There is probably no name in all of Direct Selling more storied than that of Mark Yarnell. After building a gigantic organization, the minister-turned-networker became one of the best-known and most passionate advocates for the profession.

A featured speaker at the very first Upline Masters events in the early nineties, Mark was the first (and only) career Direct Seller to serve as contributing editor to Success magazine.

With Dr. Charles King, he co-created the first certification course in Direct Selling, taught at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and in Seoul, Korea.

Mark authored eleven books and countless articles. His bestselling book, Your First Year in Network Marketing, is published in thirteen languages and considered a veritable bible of the profession.

A noted philanthropist, Mark also founded The Eagles, a literacy organization for penitentiary inmates, and the School of Sobriety, Nevada’s only free treatment program for alcoholics and addicts; his charitable work earned him the Nevada Philanthropist of the Year Award from the Washington Times.

Right up until his passing on March 3, 2015, Mark continued to coach and mentor entrepreneurs while actively building a dynamic direct selling team with his wife Valerie Bates. Mark read voraciously and wrote daily. He was particularly passionate about his family and cherished his daughter, Amy Yarnell.

The Direct Selling Hall of Fame, The Academy of Multilevel Marketing Hall of Fame, and The Association of Network Marketing Hall of Fame have recognized and honoured Mark’s significant contribution to the lives of thousands of people throughout the world.

Mark was truly inspiring — “I’ve lived a “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” life he said. “I’ve squeezed every ounce of joy out of every single day. It’s been an absolute blast!” And, he encouraged each of us to become the best possible version of ourselves while living a life of freedom.