage and faith.  I appreciate Jim Janz sharing this with us...

Jim Janz, “A great moment in modern history was remembered by then Vice President George Bush. In the battle for personal and religious freedom, it is impressive and inspiring.”

Jim Janz, Great Moments In Modern History

As vice president, George Bush represented the United States at the funeral of former Soviet Leader Leonid Brezhnev. Bush was deeply moved by a silent protest carried out by Brezhnev’s widow. She stood motionless by the coffin until seconds before it was closed. Then, just as the soldiers touched the lid, Brezhnev’s wife performed an act of great courage and hope, a gesture that must surely rank as one of the most profound acts of civil disobedience ever committed: She reached down and made the sign of the cross on her husband’s chest.


Jim Janz and Sharon Janz Are Members of IBOAI, The IBO Trade Association

“The official Trade Association, IBOAI, is dedicated to serving and protecting the interests of Quixtar powered Independent Business Owners (Quixtar IBOs) throughout North America,” says Jim Janz of IBOAI.

Governed by a Board of Directors, the IBOAI: Protects the best interests of IBOs and serves as an advocate in IBO (business owner) issues with Quixtar Inc.

IBOAI, the IBO official trade association of Quixtar Ibo’s, serves and protects the business interests of independent business owners. Association leadership includes Jim Janz, Randy Haugen, Brad Duncan, Don Wilson, Billy Florence, Jody Victor. 2007 IBO association board members include: Kanti Gala, Bill Hawkins, John Merris, Joe Markiewicz, Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, Kathy Victor, Bob Andrews and Bill Hawkins.

Amway and Quixtar are sister companies owned by Alticor, Inc.

© 2007 Jim Janz Amway / Quixtar IBO. Reprint permission given to Joe Markiewicz IBO Updates site.

Quixtar's Jody Victor & Kathy Victor: Commitment to Goals

When you get really committed to a goal, it is amazing what begins to happens.  Things fall in to place.  There will always be challenges along the way to reaching a goal but commitment is what helps us push through when times are tough...

Kathy Victor, “ W. H. Murray lived the life of goal setting and accomplishing goals in the face of enormous obstacles. That’s why we’ve selected this leadership insight for you. Learning from the example of accomplishment is highly relevant.”

Jody Victor and Kathy Victor About Goals

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in ones favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings, and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets: 'Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it! Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it.’”

-W.H. Murray, of the Scottish Himalayan Expedition

About – Jody Victor and Kathy Victor

Jody Victor is founder of Markerman Productions, a global technology firm, and is President of MMP. Mr. Victor has spoken to audiences all over the world about free enterprise and success.
Jody Victor and Kathy Victor serve on the International Business Owners Association International (IBOAI).

IBOAI, the Quixtar IBO official trade association, serves and protects the business interests of independent business owners, Quixtar Ibo’s. Association leadership includes Jim Janz, Randy Haugen, Brad Duncan, Don Wilson, Billy Florence, Jody Victor. 2007 IBO association board members include: Kanti Gala, Bill Hawkins, John Merris, Joe Markiewicz, Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, Kathy Victor, Bob Andrews and Bill Hawkins

Amway and Quixtar are sister companies owned Alticor Inc.

© 2007 Jody Victor Amway / Quixtar IBO. Reprint permission given to Joe Markiewicz IBO Updates site.

Joe Markiewicz - Think Growth

Growth is important.  Investors are always looking for companies with good growth.  Things really don't just stay the "same."  They usually get better or get worse.  They grow or go backwards.  So personally we should always be striving to grow, to stretch ourselves to new levels. 

Don't get so comfortable that you don't get better.  It is so easy to do especially in today's world.  These are some thoughts to help us keep focused on personal growth.

Amway's Joe Markiewicz - Personal Growth Favorites

He that will not reflect is a ruined man. - Asian Proverb

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. - Aristotle

Energy and persistence conquer all things. - Benjamin Franklin

© 2007 Joe Markeiwicz.  Permission given to Joe Markiewicz IBO Updates site.

Jim Janz Quixtar IBO: Team Members Setting The Tone

Coach John Wooden knows and understands leadership.  His writings on leadership should be read by all who desire to be better leaders and team players...

Jim Janz, “Leadership is often highlighted in sports. John Wooden is a role model for focused and caring leadership. One of my favorite leadership thoughts from him is…”

Make sure that team members know they are working with you, not for you. – Coach John Wooden


Jim Janz and Sharon Janz Are Members of IBOAI, IBO Trade Association.

“The official Trade Association, IBOAI, is dedicated to serving and protecting the interests of Quixtar powered Independent Business Owners (Quixtar IBOs) throughout North America,” says Jim Janz of IBOAI.

