The best minds from all facets of the direct selling industry come together to host the Direct Selling Edge conference. Learn from industry experts as you begin or continue the journey to build your business. You’ll take away information you can put to use immediately.
Compensation Plan Design
Jay Leisner, President of Sylvina Consulting
Jay Leisner brings over 25 years of unparalleled business experience and success to the direct selling industry. His company, Sylvina Consulting, has provided business consulting and software consulting services to home party plan and network marketing companies since 1999.
Compensation plan design and evaluation, pilot programs, founder programs, development of marketing and training materials, business plan development and direct selling coaching are some of the most frequently requested services.
Previous to launching Sylvina Consulting, Jay worked for 13 years with a major direct selling software provider as a software developer, project leader and business analyst to provide both startups and existing companies, in the USA and abroad, with customized software solutions to meet the requirements of their businesses. Along the way while helping them, Jay learned the secrets of successful direct selling companies.
In true entrepreneurial spirit, Jay’s decision to start Sylvina Consulting was driven by what he saw as a need in the marketplace for answers, advice, and solutions. His in-depth experience working with major companies and new enterprises, his broad knowledge of this marketing channel and his understanding of many types of businesses, have earned Jay the respect and admiration of direct selling companies, peers, and employees alike.
The MLM Attorney
Kevin Thompson
Kevin is one of the most sought after MLM attorneys in the country. He owns and operates The Law Office of Kevin Thompson and specializes in providing legal services for startup direct sales organizations. Named as one of the top 25 most influential people in direct sales, Kevin Thompson has extensive experience and helps entrepreneurs launch their businesses on secure legal footing.
Kevin is a leader and prolific contributor in the direct sales community. He has published multiple ebooks accruing over 65,000 reads and 2,500 downloads. He has served as a keynote speaker at the international direct sales conference in Amsterdam.
Prior to starting his law practice, Kevin gained valuable experience while serving as Chief Counsel for Signature Management Team, LLC, also known as Team. Team is one of the largest providers of sales aids for distributors in the network marketing industry. While at Team, Kevin worked closely with Amway and MonaVie’s compliance departments to ensure Team’s marketing materials passed regulatory review. He has the experience and tools necessary to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses on solid legal footing.
Consulting Services
Victoria Dohr, Sylvina Consulting
Before joining Sylvina Consulting in 2005, Victoria Dohr had an impressive 30 year career in sales, marketing, advertising, public relations, and telecommunications.
Victoria also had 5 years of direct selling experience as an Independent Mary Kay Consultant. Victoria helps direct selling owners and executives to stay focused on what matters most. She has been commended by many on her consistent follow-up that helps clients to stay on course.
Direct selling is a perfect fit for Victoria. She enjoys sharing her perspectives and suggestions with new and established companies. Her desire to help companies overcome issues and obstacles is not just a job; it’s a passion.
MLM Software
Mel Atwood, President of Envex
Having succeeded at the corporate level and as a field leader, Mel brings a unique perspective developed over 29 years in the Direct Selling and MLM space.
At a very young age, Mel started selling door-to-door. He became a corporate trainer at 20 years of age, leading a regional direct sales franchise to the top franchise in the country. Mel led the development of several large multi-level sales organizations that each generated millions in monthly sales.
In the late 1990’s, Mel helped pioneer website replication technology and online marketing tools for MLM. In 1997, he founded Envex, a Utah based MLM software and consulting company. Over the last 15 years, Envex has become an industry leader in MLM software and technology solutions. Mel’s unique journey as a native within the Direct Sales and MLM world allows him to help others, at all experience levels, understand and make competent decisions regarding technology. His been-there-done-that experience make Mel a highly sought after consultant and technology expert.
Always a passionate contributor to the industry, Mel is a fomer Vice President of the Association of Network Marketing Professionals.
MLM Software
Jerry York, VP of ByDesign Technologies
Jerry York’s career in Network Marketing and Party Plan spans 33 years. He has extensive experience in the field as a distributor, the owner of his own network marketing company, and as an executive with three software information systems providers. He has worked closely with start-up companies and large, established, international DSA companies.
Jerry has published several articles on the industry and has spoken worldwide on building strong and lasting downlines. His knowledge and understanding of the Distributor/Consultant field and corporate experience uniquely qualify him to bring the right software solutions to Network Marketing/Party Plan companies.
As an executive with ByDesign Technologies for the last 10 years, Jerry has witnessed the growth from four employees to more than 80 employees and 198 active clients worldwide. Jerry and his wife, Trisha, also find time to enjoy their two teenage boys and reside in Vancouver, Washington (near Portland, Oregon).
