Ami Dean

I was born and raised a small town girl in the heart of the Midwest (Peru, Illinois). Being the fifth of six children in a single parent home, I quickly learned the value of teamwork. Mother had to work. That left the responsibilities of the home to us. We had to work together to achieve all that needed to be done, and if teamwork, compromise and focus on a common goal weren’t adhered to, life when Mother returned home was not pleasant. Growing up in a rural community and raised with small town values and ethics I became a perpetual student. I decided at a young age that school was the answer to my dreams. I worked four jobs to put myself through Eastern Illinois University, becoming the first in my family history to graduate from a major university. It was the single, most difficult time in my life, but I knew it was my only hope to achieving my goals.  I was accepted to law school but knew in my heart I was being led in a different direction. It was then that I learned how powerful it is to take the road less traveled and that the greatest skill I could hone is trusting my instincts. My instincts, tenacity and perseverance paid off. At 24 years of age I started my direct sales company with the Mary Kay Organization and quickly rose to the top of that industry winning numerous regional, national sales and team building awards, earning the use of a company car, being promoted to a management position and being named twice the recipient of the company's highest honor. Throughout my 15 years building my business, I had the privilege to be taught, mentored and led by some of the industry's top sales and training professionals including, Mary Kay Ash, Brian Tracy, Chip Wilson, Brian Klemmer, and Bryan Flannagan.  In 2003, I again took a different path and went to work in the shopping center industry. Within 5 short months in the industry, I was recruited by Simon Property Group, the largest REIT in the world. As a Leasing Rep for SPG, I was responsible for generating a budget of over $1.8 million. Within 2 years, I was again recruited by a developing firm to create their short-term leasing department and in 7 weeks increased that company's bottom line by 16.5%. Currently, I am  a District Sales Manager for Avon Products Inc.  My responsibilities include managing, mentoring, guiding and leading a district sales force of 400+ producing over $1.7 million in sales.   I believe that "School is never out for the pro" and I continue my education and own personal development by attending workshops, personal mastery and leadership development courses, reading and practicing what I preach.  

When not pursuing my passion of building people up and bringing them to a higher level of themselves, I can be found playing music with my 13 year old Abigayle, bike riding with my 9 year old Matalyn and playing Barbies with my 5 year old Elly Grace. I also dabble in interior design, golf (no I’m not good but I try), studying Early American history and hanging out in Chicago. I am also the founder and leader of "So Be It" an educational youth group for young girls 6-16 which teaches how to find, cultivate and keep your self esteem.