The Petter Principles

Petter loved diversity of thought and celebrated each person’s uniqueness. He created a safe environment for the expression of thoughts, ideas, and creativity. He welcomed opinions that differed from his own. He encouraged debate and appreciated any analytical view. That was a totally new experience for me. Perhaps having been an almost homeless teen from 14-18 (living in seven foster homes) influenced my desire to please (knowing that saying or doing something they disliked could result in my looking for another place to live). Petter valued my opinion—everyone’s opinion and he gave me the confidence to share and contribute at a level that would make a difference. His openness, encouragement, and listening ear added to my ability to follow his leadership example in every area of my life—family, community, and business. Over the next few days, focus on listening and really valuing someone’s opinion that may be totally different from your own. In leadership positions—family, community, or work—encourage others, help them feel safe to share ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

Petter Morck cherished his homeland of Norway and he also loved America! He chose to launch his entrepreneurial dream here because he knew it was an environment that would allow people to flourish. He had a keen interest in our history, especially the American Revolution and the Civil War and he was inspired by those brave men and women who founded our country and pulled it through the most difficult times. I think he took courage from their example as he met and overcame the many difficulties and challenges of establishing a business and made the sacrifices that would open the door for people here and across the world to pursue their own dreams and become life-changers themselves.

For a number of years, he requested that we stand and sing “God Bless America” at the end of each of our events. On one occasion at a luau in Hawaii (with lots of people not in our company), he took to the stage at the close of the event, expressed his gratitude for the wonderful evening and this wonderful country of freedom and opportunity, and asked everyone to join us in singing “God Bless America”. On the last phrase, he dropped his trousers, revealing boxers with the American flag print. (No worries, they were modest!) He showed not only his sense of humor but also his great love of this country!

What do you believe in strongly? What would you be willing to stand in front of a crowd of people (most of whom you do not know) and declare that belief? Oh, Petter, how you inspire us!

Do you have an Advocate? Today I honor a leader, an influencer in my life and share insights I learned from his example, during the anniversary month of his passing.

Petter Morck was an Advocate for the People. Perhaps his experience as a child during WWII was the catalyst. When his family had nothing to eat, his mother pulled the wallpaper off the wall and boiled it to create a broth from the animal protein in the glue. He had seen the results of leaders who focus on themselves and the elite, privileged class, who do not care about The People. He chose to create an opportunity for personal growth, financial stability, and choices for anyone who stepped on the path. On one occasion a guest who had attended a meeting to learn about Arbonne asked him, “What is the most important position in your company? I’m going to the top!” He looked over his glasses and replied, “Consultant!”, which was the entry-level position. Petter knew that if Consultants flourished everything else would fall into place. He truly was an advocate for The People—and their success and happiness were his.

Are you an Advocate for The People in your life? How can you make a difference in your family, your community and your business?

Petter Morck cherished his FAMILY. He once told me that next to his family, Arbonne was his final quest. Did you catch that? He said NEXT to his family. Think about January 1980. There were no personal computers as yet, no internet, no email, no social media—there wasn’t even a fax machine! He had newspaper ads and the telephone to build his business on another continent. Initially, he suffered betrayal from those he hired to run his company. One fled the country with all of the assets, another was caught stealing his formulas to create his own products! Think of the sacrifices he made. His wife, Inger-Johanne agreed the family would leave their native Norway and live in the U.S. for five years. I’m so thankful she was supportive and willing because millions of lives have been blessed—untold numbers of families have experienced a higher level of living that will be transferred for generations.

Petter didn’t just cherish his family, he cherished all those families who were a part of his growing Arbonne family! He wanted to know your children’s names and had a keen interest in your life. He loved that personal connection. Consultants were not just numbers on a page, we were individuals with families and lives he wanted to bless.

Today, take an interest in someone’s family. Ask questions, find out the names of the people that are important to them. Capture a little bit of the joy of a more personal connection!

