WORKING TOWARD A FAMILY GOAL: FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 8, 1993                   TAG: 9304080431
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: W-25   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
WORKING TOWARD A FAMILY GOAL: FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
Jennifer McCraw has been looking for a part-time career since her son, now 8, started school. She has attended Tupperware and cosmetic parties, considered giving manicures at a local salon, and recently considered a career in real estate.
On this particular day she is going to the home of a friend of a friend to learn about a career opportunity with a new company called Melaleuca.
Tina and Johnny Grace already own one business, Star City Archery. But they recently became Melaleuca distributors to provide more income for their growing family.
They invite McCraw into their kitchen where Melaleuca products are displayed on the dining table. The Graces hope McCraw will decide to distribute Melaleuca products, which range from medicine chest items, to detergents, solvents and beauty products.
Johnny Grace begins with a history of the company, first explaining what melaleuca is - extract of an Australian tree. Products made with melaleuca oil are biodegradable, environmentally friendly and affordable, he says.
He says Melaleuca Inc. is a career opportunity that can be part time or full time with a low investment to get started - under $20. A monthly expenditure of $20-$30 is required to replenish supplies.
"We're not skinning you to add $20-$30 to your monthly budget. The products you buy, like laundry detergent, replace products that you already buy at the grocery store," Grace says.
"There's no way to lose," he adds with assurance.
McCraw seems more at ease once she learns that a large investment is not required. But she wants to know how the company profits from such a structure.
"The company doesn't spend any money on advertising, and it operates its own manufacturing facilities, so it doesn't have to farm out work," explains Grace.
As a distributor, McCraw would attempt to sign up five friends and begin to make commissions on their sales as well as her own. Profit sharing, automobile allowances and cash bonuses follow if she continues to be successful.
Grace said 10,000 people per month sign up with the company, which has been featured in Inc. Magazine for the past three years because of its growth potential and record low debt.
"We signed up in January because we felt like the company has great potential. We tried the products and liked them. And there is virtually no paperwork because products are ordered by phone and delivered from the company by UPS," says Grace.
A friend "with vast experience in multilevel marketing and direct sales" recommended the company to him, Grace says.
According to company literature, one Colorado church school made enough money from Melaleuca commissions to pay the entire teaching staff last year. Grace said non-profit organizations benefit from joining Melaleuca. He encourages McCraw to think about the organizations she can approach.
After listening to the one-hour presentation, McCraw says, "I liked the one-on-one presentation. I don't like the group thing. There's not as much pressure to get involved here."
Her final decision will come after contemplating the business with her family.
Meanwhile, Tina and Johnny Grace prepare for the next presentation as they work toward their goal of financial independence within the next 18 months. The Graces, who have three preschool-age children, hope their Melaleuca earnings soon will provide debt-free living, except for the mortgage on their North Roanoke home.
The Graces can be contacted about Melaleuca Inc. by calling 562-3067.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB