Here you are, at the age of 82, and you’ve been a member of the Million Dollar Round Table for 46 years. Did you ever think you’d accomplish such an impressive milestone and still be going strong at this age?

Frankly, yes. The world has changed greatly, people are living longer today because they know how to. They know what to eat that’s good for them, and what not to eat. They know the value of exercise, and the need to keep the mind alert and active. I plan to live to be 120, because I have been taking care of my body and my mind since I was a teenager.

You are, by most people’s standards, very wealthy. What motivates you to keep speaking and selling?

The satisfaction I get knowing I am helping people to improve their lives, as I guide them towards peace of mind with regard to their financial future and their health. It’s that simple. It is very fulfilling to help people see ways to constantly enhance their quality of life.

What is the primary message of your talks?

You get really good at something when you do it a lot. I’ve been interacting with people and selling for over sixty years, and I’ve developed skills and discovered what’s important to succeed. Remember this; whenever two people meet, a sale is made. Someone sells something to the other person. If you aware of how you must communicate effectively and know the keys to subtle persuasion and negotiation, you can greatly influence the likelihood of your success. In all areas of your life.

You seem to be in great shape. What's your secret?

Just good common sense, really. I don't smoke or drink, I watch what I eat, and I exercise regularly. Let's face it, all the money in the world means nothing if you aren't healthy enough to enjoy it.

Do you always deliver the same talk? Or does the subject matter change?

My message is always the same, but the material is adjusted, depending on the group I am talking to. For example, if I am speaking to a management group, I focus on topics and challenges that they are more likely to encounter than say, a sales group. I usually speak to a representative from the group to get feedback beforehand, then I customize my presentation to target their particular business.

How did you get involved in magic?

I believe that a key to being successful in life is to have a creative outlet. My creative outlet is magic. But for me, magic is much more than fooling people with a clever trick. With magic, you connect to people, you convince them to suspend disbelief, and most important, you make them smile. The fact that magic is so appealing to almost everyone on the planet allows me to combine my creative outlet with my work.

Do you perform magic during your speeches?

It always made sense to me to incorporate a little magic into my talks. It helps to emphasize a point or drive home an important principle. And it keeps them awake.

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