Their StoryDoing Well by Most Standards
When Joe and Norma Foglio saw the Independent Business Ownership Plan, they were doing well by most standards. They lived at a marina in Coronado, California, drove a custom Cadillac convertible, and wore beautiful clothes and expensive jewelry. Would you have shown them the plan? Not only did Jim and Judy Head show them the plan, but they encouraged, and believed in them.
Joe was at a time in his life where he didn’t know if he had the energy or desire to build a new business. He had worked hard all his life in several businesses, including manufactured housing, a restaurant, bar, pizza shop, and so on. You name it—he tried it! In the process, Joe had made several other men wealthy, but discovered that in business as usual, there is only enough room for the boss’s dream.
Finding His Why
The Foglios’ business started out slowly. Joe was working many long hours below the Mexican border building vacation houses. After the devaluation of the peso, he knew he had to build an independent business. Joe would run into the house, shave, shower, put on his suit, and be out the door again to share the business with a new couple.
Growing Excitement
From the beginning, Norma got excited about the business. She saw something different in Jim and Judy. She could see that they loved and respected each other, a quality that seemed to have faded away in her own marriage. She began to dream of having a close family and a happy marriage. Joe’s excitement soon followed. That is why they feel it is best to show the plan to both husband and wife if they are married.
Challenges Along the Way
The road to Diamond wasn’t easy for the Foglios. They had some challenges along the way. While building their business Norma was in a car accident and fractured her pelvis in five places. Nevertheless she insisted that Joe promise her they would carry on toward Diamond. Joe did, and soon they found themselves in Emerald qualification!
A New Goal
Joe and Norma enjoyed all the benefits of Emerald—Emerald Club, a trip to Peter Island, and traveling all over the country. But Jim and Judy were Diamonds, and the Foglios wanted to be with their sponsors. Up on the mirror went a new goal: Diamond. They put signs everywhere and thought about being Diamond all the time.
In Times of Need
One day they received a phone call from the coroner’s office in San Jose. Their twenty-seven-year-old son, Nick, had been killed in a motorcycle accident. Their own family and the business family helped them through this terrible time in their lives. Nick left them a grandson named Nicky, who is a special blessing in their lives.
Look for the Hope in Their Eyes
For Joe and Norma, the way to Diamond has been filled with many wonderful experiences. It was a blessing to share the business with someone and see that person get a light in their eyes because of the hope of a better future. Joe and Norma learned how to share their lives with others. They got so excited about other people that they forgot to fight with each other. They started getting along, and somewhere along the way they fell in love all over again.
Marriage First
Norma says, “The greatest thing we have received in this business is a wonderful marriage. When we got it together, we believe our family became what God intended it to be. The books, CDs, and association with people who have their lives together helped us. They were examples of what we wanted for our family.”
Joe and Norma spend a lot of time together. They take long walks on the beach, play golf, and spend time with their grandchildren, Nick, Joe Jr., Courtney, Torri, and Jessica.
Build a Dream with a Dream
Joe says, “We have built one of our dream homes. It’s a 6,200-square-foot, three-bedroom Mediterranean home on five acres in Southern California—AND we paid cash for everything. We go where we want, with whom we want, and when we want,” Norma says. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to know if anything happened to Joe, this business would still carry on. I wouldn’t have to go get a new job. We have more life and energy with a dream than we had without a dream.”
Maximum Advantages
“Our daughter Charrie graduated from law school. Our son Joe works for us and makes our life easier, so we can be free to spend more time with people. We have all our grandchildren in private schools, making sure they have the right education for each of their special needs. We want our family to have the maximum advantage in life.”
Joe and Norma have a large business—a business full of love. Their prayer every night is for God to expand their hearts and give them the ability to love more people. They give God all the honor and glory for their success. To the Foglios, their business is a lifestyle. It’s a people business, a life-giver. They wish for you to share the business and join them on the beaches of the world.