Accounting and Tax Professional
Joe Craft, CPA/PFS, CFP
Joe Craft is a highly-regarded expert and trusted advisor in all areas of accounting and tax services. His specialties include tax resolution and representation, home-based business and entrepreneur taxes, direct-selling business taxes, and accounting advisory and consultation services.
Mr. Craft’s professional experience spans decades and includes high level positions in both large corporate and privately-held firms. That list includes Deloitte Haskins & Sells CPAs , Price Waterhouse CPAs, a large, regional CPA firm and serving as CFO for Financial Destination, Inc. His years of high-end corporate experience in tax planning and reporting led him to create Craft Financial Solutions, LLC, a full-service tax and accounting firm headquartered in Indiana. He is uniquely qualified to assist individuals and businesses of all sizes across every US jurisdiction with their tax planning and reporting needs.
Seeing a great need on the part of smaller businesses, entrepreneurs and MLM/Direct Selling firms, Mr. Craft’s firm has developed a devoted following by delivering responsive, high-quality services at competitive rates. His expertise also extends into estate and gift tax planning, and comprehensive and segmented personal financial services. Priding itself on building relationships that create trust, Craft Financial Services, LLC’s professional tax and financial services bring welcome stability and confidence to individuals and companies facing the challenges and opportunities of a recovering economy.
When Joe is not assisting clients or speaking for companies and organizations, he enjoys reading, traveling, watching movies, going to church, and spending time with his wife of 23 years and their three children. He is also active in raising money and awareness for several charities and non-profit organizations.
Distributor Compliance
Donna Marie Serritella
Since 1991, Donna Marie Serritella of Direct Selling Solutions has assisted direct selling companies and leading distributors in the areas of compliance consulting, distributor compliance relations, training distributors and staff and has written a Compliance Management Manual.
She works with companies and legal advisors to either structure or improve their company operations to meet legal compliance guidelines. She is a compliance expert.
Donna Marie was a contributing author of two chapters in the book, “Build it Big – 101 Insider Secrets from Top Direct Selling Experts”.
Donna Marie currently handles compliance personally for several direct selling companies. She also teaches individuals about the many
benefits of being in a home based business and how to select the right company.
Branding and Social Media
Chelsey Marie, Branding Entrepreneuress
Chelsey Marie is a branding entrepreneuress with a coffee addiction. She designs and strategizes online experiences with both style and love. Her mission is to create a community of women and men ready to make their online presence express who they are offline and make money doing it. Chelsey believes that everyone can create and achieve independence through self-expression.
Creating a magical message that enchants customers and allows them to get to know who is behind the brand is a crucial aspect to having a successful online presence. As a creative consultant, Chelsey collaborates with entrepreneurs who are overwhelmed by the possibilities of where and how to start implementing their overall vision online. She helps them convey/express their “brand” in a way that is unique to them by using a powerful online strategy.
“I want to dare you to be who you are in life and translate that into your business.” – Chelsey Marie
Building Your Sales Force
Troy Dooly
Troy Dooly is known as the Beachside CEO and recognized internationally as a thought influencer in the areas of public relations, reputation management, personal & c-level branding, marketing campaigns, organizational expansion, corporate launch strategies, business analysis and valuations, and private equity funding.
His clients include start-up ventures, multi-faceted public companies, billion dollar private businesses, international marketing organizations and well-respected private equity partners. Dooly is a highly sought after mentor, speaker, results coach, and radio host. He is a founding member, show host Beachside CEO and News Director of the Home Business Radio Network, and the founder of MLM Help Desk, the #1 news & info site worldwide for the network marketing profession.
As a founding member on the Board of Directors of the Association of Network Marketing Professionals, he works with both companies and distributors around the world to form tighter unity and collaboration in raising the public perception, ethical standards and best practices in and around the direct selling industry and network marketing profession.
Outsourcing
Noel Datko
IntegraCore is a provider of product packaging, warehousing, and distribution solutions. Its clients include many network marketing and party plan companies. With warehouses in Utah and Georgia, IntegraCore was recognized as #466 on the 2011 list of Inc 500’s fastest growing companies.
Noel Datko has worked with IntegraCore as a system and process design consultant for seven years and is currently helping IntegraCore to streamline the new client on- boarding process. He holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Performance and Change. His work includes research and analysis of the outsourcing decision making process to answer the question, “Which outsourcing decision will make your company the most successful?”