“Coming together, we are set to unleash an unparalleled synergy, combining our unique strengths to foster growth and opportunities, not only across Korea but throughout Asia,” said Robert Stevanovski, ACN Chairman and Co-Founder. “Our journey with our respected counterparts has been rooted in mutual admiration and a deep, personal connection spanning more than two decades. This is more than a business transaction; it’s a fusion of visions, paving the way for our employees, independent salespeople, and all stakeholders to thrive in an exciting, expansive new era.”

ACN Korea is known as a “Top 20” company in its sector. With this acquisition, both companies will reside under the Neora brand and will work together to create a platform for entrepreneurial growth in direct sales in Asia Pacific.

“I am thrilled to welcome ACN Korea into the Neora family,” said Jeff Olson, Neora Founder and CEO. “The ACN team has built an impressive legacy, and our shared commitment of ‘Making People Better’ aligns perfectly with our global mission. I eagerly anticipate the Emerge Event on February 17, where we can get to know each other better and share our vision for the future. Together, we are poised to build a transformative legacy in the Korean market.”

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Founded | 1993

Headquarters | Concord, NC

Top Executives:
Robert Stevanovski, Chairperson & Co-Founder
Greg Provenzano, President & Co-Founder

Products | Essential Services

Entrepreneurs are like magnets. They find each other, recognizing that same spark and vision. So, a group of entrepreneurs talking through new ideas is really nothing out of the ordinary—that is, until inspiration strikes and something entirely new is born. For the four founders of ACN, this lightning bolt moment changed everything and launched a business that shows no signs of slowing down, three decades later.

New Season, Same Values

Greg Provenzano, Robert Stevanovski, Tony Cupisz and Mike Cupisz dreamed up ACN at that fateful meeting 30 years ago. They all came to the table with significant direct sales experience, so they knew what they loved about the industry and what their previous opportunities were lacking. And, most importantly, they also knew what their dream company would stand for.

“In 30 years, our core values: integrity, commitment to giving back, Independent Business Owners and customers above all—these have stayed the same,” Greg said. “But we’ve adapted and updated our products as needed and remained open to pursue other offerings.”

“When we met in 1992, we searched for an opportunity that we could put our faith and trust in,” Robert added. In the fall of 1992, we had the crazy idea to start our own company. We decided early on to always find ways to give back and do things the right way.”

Today ACN operates with Independent Business Owners (IBOs) in 27 countries. While ACN began as a provider of long-distance telephone service, the company has evolved tremendously and now offers a range of residential and business services covering 12 categories, including mobile phone service, energy, internet, credit card processing, health care and travel.

“We started with long-distance service, yet we remained open and very flexible in our mindset to pursue other services that would create long-term residual income for our IBOs and provide real value for our customers,” Greg shared. “We knew if we created the right environment and platform, we would attract the right kind of people. People who were looking for an opportunity and wanted to do something special for themselves and their families.”

ACN’s residential services include travel, mobile, identity theft protection, gas and electricity, health care, internet, television and security and automation. Business services include gas and electricity, internet, health care, payment processing and security and automation.

Each service category is represented by a brand or several brands. For example, ACN recently introduced Impact Health Sharing, an affordable healthcare program that offers customers an alternative to health insurance. Another recent addition at ACN is Truvvi Lifestyle, a members-only subscription that offers travel benefits and discounted rates.

“Our menu of services has never been better, especially with our recent additions of Impact Health Sharing and Truvvi Lifestyle,” Greg said. “I believe that we can build billions of dollars of revenue with these two services alone. And the timing of our opportunity has never been better.”

An Unparalleled Opportunity

As the direct selling industry evolves, finding new competition outside of the industry in nearly every product category, the ACN business model stands apart from the crowd. Customers across the world use key essential services everyday—from the energy they use in their homes to the wireless and security systems that protect them and beyond. While other direct selling companies are researching new product possibilities and new ways to keep their customers engaged, ACN taps into those key services customers are using already.

“There are a lot of good opportunities in direct selling, but we don’t rely on discretionary income. Our offering is mostly services that are necessities,” Robert shared. “Our income opportunity allows for residual income on everyday name brand products and services. We don’t have to change buying habits.”

ACN is service-focused so there is no inventory for IBOs to purchases. ACN provides a personalized website, training & marketing tools, business tracking powered by the Salesforce Platform, IBO & Customer Support, ACN Perks and ACN Loyalty rewards.

All IBOs can access the company’s extensive training and support system including an opportunity for specialized leadership training with the Co-Founders. From online training to local, regional and international training events and ongoing personal development, IBOs have everything they need to grow readily accessible to them.

“We are always looking for unique and innovative ways to support and connect with our IBOs,” Greg shared. “We’re offering a hybrid approach of Zoom and live meetings; increasing the number of in-person events; and doing social media training as another tool in their toolbox to help the IBOs attract others to themselves. We remain relevant by staying in tune with our leaders and what they want and need to grow their businesses.”

