Some people call it garbage in, garbage out. Others refer to it as we are what we eat. Charlotte Thompson, a Royal Emerald Director from Sugarcreek, Ohio, has her own unique description: “Our body is the only vehicle we have in which to go through life. It does matter what we put into it. If we eat Twinkies, we will make Twinkie cells. If we continue to do what we have always done, we will continue to get what we have always gotten.”
Charlotte and her husband, Keith, began their journey with The AIM Companies™ in 1997 in a typical AIM story. Keith was not feeling well and was low on energy. They gave AIM’s green barley juice a try on the recommendation of sister-in-law Marlene Rawls. Keith began feeling better in just three days. Marlene then told them that they could purchase AIM products wholesale by becoming a Member.
“I remember all too well what I told her that day,” recalls Charlotte. “I don’t want to sell this stuff. I don’t want to go to a meeting and I don’t want anyone bugging me. Marlene assured me AIM was different. It would do none of the three. With that, I decided to become a Wholesale Member, April 30, 1997.”
Little did she know that the decision to join AIM would lead to a business-building career with the company and, in time, a connection to one of the more unusual downlines in the company. Her part of Ohio is home to the largest settlement of Amish of any state. It is also home to a large number of Mennonites. Commonly thought of as very private, the Amish have become a big part of Charlotte’s downline. She also has a large number of non-Amish in her downline, called “English” by the Amish. “The Amish and Mennonites are people who care about people. We are in rural communities where people know each other and trust their neighbor. We have been invited to eat with many of them. Most Amish don’t have phones in their homes so they often phone us from their workplace or a phone booth nearby. We often get letters in the mail giving us the opportunity to serve them in some way. We go out to their homes if need be to meet them in answer to their letters. We also do home meetings.”
John and Marlene Miller are Amish. They respect and appreciate the effort Charlotte has put into her AIM business and the friend she is to them. “Charlotte always goes the extra mile for everyone,” they say. “She’s been a blessing to us and to AIM.” Another Amish couple, Atlee and Mary Yoder, add: “Keith and Charlotte Thompson are almost like family to us. We had a Christmas supper together at our house.”
Charlotte did not wave a wand and magically connect AIM with the Amish. “One day, shortly after starting on AIM’s barley juice I went for my daily walk with my Amish neighbor. I was so excited about what was happening at our house I had to share it with her. Yes, she wanted to try it too. The next day her aunt went walking with us and wanted a jar also. At that time I had to order more and soon saw I couldn’t keep enough on hand for everyone. I told them the juice could come to their door just as easily as it came to mine. I can get you a wholesale membership. You will also receive a free magazine about the products and health. Wow, that wasn’t hard.”
In the first month, Charlotte received a check for $69. The next month it was $200. Pretty nice for someone laid off at the time and wondering what to do. She told her son, Nathan, that she needed to find a job. His response: “Mom, I think you have a job.” She began talking about AIM in one-on-one meetings, held monthly group meetings, conducted healthy cooking classes, holds an annual picnic for those who attend her monthly meetings, and makes sure she holds meetings within buggy-driving distance for the Amish. For the past three years she and some of her directors have hosted the Ohio BarleyLife Conference. “I know in my heart God brought The AIM Companies™ into my life.” In 2002 husband Keith retired and now the two of them work the business.
The Amish in her downline appreciate her assistance and believe in the value of the product.
Monroe and Barbara Barkman, Sugarcreek, Ohio: They use six AIM products regularly and others occasionally. “AIM is not a new company and it is well-established. AIM Garden Trio® is the best whole food supplement and AIM Herbal Fiberblend® is the best fiber on the market. God created our body to heal itself if given the proper food.”
John and Marlene Miller, Dundee, Ohio: They use all the AIM products, especially during the winter. They became convinced of the worth of the product line after Charlotte shared the Healthy Cell Concept® with them. “AIM products are of the highest quality. The quality has kept The AIM Companies™ in business for 25 years.”
Atlee and Mary Yoder, Apple Creek, Ohio: The family of nine uses nine products. “Our whole family benefits from the AIM products. We first met the Thompsons in May of 2003. They were sent to us by my sister because of my arthritis problem,” says Mary. “We are very excited about AIM products and we try to share them with other people. We tell them about our experiences with the company’s wonderful products.”
The Thompsons are serious about their AIM business. Charlotte takes nutrition classes. She traveled to Utah to learn about AIM Herbal Fiberblend® from its developer, Teresa Schumacher. She has attended courses taught by Janet Pauly and Opal Wright. Keith and Charlotte have attended several Texas BarleyLife conventions. They now host the Ohio conference, and they have attended every AIM international convention since 1998. She takes 10 AIM products, not all of them regularly. Keith also takes 10 products.
“We appreciate the integrity of The AIM Companies™,” says Charlotte. “AIM grows its own barley in healthy soil in Canada, not in California. People want to hear about the products and what they can do for their health. Other companies talk about money. AIM wants people first to know what the products will do for them then they can share or sell them to others. When you know about a good thing, it is hard to keep it quiet.”
The Thompsons amazingly have traveled to all 50 states, have been married for 40 years, have three grown boys, and four grandchildren. “Our sons take AIM BarleyLife® and it has been fun to watch our little grandsons eat AIM BarleyLife® like candy.”
Ralph Peterson, Portland, North Dakota, Royal Emerald Director, and a Member of AIM’s Presidential Advisory Council, has worked with the Thompsons: “Charlotte cares about all the people she comes into contact with. Not only does she have a desire to learn, but she has an unselfish desire to share that knowledge with others. She and Keith make a great AIM team. They are very special people.”