I have been here at Stream Energy and Ignite from the start: and I really cannot recall a time when it seemed that both of the Ignite and Stream Energy machines were humming along as smoothly the present. At every Business Presentation or group session that I attend, I encounter wave after wave of enthusiastic Igniters – a legion of Happy Warriors who understand the power of our business model and the opportunities that can be wielded as a result thereof.

It is no stretch of the imagination to say that the near-universal feedback that we have received from a legion of Igniters has been that Ignition 2013 was probably THE most well-orchestrated, informationally-rich and motivating corporate convocation in our history. Resultantly, the Ignite Army rocketed out of Dallas to seize the battlefields of our various service areas with a vengeance.

With new offerings such as the new Business Presentation, Ignite eSuite and Virtual Assistant, you now have the best business tools in the industry that you can use to explode your business. Here’s some of the things that I have been hearing:

• “One of my Associates simply pointed five prospects to the new online Business Presentation without being there to explain the material. But, after looking at this new video alone, each of these five prospects signed up as Ignite Associates. That’s the ultimate power of this new tool, Rob – your business can grow itself and YOU’RE NOT EVEN THERE!”
• “When I am prospecting a new Associate, without much explanation or trying to overcome any objections, I point them online to the new Your Best Friend’s Energy Company video. Every prospect that has taken the four minutes necessary to watch this production has immediately wanted to know more about Ignite and the opportunity. This new video is the best door-opener that you could ever imagine.”

So if you wonder as to why I am so pumped at present, that type of input should give you a flavor!

We are once again in the prime of our business effectiveness, Gang. Our energy rates are better than or competitive to the local incumbent in every service area in which we do business – and we will be expanding our reach in significant fashion throughout the Northeast over the coming months.

The Stream Energy/Ignite offensive is in full gear: and I see no reasons now foreseeable as to why our tremendous momentum should not continue to build throughout the remainder of this year. More importantly, the Ignite Opportunity has never made more sense. And there has frankly NEVER been a better time to be doing your Ignite business.

In closing:

LEAD,
FOLLOW,
OR
GET THE HECK OUTTA OUR WAY.

We’re on the move, People – and we ARE NOT slowing down. Do not allow yourself to get left behind!

I will see you on the Road during the rest of March and April!

For the second consecutive year, Stream Energy partnered with WFAA to sponsor the Big D NYE Fireworks Spectacular. Big D NYE is a huge outdoor New Year’s Eve celebration in Dallas that provides partygoers an experience similar to the famous atmosphere in Times Square in New York City. This past New Year’s Eve, the event was broadcast to over 6.6 million homes in areas across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico and Kansas.

Two Stream Energy employees were on hand to take in this special night and to start the fireworks celebration in style. Office Manager Jessica Vitela and Receptionist Gayrelyn Miller recently told us about their experience at Big D NYE 2012.

1. How did you learn you were selected to represent Stream Energy at Big D NYE and how did you respond to the offer?

JV: I was at home on vacation when I got the call. When I heard what the opportunity was, there were no words that came out of my mouth—I just screamed in excitement. I didn’t say one word. Once it was mentioned that Gayrelyn was going to be joining me, I got even more excited and screamed even more. I was so thankful and words couldn’t express how excited I was.

GM: I was here at work by myself since Jessica was on vacation. When I was asked if I had plans for New Years Eve and if I would like to push the button to begin the fireworks show, I was so excited, proud and overwhelmed.

2. What did you do while at the event?

JV: I arrived at the about same time the Dallas Stars game ended so traffic was crazy. There were so many people and I panicked a little bit because I was worried I wouldn’t make it to where I needed to be. I finally made it through the crowds and met Gayrelyn inside the WFAA studios where they were having a private party for the WFAA employees. We were able to stay and enjoy the party with them. We met a lot of great people, including contestants participating in different contests that night. Our Chairman, Rob Snyder, sent me a text message that said: “Don’t shame us” in a playful tone to wish us well. About 30 minutes before midnight, we were escorted to an area behind the stage where we were going to push the button. We were able to enjoy the music backstage until they escorted us onstage to get the crowd excited with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. We were in shock at the thousands of people in attendance.

GM: When I first got into the WFAA studios, the first thing that struck me was how extremely welcoming everyone was. It was a laidback party atmosphere, and it was really nice. We stayed inside the studios and enjoyed the party until it was time to go out on the stage with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. I got really excited when it was time to push the button to start the fireworks show. It was such a great experience. It was an opportunity and an experience that I will never forget.

3. Describe the moments just before midnight.

JV: When the countdown got down to 10 seconds, we began counting down with the rest of the crowd. Once it got to zero the crowd went wild and crazy, and we pushed the button with Jeanne Reyer from Captain Hope’s Kids. It truly was an once-in-a-lifetime experience.

GM: We were on stage yelling and cheering with the thousands of people in the crowd. We pushed the button, and the fireworks started going off above us. We were hugging the cheerleaders and were watching everyone in the crowd celebrate. My eyes welled up when I realized how thankful I was to make it to another year and to do it such a great fashion.

