The greatest salesman in the world

This weekend's light reading (or viewing I should say) is something that my good friend, Subroto Bagchi, sent me some 8 years ago. Thanks Subroto for sharing something very inspirational.

This is the story of Bill Porter. Born in the US in 1932, Bill moved to Portland at an early age where he lives now. He was born with cerebral palsy and lost his father early. They told him he would never work and nobody would employ him. He refused to go on disability and convinced Watkins Inc. to give him a job as a door to door salesman.

He needed help to dress. He could not drive. His speech was slurred. He was often in pain. And what did he do - he became the top selling salesman in Watkins. He was hit by a car in 1998 and broke his hip. He could no longer do door to door - Instead he has turned into an online salesman. (visit his online shop here). Some 50 years after they told him nobody would give him a job, he's selling fine, thank you. And when asked how he overcame all his obstacles, he says I don't have any obstacles.

Shelly Brady first met Bill as a teenager when she worked for him to help him deliver his products. Since then she has become a close friend and now she is a motivational speaker. She has written a book - Ten Things I learned from Bill Porter. You can read an extract from the book here.

In 1995, The Oregonian, wrote a story on Bill Porter in the newspaper. that brought Bill into the public limelight. He was featured in The Readers Digest and ABC's 20/20. He was the subject of a made for TV film on TNT called Door to Door. The film won six Emmy awards.

There's a film on Bill Porter in Shelly's website. Its 30 minutes long, but a fascinating watch. Grab a cup of coffee, make yourself comfortable and watch it. Trust me; you will be inspired, for Bill Porter is a remarkable man. Click here to watch it