When the four founders met to dream up their ideal direct selling organization, they each came with deep experience that would shape ACN for the better. They knew they wanted the IBO experience to be seamless, supported and successful—so they created a family atmosphere that is results focused and rich with rewards and recognition.

“Since the very beginning we have always put the success of our IBOs above the success of the company,” Greg said. “I believe that when you have a higher purpose with the right intentions and focus, great things will happen for the company. And that is exactly what happened at ACN. Thirty years later, and we are more relevant today than at any point in our company’s history.”

Cheers to the Next 30 Years

ACN has much to celebrate, as it enters a new decade of serving IBOs, through steadfast leadership and ongoing expansion. In the last several years, ACN has grown through the acquisition of two companies: Kynect and Team National. Both companies’ essential service offerings fit perfectly into ACN’s portfolio, creating value for existing ACN IBOs as well as those IBOs that transitioned from Kynect and Team National.

“Both are service based companies, with similar core values,” Robert shared. “So, it was an easy transition for both companies, as both have high expectations and a family environment. It’s been great to add them to the team as IBOs and in the corporate office.”

ACN’s founders, corporate team members and IBOs are eagerly looking to the next 30 years, as they continue to grow together through serving their customers’ essential needs.

“We’re excited about continuing to help others,” Greg said. “The recent addition of services like Impact Health Sharing and Truvvi Lifestyle makes us very bullish about the future.”

From the May 2023 issue of Direct Selling News magazine.

The post ACN: 30 Years Is Just the Beginning first appeared on Direct Selling News.

The two companies will begin merging effective immediately to expand ACN’s global reach and create a smooth transition process for both companies’ independent distributors.

“We are very excited to continue the legacy Kynect has created,” said ACN Co-Founder Robert Stevanovski.

ACN will retain Kynect CEO Bouncer Shiro, a founding board member, on staff during and beyond the transition period.

“I am beyond honored to have been part of Kynect for the last 16 years,” Schiro said. “Together, we’ve changed countless lives and truly made a difference in this world. Words can’t describe my gratitude for the corporate staff’s endless contributions and belief in our movement.”

The companies point to a set of “shared values” and a comparable business model and product offering as the catalyst for the purchase agreement.

“Ultimately, this agreement is about enhancing the opportunity for our Kynect army and ACN’s Independent Business Owners,” said Kynect founder Rob Snyder. “We here at Kynect have built a culture that puts people and personal connections above all else. It’s no coincidence that we’ve entrusted ACN to carry that torch in partnership with our Independent Associates as they embark on this new journey.”

The post ACN Acquires Energy and Essential Services Provider Kynect Ltd. first appeared on Direct Selling News.

Dallas-based Stream was founded in 2005 by Rob Snyder and Pierre Koshakji as a direct selling company that provided energy services in deregulated markets. The new business model shook things up and created a new niche that revolutionized both the direct selling industry and the energy industry.

Today, Stream continues to make waves in many ways, providing electricity and natural gas services in nine states—Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Delaware and Ohio—plus Washington, D.C., but is also expanding its footprint nationally by providing wireless services.

“We’re focusing mainly on energy and wireless,” says CEO Mark “Bouncer” Schiro. “Wireless gives us a national footprint. With energy, we are in nine states, plus Washington, D.C., where we are providing energy to our customers.” They added home and protective services that make Stream a one-stop-shop for their customers’ needs.

“Micro-entrepreneurship in my opinion is one of the purest things America has to offer. And we do that through network marketing.”

—Mark “Bouncer” Schiro, CEO of Stream

Going nationwide and providing a new territory for Associates was the strategy behind Stream’s decision to expand into other product categories. “When we saw we had the ability to add wireless to our portfolio, it was a no-brainer for us,” says Schiro. “We shook up the energy business by providing simple and secure plans for our Associates and providing them with value. And we did the same thing with our nationally launched wireless program.”

Flourishing Footprint

Although the new focus on connected services has generated excitement and enthusiasm among Stream’s Independent Associates, Schiro admits launching new services is a long process. “We have not hit the numbers we would like to hit,” Schiro says. “But we at corporate are continually improving at preparing the runway for our Associates to succeed, including offering more training and tools to support their business. Now that we are into our third year of wireless, we are hitting our stride. We finally are profitable, so it’s a profit center for us. Now we want to really grow the business. That’s where we’re headed.”

Schiro served as CEO of Stream from December 2011 through February 2016 before becoming chairman, and Larry Mondry assumed the CEO role. Then, in September 2018, Schiro resumed as CEO.

When Schiro was away from the CEO job for two and a half years, he continued to talk to his mentors in the industry, former Co-CEO of Primerica John Addison and ACN Chairman & Co-Founder Robert Stevanovski. With each visit with them, he realized he’s fallen more in love with the industry. Micro-entrepreneurship, in his opinion, is one of the purest things America has to offer. “I am just so proud I was able to get a chance to come back and really show our Associates how much I love this industry,” Schiro says.