4. What was your favorite part of the night?

JV: For me, my favorite part was being onstage right before midnight and feeling the energy from the crowd. The sea of thousands of people were cheering, yelling and celebrating all together. It was really neat.

GM: I agree with Jessica. My favorite part was being onstage, pushing the button, seeing the fireworks and seeing how happy and joyous everyone in the crowd was. It was really amazing to see people of different color, gender, size and shape all celebrating and being happy together. To experience that with everyone was amazing.

5. How did you spend the rest of the evening after starting the Stream Energy Fireworks Spectacular?

JV: After the fireworks were over, we went backstage and mingled with people we had never met. We just had a great time. Everyone was so happy and excited. We got to meet some really neat WFAA personalities and other local celebrities who were there. I brought my mom to the event with me, and she also had a great time. I had to go find my mom on the dance floor dancing the night away inside the WFAA studios after the fireworks show!

GM: We stayed and watched the fireworks and then partied the night away with everyone. I left about an hour after midnight, but we had such a great time. Our boss texted both Jessica and I, and she thanked us for representing Stream Energy so well at the Big D NYE.

Both Jessica Vitela and Gayrelyn Miller are incredibly thankful and grateful to have been chosen to represent Stream Energy on such a grand stage. They would like to thank WFAA for the great hospitality and Stream Energy for the opportunity to represent the firm in front of thousands of people on the streets in Dallas and millions of others watching on television.

The two both said they would love to return to the stage next year to help ring in 2013 but said it was such a great and memorable experience that they hope other dedicated Stream Energy employees will have the opportunity to experience the once-in-a-lifetime event.

About eight years ago, a small group of people led by Rob Snyder and Pierre Koshakji put into action a ground-breaking business plan. The idea was to adopt a multi-level network marketing approach similar to those used by extremely successful direct-selling companies like Avon and Mary Kay, and apply that strategy to the recently deregulated energy market in Texas.

As details began to take shape, new investors committed to the idea; a PUC license was obtained; and a small amount of office space was leased in one of the most recognizable buildings in Dallas – the INFOMART. As a basic framework became operational, Stream Energy and Ignite were born.

In the more than seven years since Stream Energy was awarded a PUC license to operate in the state of Texas, Stream Energy has grown to over half a million customers in five states (Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey), employed hundreds of exceptional people at the headquarters in Dallas, and allowed thousands of Independent Associates the opportunity to seize control of their financial future and build relationships that can last a lifetime.

Along this journey, Rob, along with the executive staff and more than 260 Stream Energy employees, has been graciously thanked countless times by IAs who appreciate the vision, dedication and commitment to the plan first conceived in 2004.

While Stream Energy and Ignite have enjoyed record success in our short time, none of it could have been possible without the hard work and dedication of thousands who have worked to ensure our success.

The Stream Energy headquarters in Dallas employs more than 260 employees on a daily basis. When needed, these employees have worked weekends, overnight and incredibly long hours to ensure the success of Stream Energy and Ignite. They believe in this business—in helping people succeed. To the employees of Stream Energy: thank YOU.

Thousands of IAs bought into the idea of warm marketing and asking friends and family for their business. They have done so with such success that Stream Energy is in the record books as one of the fastest-growing companies in American business history. The success of this firm and the employment of over 260 Stream Energy employees would not have been possible without the hard work of our thousands of dedicated Associates. To the Ignite Independent Associates: thank YOU.

As most people know, the success or failure of a company hinges on its customers. Stream Energy and Ignite are in the business of helping our customers save money on one of life’s necessary commodities (energy) and doing it with a successful business model. With variety of different service providers offering energy service, customers in deregulated service areas are free to choose any service provider they like. To the loyal customers who continue to choose Stream Energy as their service provider of choice: thank YOU.

The hundreds of thousands of IAs who have joined us along the way, have attended at least one business presentation in a variety of venues to get more information on Ignite’s award-winning success model. Managers and owners of restaurants, hotels and motels have opened their doors to Ignite. Homeowners have opened their homes to new and prospective Associates. To all those who allowed the Ignite Opportunity and the Stream Energy story to be told: thank YOU.

There are countless people who have contributed in some form or fashion to the success of our business. To anyone who has contributed to this business; to anyone who has positively affected our firm; to everyone who remains loyal, committed and dedicated to the continued success of Stream Energy and Ignite: thank YOU.  

Although our achievements and successes are exciting, inspirational and motivational, Stream Energy and Ignite still have a lot of unfinished work. With over a half-million customers in five states, Stream Energy has proven it is a powerful and permanent force in the deregulated energy market.

What began as a simple business plan eight years ago has emerged into a business that has changed and bettered the lives of so many. With our spectacular team, Stream Energy is primed to continue our national expansion for a long time come.

Soon, we will have thousands of Ignite Associates visiting the Stream Energy offices when they are in town to take part in Ignition 2012.

