amway history

PROFILE

Amway is one of the world’s largest direct selling companies. Founded in 1959 by Jay Van Andel and Rich DeVos, Amway operates in more than 80 countries and territories on six continents. Amway offers the opportunity for people to have a business of their own based on retailing beauty, nutritional, wellness and household products and sharing the opportunity with others who will do the same.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

More than 450 unique, high-quality products carry the Amway name in the areas of nutrition, wellness, beauty and home. In addition, Amway distributors in selected markets sell additional brand-name goods through local merchandise catalogues, plus a variety of services and educational products. All products are backed by a customer satisfaction guarantee.

GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Steve Van Andel is chairman and Doug DeVos is president. The board of directors is controlled by the Van Andel and DeVos families.

FACILITIES

Amway operates out of Alticor’s world headquarters located at 7575 Fulton Street East, Ada, Michigan 49355, USA. Its North American affiliate headquarters are located at 5101 Spaulding Plaza, Ada, Michigan 49355, USA.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Amway has a long history of sharing with the communities where it does business, both through volunteer efforts and charitable contributions. In 2003, Amway launched the One by One Campaign for Children to focus its philanthropic efforts on children. Today, in every country and every community where Amway operates, thousands of employee and distributor volunteers support hundreds of charitable organizations to offer children the resources they need to live, achieve, learn, and play. 
Visit http://www.amwayonebyone.com for information.

AFFILIATIONS

Amway is a prominent and active member of the regional and national direct selling associations worldwide. Doug DeVos is vice-chairman of the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), and serves on the WFDSA CEO Council. He is also past chairman of the board of directors for the U.S. Direct Selling Association. Globally, direct selling is an industry with more than $113 billion in estimated retail sales and more than 66 million sales people.