Arguably one of Amway’s most influential and controversial leaders, Bill Britt has passed away at age 81.
I had the opportunity to see Bill Britt speak on a number of occasions and there is no doubt that he made a major impact on the Amway business and the Network Marketing business.
One of my favorite Bill Britt quotes is “How many people are better off because you lived?”.
Here is the announcement from Amway’s Achieve magazine:
It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Founders Crown Ambassador and Founders Council Member Bill Britt.
Bill and his wife Peggy started their Amway business in 1970. At that time, Bill was a city manager in North Carolina and Peggy was a secretary. “We were successful in our careers, but wanted more,” said Bill in a recent interview. “The Amway business model creates a level playing field for everyone. You get out of it what you put into it.”
Since then, the Britts have built one of the largest global IBO organizations in Amway history – one that includes an extensive presence in the United States., India, and China. The Britts became the first Founders Council Members in 1998 and qualified at the Founders Crown Ambassador level in 2002. Most recently in 2004, the Britts reached 40 FAA (Founders Achievement Award) points.
Bill taught all the IBOs he mentored one primary lesson – In order to become the greatest leader, one must become the greatest servant. This personal philosophy guided Bill in all he did. He’d often speak about the importance he felt it had in his business, as well as his daily life.
Amway President Doug DeVos said, “Bill epitomized the spirit of Amway and free enterprise. He leaves a dynamic legacy of global distributors that will continue to carry his passion into their own personal businesses – and their lives – for years to come.”
”Not only have we lost an Amway legend, but also, a dear friend,” said Amway Chairman Steve Van Andel. “At this difficult time, we take comfort in the fact that in Bill, we gained so much, including a global legacy that we know will live on for years. We will always honor Bill’s remarkable Amway accomplishments, his passion for service, his love of people, and his dedication to others.”
Vice President of Sales for Amway North America, Sandy Spielmaker, shares, “I will always treasure my relationship with Bill and will miss him dearly. He was a pioneer, an innovator, an educator, a motivator, and a good friend. His door was always open to new IBOs just starting out, seasoned leaders, and Amway employees. He was kind, caring, and always passionate about making the business better for all IBOs around the world. I learned so much from him and will always hold him in the highest regard.”
Bill Britt will be greatly missed by the global Amway family. He was loved by not only his family and friends, but the countless thousands who found success in the Amway business because of Bill’s inspiring leadership. We are fortunate that he was part of our IBO family.
Bill is survived by his wife, Peggy, who continues the Britts’ Amway business legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Peggy and the Britt family, as well as their friends and extended IBO family throughout the world.
That is very bad news… I know many will miss him. Luis Cabrera from Mexico
sad times, he has impacted so many lives and my biggest respect to him is because he did it without all the technology we have today…he did it out of PASSION. thanks for posting.
Seb
may god give peace to his soul. he was the person who always try his best for the betterment of his team. he started amway biz, from scrach, with his dedecation and detwrmination hereached the top level in amway
That is such sad news! Bill was a giant in the Amway “family”. The Britts have long been mentioned in hushed whispers of near-reverence whenever new business owners talk about their goals and what they hope to achieve through Amway.
Godspeed Bill!
Monica
I just completed an Amway review video a few days ago and I was thinking of how great Amway is and what they have brought to the industry. You don’t get to be a 54 year old company for nothing. They got me started in MLM many years ago. Bill Britt was a well known Amway guy back then. He has surely fulfilled his saying “How many people are better off because you lived?” which can best be fulfilled in this great industry called Network Marketing
Bill Britt is one of the best network marketers that has ever lived. He ispired me at 18 when I first got started in the industry. I pray his family has peace through his passing, and I hope they truly know how impactful his life was. Rest in peace Bill….we appreciate you, and all you have done!
Stephen, I was first in Bill Britt's team in 1977. I helped him remodel several buildings to hold his bus, other toys and offices. Almost got the contract for building the white boards. Yes, we have drawn plenty of circles. Started my self improvement then and have never stopped. Glad to know our networking roots came from the same tree. He will be missed!
Amway put MLM name to everyone’s minds, even today. Rest in peace Mr. Britt. You’ll counted as one of the pioneers of modern network marketing.
most sucessful legend in the world.
si bill Britt nos dejo bien preparados para ser grandes seres humanos. y grandes como Empresarios del multinivel.
ASI ES LEGADO QUE CONTINUARA TODO EL TIEMPO QUE DIOS NOS DE SOBRE LA FAZ DE LA TIERRA SEGUIREMOS SU EJEMPLO Y SU SABIDURIA HOY POR HOY Y EN HONOR A SU NOMBRE NUESTRO NEGOCIO SE LLAMA BWWJUAREZ VICTOR Y MIRNA Y ESTAREMOS AGRADECIDOS TODA LA VIDA POR SU BUEN EJEMPLO DE VIDA.
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight it’s the fight in the dog.” That is one of my favorite Bill Britt quotes. I’m not an Amway rep, but I was at one point, although not in his organization. This guy was a man’s man and great leader. I always loved his speeches.
Chuck Holmes
Amen!