Now that Schiro is back in the role of CEO, one thing he wants to do differently this time is to make sure that the Associates know they’re at the forefront. “I’m going to make sure that they are heard and encouraged, and we are going to celebrate their wins. Hence, recognition, recognition, recognition. They’re going to know my passion about this industry.”

To lead the charge for a new and enhanced recognition program at Stream, Schiro recently put Chelsey Berend, Director of Events, in charge of recognition and says they will be a success under her leadership.

Schiro says one of the things he believes the company does well is culture. “We have four mantras that we live by—and this is credited to our founder, Rob Snyder,” Schiro explains. “The best idea wins. Take out the panic. Work the problem. Be transparent.”

Tooling with Technology

Stream is also focusing on improving its technology to support its Independent Associates and customers. “Technology is moving at lightning speed now, and we need to keep up,” Schiro says. “My commitment to our team is that we will keep up with technology. We’re committed to a continued focus on that in the future.”

“We have less than 5 percent of the Texas market, and we want to grow that. That’s our number one initiative: to take over Texas by growing our share of the market.”

—Mark “Bouncer” Schiro

Specifically, Schiro is very excited about Stream’s new Interactive Voice Response or IVR system, which answers the phone and directs calls to where they need to go. Instead of having eight numbers to call into, whether it’s wireless, protective services, or different territories like Texas, Georgia, or the Northeast, customers and Associates will only have to call one number with an IVR that is state-of-the-art. The system only provides prompts relevant to the account associated with the number they dial from, touts a voice recognition feature, and offers call-back options for those who prefer not to wait on hold.

Technology wise, Stream also overhauled their Associate back office support system they call Power Center. The new Power Center launch represents a complete overhaul, offering features and enhancements that put their entire business at their fingertips. They also changed their billing system platform for wireless to make it a lot more user-friendly and capable of bundling product offerings.

Powerful Plans

Since its launch as a startup in 2005, Stream quickly grew to about $300 million in revenue over the first 20 months, Schiro says. “I’m proud to say we have averaged approximately $800 million in annual revenue over the last three to five years,” he adds. “We need to find a way to grow our revenue, and that’s what we’ve been looking at.”

How does Stream plan to do just that? Schiro reveals some of Stream’s future plans and growth strategy. “We have less than 5 percent of the Texas market, so we have a lot of work to do in our own backyard” Schiro says. “Our number one initiative–to grow our share of the Texas market, which is very competitive, and it’s something we need to be laser-focused on.” We have less than 5 percent of the Texas market, and we want to grow that. That’s our number one initiative: to take over Texas by growing our share of the market.

“Number one, we are about relationships— relationships with our Associates.”

—Mark “Bouncer” Schiro

Another growth initiative of Stream’s is to focus on growing its Hispanic market, which has been one of their fastest growing demographics over the last three years. This growth isn’t lost on Schiro. “We’re going to make sure they are recognized for their achievements. Most importantly, we’re going back to the basics and that begins with listening to our Associates. We’re going to find out what they need. Because they know what they need to succeed.”

In May 2017, Stream moved its headquarters from Downtown Dallas to Addison, Texas, which is just north of Dallas and part of the humming Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. Although its sparkling new office space is new, the company’s values remain the same.

“Number one, we are about relationships—relationships with our Associates,” Schiro says. “When they come into the office I want them to feel like they are family. And I want our staff to feel that way, too.” Number two, says Schiro, is that everyone in this office needs to know that their job counts, and that they are affecting people’s lives. “The reason I came back is very simple,” Schiro says. “I want to be a part of something bigger than me. And I want everyone in this office to know that they are a part of something bigger than them. Our cause is to change people’s lives.”

Stream Cares

Stream’s philanthropic arm is the Stream Cares Foundation whose primary mission is to help those affected by homelessness. Homelessness is a nationwide issue that Stream Cares is dedicated to ending, in all its forms.

“Stream created Stream Cares and the Stream Cares Foundation to help children that were impacted by the homeless locally and nationally,” says Mark “Bouncer” Schiro, Stream CEO. “That’s been our big push. We’ve been very children-focused in our philanthropy.”

Stream Cares has partnered with many organizations on local and national levels to further their mission. Stream Cares recently partnered with Captain Hope’s Kids to develop Splash for Hope events at Hawaiian Falls Water Park, creating fun and exciting summer outings for homeless children in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to enjoy being kids.

Pick up your print copy of the November 2018 issue in which this article appeared.

Stream partners with Splash of Hope, which helps homeless children get to enjoy a carefree day playing at a local water park.

In May 2017, Stream Cares donated $15,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund for the tornadoes that hit East Texas, which left many homeless.

“After Hurricane Harvey, our Associates put a crowdfunding campaign together, and we agreed to match donations because we thought it was great they provided that. Together, we raised $30,000,” Schiro says. “They took it upon themselves and that’s what I’m proud of.”

The post Full Stream Ahead first appeared on Direct Selling News.