52,269

I wanted to share something that I'm personally very proud of about this company. In actually perspective, my roll in this was actually very little. It does show just what kind of people I work with and work for. To realize that I’m still in the infant stage of this company and see what is happening…the vendor awards from Carnival, Holland America, Apple Vacations, and the “Success from Home” publication, and now a new company goal for the entire year that was reached a few weeks ago.

YTB reached its Dec 31, 2006 goal of 52,269 Referring Travel Agents (RTA'S) on Oct 19, 2006.

There was celebration at the home office after the announcement was made during a record setting crowd attended Red Carpet Day Orientation where 350 visitors touring the home office witnessed the excitement of the moment as the bonus presentation was kept secret from the 129 employees until the announcement was made on Thursday. Previously, YTB home office employees were given a bonus equal to $50 for every month they have been employed by YTB not to exceed $1500.

In January 2006, when YTB had only 21,000 RTA's, YTB founders Coach, Scott, and Kim spoke with all the employees in a group setting telling them that YTB's 2006 goal for RTA's by December 31, 2006 was 52,269. The whole room went silent right after the announcement was made because the employees did the math and it seemed ridiculous to them that if it took 5 years of hard work really getting with it after becoming a company to reach 21,000 RTA's, to reach a number 2 ½ times that size in one year was not possible.

However, CEO Scott Tomer told the group that when, not if, we reach our goal each employee would receive a Christmas bonus of 3 times the amount of last year's bonus. The employees quickly did the math.

All of the sudden the fever caught on. Signs posted on Clocks and everywhere were made with the number 52,269, even in the restrooms. It became a part of the home office culture to focus on that goal. They were saying, “What can I do today to help YTB get there?” Excitement and commitment reigned. Every employee, new and old, knew of the goal and the potential for each of them. Everyone tracked the number every day; everyone. They knew what kind of money was at stake. Instead of receiving a $600 Christmas bonus for being an employee for one year, 3 x $600 = $1800. An employee who maxed out at the $1500 bonus would get a $4500 bonus.

So when the meeting took place at the home office to announce that YTB had reached its 2006 goal of 52,269 something very surprising happened.

The top 3 RTA's of YTB who are either at the level 4 or 5 director position were in attendance at the presentation. Each of these directors stepped up to the plate and said they wanted to contribute an amount equal to one more bonus for each of the employees, making it 4 times their regular Christmas bonus. YTB founders, Coach, Scott, and Kim agreed and all of a sudden there lots of tears and kisses, expressions of gratitude.

Over $300,000 was given out that afternoon. Throughout the afternoon people were talking, telling stories, emails and smiles among all of the 129 employees at YTB home office in Edwardsville, IL about the generosity of the leaders and sales people of YTB. All employees' lifestyles were improved that day. Some will use their Christmas Bonus to pay off bills, fix a car, a down payment on a new house, and some of the money will go for college expenses, parents to be comforted, weddings to be planned, vacation dreams to come true. You would have to have been there to see the tears on Coach’s face. He was experiencing the joy of giving. YTB employees experienced the hearts of all who made this bonus possible by their extreme generosity.

That bonus turned 129 employees into loyal marketers, supporters, and defenders of YTB to the death. They know that YTB is the best of the best places of anywhere in the world to work.