Thank you for indulging my memories of one of the champions in my life. When Petter Morck founded his company in 1980, the women’s rights movement was not yet mainstream thinking. In his more than 25 years experience of working with women in Europe, he had developed a great respect and admiration for women and their work ethic. I heard him say more than once, “Women do ¾ of the work of the world for ¼ of the pay.” Part of his quest was to create a financial path for women, where they could not only flourish but in doing so impact the world. He was confident that if women were given a path to financial stability, they would make the world a better place. He also knew that if a mother could have the flexibility of choosing when she could work, it would allow her to remain the primary influence in her children’s lives. This would not only strengthen families; it would strengthen communities and impact the world. His business model created an opportunity where women and men could leverage their time, add to their family’s budget, enjoy pure, safe products that deliver amazing results, and help others do the same.

When I launched my business in the fall of 1987, working from home, scheduling my work around my five children’s needs was such a blessing! It was life-changing for me, my family, and future generations. Thank you, Petter, for your vision and desire to change our world!

Today, acknowledge the value of at least one woman in your life!

When I met one of my life’s mentors, Petter Morck, I had visited a number of states including Alaska and Hawaii, Mexico, Canada and toured Europe. I loved to travel! I soon learned that travel with Petter was a new level of life. He believed travel could add to who you are, bring more peace and harmony into the world, and was essential for growth as a leader. He knew that networking with other leaders and the training received was something we could take home with us and the friendships we developed could last our lifetimes. He wanted our American “workaholic” mentality to wake up to the value of relaxation and the joy of refreshing our mindset. If possible, he took you off the beaten tourist path, so you could experience the culture, the food, the lifestyle and most of all the “heart” of the people and their country. In the early years of my career, he provided travel incentives every quarter—2 within the USA, a continental location, and an international trip. Yes, earning the international trip overlapped the others, so your efforts multiplied your rewards. It was always a stretch and took consistent effort which allowed your belief in yourself and your skills to grow. In my first year with Arbonne, I traveled to Vail, Colorado, New York City, earned my very first cruise to the Bahamas and Costa del Sol, Spain! Travel will always be a part of the Arbonne opportunity and open to anyone who wants to travel, learn, grow and become more. To list all the wonderful travel opportunities provided by the company and my own efforts to build my business in my more than three decades with this amazing company fills my heart with gratitude.

If you were given a free pass to travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Once you share the possibility of change, the critics appear with all the negatives about your decision and your new career path. For me, the kingpin was to meet the leadership, meet the founder and ask the hard questions I had been asked, which meant qualifying for and attending the upcoming event in Vail, Colorado. Asking Petter Morck that first question I had my answer. He didn’t sugar-coat it and he could have. He could have made something up or made excuses. He told me the TRUTH and the truth is always enough. In his answer, his commitment to his dream, his vision for what this life-changing gift of Arbonne could be came through and touched my heart. I knew I was on the right path. What a great leadership example! I am so grateful Petter had the courage and the commitment to speak the truth. The truth will set you free.

In your life and especially in these current circumstances, where can you speak the TRUTH and impact someone else’s future?

Petter Morck was unique. Some might say he was eccentric. He saw what most people call imperfections as beauty, such as teeth that weren’t straight. He marveled that beauty wasn’t apparent to them and they felt the need for braces. He didn’t see flaws; he saw what made you interesting and beautiful. He had an artist’s eye for people. He celebrated God’s design and valued you just as you are, and you felt valued in his presence.

I believe he had an appreciation for himself and his own unique design and gifts and that enabled him to focus on what he saw in others. Today, take another look at you. Is there anything you have labeled as “wrong” that you could see as beautiful or unique? As a leader in your family, your community, and your business, focus on each person you serve, see their uniqueness and the beauty of who they are. If appropriate, express your appreciation for what you see in them.

Petter Morck loved to award his top achievers and he was a master at making the recipients feel special and appreciated. He would handpick the gifts based on what he knew or could learn about each person. On stage, he would look into your eyes and speak as if only to you as he presented this individualized gift. His Parade of Champions included a paper he held in his hand with the 10 names carefully folded, so he only saw one at a time. He loved art, antiques, and history and his gifts always had special meaning. He was intuitive. For example, when he presented me with a beautiful pearl ring for top sponsoring, he said, “I think you are a pearl girl” and he was right. He would occasionally send a postcard or write a special note with a mailed gift. He loved doing what he called a Spell Down; everyone would stand who had achieved a certain volume, sit down when the number surpassed their achievement until one person was standing. It was exciting and it gave more people recognition.