While walking through our office space, they will see dozens of “golden balls” adorning employees’ work stations. If you are one of these visitors to our office, you may wonder what the “golden balls” are all about.

Actually, they are part of Stream Energy’s peer-to-peer employee recognition program. This program was created as part of our comprehensive strategy to ensure employees are valued and appreciated here at Stream Energy and that they are empowered to recognize their colleagues.

Named after the award which is presented to the best player at each FIFA World Cup soccer finals, the Stream Energy Golden Ball was created to give ALL employees the opportunity to recognize their fellow co-workers who go above and beyond the call of duty.

(You should know that our company has this fascination with soccer. Must have something to do with the fact that our chairman Rob Snyder is something of a legendary soccer nut. You’d think he played the game or something.)

When a fellow employee helps someone in a significant and meaningful way, employees are encouraged to handwrite a note of gratitude on the award. They then deliver the completed award to that employee being recognized so he or she can proudly display it at his or her workstation for all to see. Employees also inform the Golden Ball recipient’s manager so he or she is aware that the employee is being recognized.   

Be on the lookout for these awards when visiting the Stream Energy office, and when you spot one hanging in an employee’s work area, be sure to congratulate that person for delivering the Stream Difference.

Don’t forget that Stream Energy will once again sponsor the WFAA Big D New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular in Victory Park. Also, be sure to visit the Stream Energy YouTube channel to catch a sneak peek at the upcoming television promotional spots.

With over 35,000 people in attendance and simulcast to over 6.6 million households across Texas and beyond, the Big D NYE 2012 event is one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the United States.

Besides the WFAA viewing area in North Texas, the broadcast will be shown through 21 affiliate stations:

1.Abilene/Sweetwater, TX – KTAB CBS
2.Alexandria, LA – KALB CBS
3.Amarillo, TX – KCPN MyTV
4.Austin, TX – KVUE ABC
5.Beaumont / Port Arthur – KFDM CBS
6.Bryan / College Station – KBTX CW
7.Corpus Christi – KZTV CBS
8.Dallas, TX – WFAA ABC
9.EL Paso, TX/Las Cruces, NM – KVIA CW
10.Houston, TX – KHOU.2 CBS
11.Lafayette, LA – KLFY CBS
12.Lawton, OK – KAUZ CBS
13.Lubbock – KAMC CBS
14.New Orleans – WUPL CW
15.Odessa / Midland – KOSA CBS
16.San Angelo, TX – KLST CBS
17.Shreveport, LA – KSHV MyTV
18.Tyler, TX – KYTX CBS
19.Waco / Temple / Killeen – KWTX CBS
20.Wichita, KS – KWCH or KSCW
21.Wichita Falls, TX – KAUZ CBS

“We are very excited to usher in the New Year as part of the Big D NYE event,” said Stream Energy Chairman Rob Snyder. “We’ll use this occasion to feature the work of Captain Hope’s Kids, a non-profit advocacy for homeless children. In the broadcast, we will be joined by ORIX Foundation who will present Captain Hope’s Kids with a sizeable financial grant.”

ORIX Foundation, a Texas-based non-profit corporation, was established to support local non-profits that care for children, families and veterans.

For this upcoming New Year’s Eve, Stream Energy will once again sponsor the New Year’s Eve fireworks show in downtown Dallas, as part of the Big D NYE 2012 event.

We’re going to use that platform to highlight Captain Hope’s Kids and the work they’re doing to bring relief to the homeless children in North Texas.

Recently, we followed Stream Energy Chairman Rob Snyder as he visited the WFAA studios to film one of the commercial spots that will air on New Year’s Eve. Check out the video for a “behind the scenes” look…

Back in March, we shared with you that members of Stream Energy’s management team each took shifts in the firm’s Customer Care department. During that exercise, we all fielded calls from customers and helped them with their needs. It was universally acclaimed by our team as a great experience that helped the firm’s decision makers better understand not only our customers, but also the day-to-day work lives of our frontline folks who serve those customers.

For the past several weeks, we’ve been repeating the exercise, but this time in Ignite Associate Support. Once again, Stream’s executives are taking turns on the phones, interacting directly with our Associates (many of whom are new to the business), as well as experiencing the lives of our dedicated employees who work hard to provide you with excellent service.

Yesterday, our own chairman Rob Snyder took his turn in Associate Support. Now you might claim that I’m biased (after all, the guy signs my paychecks) but I wonder how many CEOs out there take the time to answer phone calls in their company’s call centers? I’m betting it’s a pretty select group.

Part of the fun of this program is that we’ve been able to spend some time working hand in hand with members of our Associate Support team. Brad, Jamie, Dennis, Jennifer, Patrice and Steve Flores’ whole gang all work very hard to help our Igniters, and I know that the firm’s leadership have a greater appreciation of how comprehensive that service is.

We’re just getting started, so for the next month or so, you may find yourself on the phone with one of our executives when you call into Associate Support. We’re looking forward to talking to you!

Check out the video for Rob’s response…