DOOR-TO-DOOR WATKINS SALESMAN BECOMES INSPIRATION TO MILLIONS

by Anonymous

Movie about unstoppable Bill Porter to premiere on TNT!!

Hearing about a man peddling products door-to-door doesn’t ordinarily bring to mind images of great respect and admiration. But Bill Porter is no ordinary salesman. He’s become an inspiration to millions of people, as an outstanding example of how persistence and determination can overcome any obstacle.

Television interviews, a book, and now a movie are all testaments to Porter’s influence. When Porter was featured on ABC’s 20/20, the segment received the show’s highest viewer response ever. In April, Porter’s long-time friend and assistant, Shelly Brady, published a book titled “Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter.” He recently threw out the first pitch at a Yankees game. And, on Sunday, July 14, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time, the TNT cable channel will premiere “Door To Door,” a movie about Bill Porter’s life that stars Oscar® nominee William H. Macy in the leading role.

So, what turns a door-to-door salesman into an international inspiration? It’s partially because Bill Porter was born with Cerebral Palsy that slurs his speech and makes walking difficult and sometimes painful. But, more importantly, it is his steadfast refusal to see the crippling disease as an obstacle. In her book about Porter, Shelly Brady explains that “the word ‘obstacle’ simply doesn’t exist in Bill’s vocabulary...He is simply unstoppable.”

Peggy Greenhaw, Decatur resident who manages a sizeable group of independent Watkins associates, says, “These days, our associates earn money by marketing Watkins products over the Internet or through networks of acquaintances and friends. Today’s technologies have virtually eliminated the need to go door-to-door, except for a few associates who particularly enjoy it.”

But, back in the 1950s, when Bill Porter dreamed of following his father’s footsteps in sales, door-to-door was the standard. Many people told Bill he was unemployable, and that he should live on government assistance. But he persevered for more than 40 years, earning a respectable income and remaining self-sufficient as he trudged eight to 10 miles daily. His indomitable spirit allowed him to weave himself into the lives and hearts of the people along his route.

The products Bill Porter sold are well known in many parts of the U.S. and Canada, and many people (especially those over 50 years of age) have fond memories of the “Watkins man” coming door to door. Starting back in 1868, Watkins offered the only health “remedies” that came with a money-back guarantee. That guarantee still remains, along with a reputation for using only the finest natural ingredients. While Watkins is most famous for their award-winning vanilla and spices, today they offer a complete line of gourmet specialty foods, botanical personal and home-care products, and, of course, tried and true medicinals.

William H. Macy not only stars in the TNT movie about Porter’s life, but co-wrote it as well, having been emotionally moved by ABC’s 20/20 segment. The cast includes Oscar® nominee Helen Mirren, Golden Globe nominee Kyra Sedgwick and Emmy Award winner Kathy Baker. “Door to Door” recounts the changing times of our country through the life of one amazing man and the neighborhoods he walked.

For details about Bill Porter, Watkins products, or income opportunities with Watkins, contact Peggy Greenhaw at 256-353-7704, or e-mail eyebrightz@yahoo.com .

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