Governed by a Board of Directors, the IBOAI: Protects the best interests of IBOs and serves as an advocate in IBO issues with Quixtar Inc.

IBOAI, the IBO official trade association of Quixtar Ibo’s, serves and protects the business interests of independent business owners. Association leadership includes Jim Janz, Randy Haugen Brad Duncan, Don Wilson, Billy Florence, Jody Victor. Additional board members include: Bill Hawkins, John Merris, Joe Markiewicz, Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, Kathy Victor, Bob Andrews and Bill Hawkins.

Keywords: Jim Janz Quixtar, Don Wilson Quixtar, Billy Florence Jody Victor Quixtar

© 2007 Jim Janz Amway Quixtar IBO. Reprint permission given to Joe Markiewicz IBO Updates site.

Amway's Joe Markeiwicz - Think Long Term

Long term thinking is not something that everyone does.  Our natural temptation is to think only in the short term.  Long term thinking is a discipline.  We must work at it all the time so we don't drift back towards thinking only in the short term. 

It is a key to success in every area of life.  Financial success certainly comes more often to those who think long term and delay their gratification.  If you want to stay in good physical shape you have to think long term.  When you choose to eat a healthy meal over a not so healthy meal it can be hard to really notice any difference.  (Although we do normally feel better from the healthier choices.)  When we work out, we may feel some pain but it is hard to look and really see the results.  All these things require us to think long term.  So challenge your thinking.  Ask yourself, "Do I really think long term or is my thinking more short term thinking?"

Joe Markiewicz - The Right Thinking

"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome." - Booker T. Washington

"Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom." - George Smith Patton

© 2007 Joe Markeiwicz.  Permission given to Joe Markiewicz IBO Updates site.

Quixtar's John Merris - Freedom Isn't Free

I love the line, "freedom isn't free."  There is so much truth packed in to this short statement that everyone has probably heard.  Freedom really isn't free.  It comes with a price.  As Americans, we enjoy a great freedom.  But we should never forget it came with a price.  Remember all the men and women from our past and present who have put their lives on the line for our freedom.

The same can be said about financial freedom.  Financial freedom may mean different things to different people but whatever it means to you, you can be sure that it only comes by paying a price.  Just having the freedom from debt comes with a great cost.  It takes hard work and discipline.

So just remember that freedom of any kind comes with a price tag. 

Amway's John Merris - Freedom Favorites

"Ultimately we know deeply that the other side of every fear is a freedom." - Marilyn Ferguson

"Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!" - Patrick Henry

"Everything can be taken from a man but ... the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." - Victor Frankl

© 2007 John Merris Quixtar IBO.  Permission given to Joe Markiewicz IBO Updates site.

Joe Markeiwicz - Take a Shot

Opportunity is around every one of us.  During our lifetime, we all will have great opportunities come our way.  Some we may not recognize.  Some we will.  But the real key is not recognizing the opportunity but taking action and doing something about it.  Of course we should think and not jump at everything that looks good.  But too many of us probably struggle with not taking enough action.  Procrastination is a dangerous enemy of success.  We can't wait forever to a take a shot.

I love the quote by Wayne Gretzky.  It says it all!

Amway/Quixtar Joe Markiewicz - Action Quotes

"100% of the shots you don't take don't go in." - Wayne Gretzky

"Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time." - Arnold H. Glasow

"There is nothing to fear but fear itself." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

© 2007 Joe Markeiwicz.  Permission given to Joe Markiewicz IBO Updates site.

Quixtar's Don Wilson - Watch Your Attitude

I really appreciate what Don Wilson has to say here.  We all must watch our attitudes every day.  This is great advice from Mr. Don Wilson...

We all have to continually work on our attitude. Having a good attitude isn't something we work on once and then it is all taken care of for the rest of our lives. It is like eating or brushing our teeth. You don't brush your teeth once and then think, "OK, I don't have to do that again!" No, we all know that we must brush our teeth a couple times every day. We are taught this as kids and reminded every time we go to the Dentist!

But we must always watch and keep our attitude in check. Kids should be taught to work on their attitude daily just like they are taught to work on or clean their teeth daily.

So attitude is important. No one likes to be around people who have a bad attitude. But people love to be around people with a great attitude. Attitude is a choice. Decide DAILY to have a great attitude that attracts people.

Don Wilson - Attitude Favorites

"Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun." - Colleen C. Barrett

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us." - Helen Keller

"If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment." - Marcus Aurelius

© 2007 Don Wilson reprint permission provided to Joe Markiewicz IBO Updates site.