Think of how you could personalize your recognition for your family, your community, and your business—take a little bit longer to write a note or share more of who they are and what you appreciate.

When I met Petter Morck, the founder of a company that has given me opportunities for personal growth, contribution to the world and an abundant life, his reading glasses were a traditional black or brown. He transitioned to a variety of colors—it was always fun to see what color Petter would be wearing. On one occasion at a leadership meeting in New Orleans, I was wearing a seafoam green suit (yes, we wore suits) that perfectly matched his glasses. At the conclusion of the meeting, he gave me the glasses which are on my desk today, reminding me of the vision Petter had for me personally and reminding me to always see those I mentor in their highest possibility.

At some point, Petter started consistently wearing red glasses. I remember asking him why and he said, “Because I can find them, and I bought a whole box!” Those red glasses became his personal brand organically and have become a reminder to hundreds of thousands of people of the vision we have together to provide a place where people can flourish!

What is your vision for your future and how does it include your life’s purpose?

Woven into the foundation of Petter Morck’s vision for his company is GENEROSITY. One of the most visible symbols of that is the white Mercedes. He chose white to represent the purity of our products and our intent to serve others and the Mercedes because of its high ratings for safety. He wanted the assurance his leaders would be safe on the road, paralleling our high safety standards for our products. No need for resumes or reviews, no political favors, or someone else deciding your advancement. He created a level playing field. If you choose to do the activity it takes to get there, you get the reward. I earned the RVP level* on April 1, 1988. It’s amazing that today, the requirements are the same or lower and I thought it was generous back then! To celebrate this amazing, generous company, I asked Petter to come and present the keys. I wanted everyone to know about this generous company and the potential it had to bless their lives. On April 25, 1988 (Petter’s 49th birthday) the first opportunity car presentation was born. Consultants baked “from scratch” cakes, we invited guests, the dealership cleared the floor and gave space for the refreshments on the mezzanine upstairs, so we could surprise Petter. They placed a large bow on my car and presented me with flowers. I gave flowers to Petter’s assistant and we sang Happy Birthday to Petter. In 2020, a record number of people reached this level. Petter’s vision is alive and well and waiting for those people who want more in their lives.

* Less than 2% of AICs achieve this level - annual earning of AICs can be found at earnings.arbonne.com

One of my most treasured experiences with Petter Morck (1939-2008) was at a guest event in Salt Lake City. We presented the entrepreneurial opportunity our company offers and then Petter suggested we have a drawing from those who registered as Consultants that night—one lucky person would receive their registration/starter kit free! We gathered the forms and put them in a basket. He drew one out and of course, everyone cheered and clapped for the winner. Then he said, “I want to do one more!” Much to everyone’s surprise, he continued to draw from the bowl. One more! One more! It was as if he was looking for one particular person, although he never looked at the names. He drew until all 17 were drawn! After the meeting, I asked, “Petter, that was very generous. Why did you do that?” He said, “I knew there was one person who was using her grocery money to purchase this kit, and her children would not have food. I had to keep drawing until I knew I had given this gift to her.” Sometime later, I told this story and one of our dear Consultants shared with me that she was that person. That was June 1990, and Nery Coleman is still with Arbonne today. Petter was a spiritually sensitive man, who listened and followed his intuitive feelings. He didn’t suppress or ignore a generous thought, he acted on it. Let’s all follow his example and brighten this world today!

So often we feel the necessity to have a new outfit for every event as if anyone would remember what we wore the year or even the month before. Petter Morck concerned himself with things far more important than his own wardrobe. He had his favorite plaid sportscoat which you will note in many photographs over a number of years. It was high quality and comfortable and he enjoyed wearing it. When our president, Rita Davenport, encouraged him to update his wardrobe, befitting the founder of a prestigious company, he capitulated. I remember him telling me how hard it was to give up his shoes he had enjoyed for twenty years. They were expensive, European handcrafted from one piece of leather, and he loved how comfortable they were. He was not a worldly man. He wasn’t concerned about his appearance, as much as the joy of being authentically himself and wanting you to be authentically you. He was much more concerned with who you were being and who you were becoming than what you were wearing. Let’s pretend to put on our Petter glasses today and see with deep appreciation who we are and who we have in our lives!

