Work Hard, Work Smart

What happens when you match an “ambitiously lazy” man with a driven former farm girl weary of training men who climbed past her on the corporate ladder of success? In the case of Dan and Sandy Yuen, you get a couple that gains financial independence in their twenties and develops one of the largest private franchising businesses in all of Canada.

Instead of traffic jams, the Yuens enjoy international travel. Instead of work stresses, they are rewarded for helping others develop their own independent businesses. And instead of a life of what ifs, the Yuens embody what is possible when you not only work hard, but also work smart.

Massive Control of Time & Money

This loving Vancouver, British Columbia duo has spent most of their adult lives enjoying massive control of time and money. Along the way, they have been instrumental in mentoring thousands of others to follow their lead. They are thrilled and humbled by the answer to this cherished question: “How many lives will you change in the short time you are here?” Before they could positively influence others, Dan and Sandy first needed to change their old patterns of thinking, particularly when it came to earning money. After being introduced to World Wide Group and seeing the quality and integrity of its leaders, they became dedicated students and applied the “core habits” that are the blueprint of success in this industry.

Leveraging the Power of the System

The Yuens sacrificed short-term pleasure, such as sports and hobbies, for long-term freedom that now allows them to pursue even more sports, hobbies, charities, and other interests.

Without any prior business ownership experience, how did they do it? They consistently talked about the Independent Business Opportunity to friends and strangers alike; they did not let the naysayers discourage them; and they leveraged the power of the World Wide Group support and training organization to guide their fast-growing organization. One year later, Sandy walked away from her traditional job forever, at twenty-six years young. Eighteen months later, when he was twenty-nine, it was Dan’s turn.

Following Footsteps

“Anyone can succeed like we have, and we’ve been excited to help others do just that,” says Dan. “We’ve been students of this business and followed in the footsteps of great teachers like Ron Puryear. With the development of e-commerce, there’s even more opportunity for people starting out today.”

Early Beginnings

Now they spend the majority of their time with their children Connor, Kendal, and Carissa, who are home-schooled. They are also a travel-the-world family as they enjoy at least eight family vacations a year.

It’s a far cry from Dan and Sandy’s own childhoods. Although his parents were entrepreneurial, owning a grocery store for seventeen years, Dan saw his family struggle financially. And when his father died while Dan was a young man, Dan agonized over his mother’s lifestyle limitations.

“My parents worked hard and did the best they could, and I saw how tough things were,” says Dan. “I was determined to avoid that, if possible, when I started my family.”

After graduating from BCIT with a diploma of technology in efficiency, Dan worked in a variety of sales positions. Some carried status, such as the stint when he could drive a fancy car home from the car rental agency where he was a manager. In the mid-1980s, he achieved great initial success in the burgeoning cellular phone industry, spending every last cent on material comforts … and saw the early boom days give way to a mediocre way of making a living.

Sandy was born in the province of Saskatchewan and raised on the Canadian prairies. Eager to make her way in the world, she left home at sixteen with a strong work ethic and a desire to get ahead through the traditional corporate ladder. The stress of eighty and ninety-hour workweeks took their toll on Sandy’s health, so she was looking for a way out of the day-to-day grind. She met Dan, and was introduced to the business shortly after being transferred to Vancouver to open a leasing branch for a large financial institution.

Her family did not understand when she began the business, but now they appreciate the blessings of abundant free time and money that she is able to share with them.

“People say I’m busier now than before I was retired, and they’re absolutely right,” says Sandy. “Retirement to me is not sitting in front of the TV watching soap operas and eating truffles!”

Some changes have been easier than others. “I get paid to shop and to tell others to do the same. How hard is that? It sure beats working for someone else until you’re sixty-five and still being controlled by time and money.”

Blessed Principles

In a 180-degree turn from the years when they were riddled with debt, Dan and Sandy have been blessed as they follow principles espoused by their mentors. One key teaching is to live well below your means and pay for everything as you go. In the Yuens’ case, that includes their luxury cars and their lavish 8,000-square-foot home. Their estate includes a full-size NBA basketball court where Dan plays with his sons. He is also fond of three-on-three challenges with friends that go into the wee hours of the morning. After all, he doesn’t have to wake up to a job.