Letter 68 - From Penniless Patient to $45 Million in Sales!
Hello Bregdan Woman!
This Bregdan Woman was 30 years old when she was handed a death sentence.
Marion Luna Brem had advanced cancer of the breast and cervix. In the short span of eleven weeks, she had two surgeries: a mastectomy and hysterectomy. Next, she suffered through the horrible effects of chemotherapy.
In addition to her pain, cancer had robbed her of her hair, her savings, and her husband. He left because he couldn't deal with the pressure anymore. He left Marion with two small boys and no way to support them.
One hot morning, Marion found herself on the bathroom floor, trying not to throw up again. She was not only facing overwhelming pain and paralyzing fear; she was facing a major decision. Would she give up or would she fight back?
Thoughts of her children consumed her. How could she choose to leave them?
Marion chose to live for her children.
As she lay on the floor, she thought about what her decision meant. She needed to get a job, but she had little work experience and next to no formal education. Add to that equation the fact she was a Latina woman. The prospects looked as dismal as the bathroom floor.
She was determined to find a way. It was at that moment; she chose to be a Bregdan Woman.
She was determined not to let life rob her of hope.
Marion's best friend suggested a job in sales. At first Marion pushed the idea aside because she had zero experience. After a fruitless job hunt, she decided to go for it.
She chose the male dominated car sales industry.
Huh??
On the surface, it seemed like a crazy decision. A sales job was going to be tough enough. But cars? A Latina woman?
Despite no sales experience, Marion had other valuable experience, however.
In her healthier days, she'd been a switchboard operator at a car dealership. She knew there was good money in car sales. She had witnessed how the salesmen talked exclusively to the men. They virtually ignored the women. Her instincts told her women were a more important part of the equation than they were given credit for.
Statistics now prove she was right. When couples buy a car, the woman influences the decision 80% of the time.
There were no statistics at the time…
It wasn't an easy road. Marion was flatly refused applications (because she was a woman) in 16 car dealerships. Finally, at the 17th car dealership she told the manager what she'd observed about women car buyers. He hired her on the spot.
Smart man!
Her all-male colleagues welcomed the rookie. They didn't see her as competition, but rather as an attractive curiosity. It wasn't until she started outperforming them that they became cool toward her.
Even so, ten months later, Marion received the annual "Salesman of the Year" award - complete with a man's Rolex watch. She accepted the recognition and enjoyed her achievement. I have no idea what she did with the watch!
Marion was the top producer for the next two years, but now that she knew what she could accomplish, she wanted more. More importantly, she had developed the confidence to know she could do whatever she set her mind to.
She approached her boss for a management position. He refused her because he didn't want to remove her from sales -- she was making too much money for the company.
Not such a smart man anymore! He should have helped her fly – not stood in her way.
Difficult as it was, Marion left the security of that position and hit the pavement again. She was finally hired as an entry-level manager at a new dealership. Another smart man!
She learned and excelled.
Two and half years later, totally confident in her abilities, she was ready to start her own dealership.
This was no small dream. It would take some creative marketing to make it come true.
She went to the drugstore and bought 50 school folders and created portfolios. She called them her "brag folder". They contained her certificates, press clippings and a biography. She sent the package to 50 potential investors all over Texas.
She only needed one!
Her phone stayed persistently silent for two weeks.
Until…
Two weeks later she received a call from one of her contacts. He became her silent partner, put up the working capital and millions in loans.
Against all odds, Marion Luna Brem opened a Chrysler dealership.
Wow!
Five years after selling her first car, Marion Luna Brem opened "Love Chrysler" complete with a heart logo on every car. Marion's motto: "It's not just the hearts on our cars, it's the hearts inside our people. We're spreading Love all over Texas!"
Love Chrysler-Plymouth was the first woman-owned and Hispanic-owned new car dealership in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Today Marion is cancer-free, the owner of two car dealerships, has authored two best-selling books, and won many awards. Her company is 89th on the Hispanic Business 500 with revenues of more than $45 million.
Being a Bregdan Woman is a frame of mind that takes action.
What has Marion’s story done for you? What are you thinking? What dream has been revived?
Believe in yourself. Keep moving forward. And remember Marion!
Hopefully your journey does not begin as tragic as Marion's, but I hope you use her determination and belief to keep going!
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What will you do to be a Bregdan Woman?
What will you do today to impact history??
We’re on this journey with you… (and have 2 FREE Gifts for you below…)
Ginny & Suess
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