If we recognize that someone has had a positive impact on our lives and we share that legacy, we expand his influence for good. Petter Morck had great respect for commitment. He knew that I had made a commitment to a health code as part of my spiritual path and he honored it. Instead of champagne or wine in my welcome basket or at celebration dinners, he provided sparkling water. Yes, he said I was a "cheap date" and teased a bit, but I knew underneath that teasing, he respected my commitment and wanted to support me. It meant a lot. He was curious without judgment, which deepened our understanding of our most cherished beliefs. On one occasion, he introduced me as his Spiritual Mentor, which was both a surprise and a memory I will long treasure. I wonder what the world would be like if we took time to explore someone’s beliefs, honored their commitments, and chose to support them. Shall we take that challenge and reach out to one person who may or may not believe as we do?

These quotes by William H. Murray and Zig Ziglar were definitely evident in my own career and I recently recalled an incident when it also manifested for our founder, Petter Morck when we were in the Bahamas for an incentive trip. We had a special meeting, and I invited a local naturopathic doctor who was interested in adding Arbonne to her practice to attend with me. I was excited for her to hear Petter and learn about our life-changing opportunity with the hopes we could open the Bahamas. As Petter began to speak, I realized this was not going to be a familiar presentation. He shared on stage his commitment to his vision for our company and to all of us and how he had pulled from his own resources to make it work time and time again to the tune of $12 million and his wife had said, “No more, Petter!” I’m sure she said it with great compassion and admiration for his unrelenting determination to make his dream a reality, but that heart-breaking moment had come. They were on the edge and so were all those hearing this. I was somewhat aghast thinking of my guest. Then he shared his 20-year relationship with our manufacturing partners and how they believed in Arbonne (and without him saying it Petter as well) and had stepped in to save the day. Petter was brutally honest, transparent and Providence had moved for his and our behalf. He had gone as far as he could see thinking there was only darkness and then he saw farther. The CEO for the manufacturing company would become our new CEO as well and he did a fantastic job, pulling Arbonne back to the top within five years. Donna Johnson, Carol Waugh and I flew to California to meet with him, without knowing we were all wearing black suits. He must have thought we were the “Women in Black” who came and left totally assured we were in the best hands. As a leader, how would you evaluate your commitment? When have you gone as far as you could see and then you could see farther?

Writing this, I realized the power of a collective commitment and I am so grateful for all those who helped found our company, who did commit to their dream and Petter’s dream and made it through many rough spots on the road through the years. Even though this has been a challenging time world-wide, Arbonne has had remarkable growth. Ups and downs are part of life and part of business. Wherever you are in your commitment to your vision for a life you love living, take time to review and renew your commitment and know you will see farther! Hold to The Vision!

As we look back on our lives, we can see the inflection points—those small moments that had a big impact. One of those moments for me occurred when I was launching my business in September 1987. An Area Manager (the second of three levels of leadership at that time) lived an hour away. I asked Petter Morck, founder and CEO, if I could have her contact information so I could attend one of her meetings, observe her product presentation and basically learn from her. To my surprise, he said, “No” followed by “You be the leader!” I’m so grateful for that advice. I stepped into leadership and helped others do the same and we had uncommon success in record time. Would that have happened had I looked to others for all the answers? I think not. Today, is there a place in your life where you can choose to be the leader or increase your level of leadership? Our world needs each one of us. What could happen in our families, our communities, our countries when we take Petter’s advice?

