Yes, we are ambitious. Direct Selling News and all of the companies in this industry, that is. No challenge is too great. To illustrate this point, DSN created the Global 100, the top direct selling companies in the world, based on 2009 year-end wholesale revenue (in U.S. dollars).

Each of us, during the course of our lives, celebrates many accomplishments and achievements that affect our own lives as well as the lives of others. This month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Direct Selling Association (DSA). Founded in 1910 as the Agents Credit Association, the DSA has protected the rights of direct sellers, fought for our way of doing business, and done more to preserve the freedoms that allow a direct selling business model to exist than any other single entity. Of the 10 founding member companies, only one remains in the active ranks of membership today: Avon Products Inc.

Most of my 35-plus years in direct selling have been spent building and managing new or established companies, either as a senior executive or an outside consultant. While the companies changed, one thing did not: They were almost always party plan companies.

This is an exciting time for the average direct seller to embrace new technologies and the multitude of offerings for communicating. To share a product in seconds with 1,097 Facebook friends or tweet to more than 500 prospective customers instantaneously is something none of us imagined even five years ago.

The success of your business—of any business—relies on sustained growth over time. And sustained growth requires access to fresh opportunities in new markets with high growth potential. Fortunately, America has a long history of regenerating itself.

The direct selling industry prides itself on providing the opportunity for anyone to change their life. I am proud of many aspects of our industry. After nearly 20 years, I remain steadfast in my belief that no other industry provides the opportunity we do for any individual, regardless of their background, personal or financial situation, to create the business and life they desire. We change lives on a bigger scale and more frequently than any other industry. And while I believe this to be true, I challenge all of us to look at ourselves and our organizations to consider what our real commitment is beyond the vehicle for change. Is providing the vehicle enough?

Flying. The ancient Greeks wrote myths about it, Leonardo da Vinci sketched machines to do it, and the Wright brothers finally made it a reality. Through the ages, people have dreamed of the freedom, the exhilaration, the personal power of flight.

Herbalife Founder Mark Hughes was a visionary, but when he opened the trunk of his car to sell the first bottles of Formula 1, he probably had no idea that the company would grow to be one of the best-known direct selling companies in the industry, conducting business in 72 countries worldwide.

Grace’s story is similar to so many others Gold Canyon Founders Curt and Karen Waisath have heard: It starts with a happy family. Mom and Dad are working. The kids are healthy. Then, suddenly, a child falls ill. Tests are conducted. A diagnosis is returned. Lives are changed forever.

In this month’s “Executive Connection,” Direct Selling News Publisher and Editor in Chief John Fleming speaks to Herbalife Chairman and CEO Michael O. Johnson about his vision, who he admires and much more.

Our cover story this month probes how important it is to understand the changing demographics of America, with a focus on the Hispanic segment. As we assigned and reviewed the story, including thoughts from the executives we interviewed, it became apparent that we would also share information smaller companies may appreciate. Larger companies always have internal market-research departments that make significant investments to stay abreast of changes in the marketplace. However, smaller and newer companies that are not yet ready to invest extensively might be well-served by what we share.

The increasing prominence of the Hispanic population in the United States and the issues of importance to them have already had a significant impact on the nation’s political debates, commercial climate and on the wider society. A large population of millions of legal immigrants of Hispanic descent, and millions more who are in the country illegally, have created a volatile mix of issues, including immigration policy, labor issues and social welfare questions. Marches on Washington, a looming congressional debate on immigration reform and dual-language customer service menus are all indications of the growing prominence of this key demographic in the American marketplace.