Uzzi "The Bookman" Aguirre

ts are trained in life skills such as independence, confidence, self-motivation and goal-setting. They run their own business selling an integrated learning system to families throughout North America. Several summers running a business selling Southwestern Advantage products allows students opportunities beyond financial success. In addition to building their resume and practicing skills needed in the work place, the students learn how to run a business and are, essentially, paving the path for their future. Additional opportunities have been created for the independent student sales force, as companies have been established using the capital, support and resources of the Southwestern Advantage business incubator. There are over a dozen companies in diverse industries, most of which are sales-based including financial services, insurance, fundraising, publishing, consulting, executive search and personal coaching to name a few. Southwestern Advantage was established as a publisher in 1855 by Reverend J. Graves in Nashville, Tennessee. Originally called the Southwestern Publishing House, Southwestern Advantage has persisted through time to become one of the most respected names in the direct selling industry. Today, Southwestern Advantage is recognized as the oldest direct selling company in the United States, helping young people build character, gain life skills and reach their goals through the summer sales program for college and university students. Following the end of Civil War, a change was set forth in the Southwestern Advantage business model that would play a crucial role in the birth of modern day direct selling. The company moved from mail order sales to direct selling as a result of Rev. Graves’ observations of college students not being able to afford tuition due to the local economy being in ruins from the ravages of war. In 1868, Southwestern Advantage began offering young men a new lease on life by participating in an entrepreneurial endeavor which consisted of running their own business selling products to families face-to-face. This change, as it turned out, formed the basis of today’s Southwestern Advantage internship program. In time, Southwestern Advantage expanded beyond the United States and students all over the world are able to take advantage of the opportunity to make money for their educations and build their resumes. In addition to helping students make money, the internship program gives them valuable exposure in the form of an experiential education and an opportunity to enhance their skill sets to set them apart from their peers upon graduation.