Of all my experiences with Petter Morck, there is one that stands out as the hallmark experience, life-changing at the deepest level. It is truly the moment that I became a ‘Lifer’, and I knew without a doubt that God had gifted me with an opportunity that went far beyond any financial rewards. I was inspired to work my business at an uncommon level of activity in order to provide for my five children, first for the necessities and then the opportunities I dreamt our family could have through those efforts. Consequently, I had uncommon success, and five months after launching my business, I received a very big check from my perspective. To my surprise, I received a phone call from Petter. I remember it so well. He said, “You received a big check for you, didn’t you?” I told him that I had. (In time, I learned that when Petter said your name three times he was telling you something very important.) He said, “Phoebe, Phoebe, Phoebe, money changes people. I don’t want you to change. You must always remember that the things that are truly important are the things that last forever.”

After all these years, my eyes still fill with tears of gratitude as I remember this experience. The realization that he cared more about me and who I would become than any achievement I might have or any benefit it would be to his company, helped me stay grounded and focused on what is truly important in my own life and gave deeper meaning to my goals of helping others grow personally as well as professionally. It was what Petter wished for everyone who joined his Arbonne family, to see each one flourish and realize his/her highest potential.

Is there someone you can see in their highest possibility and help them see beyond their goals to who they are becoming?

There are no guarantees in this efforts-based business. Each journey is unique, and averages can be found at earnings.arbonne.com

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Petter Morck! Remembering a remarkable mentor today, who made every gift he gave extra special. This necklace and earring set are made of amber, and when Petter presented it in recognition of my achievement, he told a story that made it even more precious. As a boy his family would go to a particular beach in Sweden where the sap of the trees would run into the ocean, solidify and end up as chunks of amber washed up on the sand. His family would gather the amber. The amber I'm wearing was not gathered by his family but when I wear it, I think of Petter and his special memory with his family. I believe this is a valuable lesson for us to can learn. When you give a gift if you can add why you chose it, an experience that brought you to value it, or anything to make it extra-special, do so!

If Petter could be here today in the crossroads of 2022, what message would he have for us? I believe he embodied the admonition of Zig Ziglar, “Go as far as you can see and when you get there you will always be able to see farther.” Multiple times in the history of Arbonne, Petter stood on the edge of the light, not seeing his next step. His faith, his commitment to his dream, his tenacity and his vision which included all of us and millions upon millions more, always allowed him to continue. On one occasion in the Bahamas, he shared how he had stood on that precipice and there was no path to be seen. It looked bleak, until others with whom he had worked for 20 years, stepped forward because they believed in him and his dream. If he could speak to us today, I believe he would say, “There are people who believe in you and your dream, people who are waiting for you. Hold fast to your dream, move forward with tenacity and faith--you are here to empower yourself and others.”

Our success in life is never about us. It's always about those whose lives we can impact in positive ways. Honor what you have to offer and take one action today that moves you in the direction of your dreams.

From Donna Johnson....

Thank you, Phoebe,

This has been emotional as you share these beautiful stories of our beloved Petter. You have such an amazing memory! Yes, your name 3 times was very significant. I remember he sat me down very early and said: "Donna you were raised poor, so you will be tempted to spoil your children when you become successful. Success can skip a generation if you are not careful. Do not spoil your children and give them everything they want, they will become entitled. Have them pay for 1/2 of everything they want, it will build their character, self esteem, and help them understand money for a strong work ethic". After that, I followed his advice, even having my children pay for half of their college (if they earned an academic or sports scholarship it came off their 1/2) They thanked me for that challenge as they watched so many around them just blow off what was fully given to them. They all graduated with no debt because of working hard and scholarships. I appreciate you helping me remember so many of these beautiful stories of our culture. You were a big part of it, Phoebe, as you have passed it on beautifully as you set the example

This advertisement has been produced by Phoebe Fournier, an Independent Consultant, and has not been prepared or provided by Arbonne.

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This electronic document is owned and operated by Phoebe Fournier, an Arbonne Independent Consultant, and is not endorsed by Arbonne. Any opinions expressed on this are made by and the responsibility of the Independent Consultant and should not be construed as a representation of the opinions of Arbonne. Arbonne makes no promises or guarantees that any Independent Consultant will be financially successful, as each Independent Consultant's results are dependent on their own skill and effort. You should not rely on the results of other Arbonne Independent Consultants as an indication of what you should expect to earn. The annual typical earning statement is contained in the Arbonne Independent Consultant Compensation Summary (ICCS) available at iccs.arbonne.com