Last month, our N2 community gathered in Phoenix for the 2025 Kick-Off Conference, an event filled with powerful messages from our top leaders and franchisees. Day one set the tone for the year ahead with inspiring talks from N2’s newly appointed President & CEO, insights from top-performing Area Directors (ADs), and a powerful keynote highlighting our impact beyond business. Here’s a recap of the main takeaways from our speakers.
Seasons of Business – JP Hamel, President & CEO
JP Hamel compared the journey of an Area Director to the changing seasons, emphasizing that every business goes through cycles. He likened Area Directors launching their publications to Mercury, racing energetically around the sun, while veteran ADs resemble Uranus, moving at a steadier, more predictable pace.
If you are a business owner, like our Area Directors, and find yourself in a “winter” season—facing challenges and slow growth—JP encouraged:
- Accepting that seasons are inevitable
- Seeking honest feedback from mentors and peers
- Reconnecting with what you love about your role
JP also shared a perspective shift on work: turning dislikes into likes through a three-stage transformation. He proved that over time, tasks once dreaded can become enjoyable, leading to long-term success.
- “I hate doing this thing but I want the results of it enough to do it reluctantly.”
- “I actually love what I’m getting from this thing. I guess this isn’t the worst thing in the world.”
- “I am actually enjoying the thing that I couldn’t stand doing.”
Reflecting on 2024, he celebrated N2’s best year yet: a net gain of 2,000 clients, with 63% of Area Directors growing their client base. Looking ahead, 2025’s focus is on client retention and strengthening partnerships.
What It Takes to Be #1 – Colleen Rippey, Real Producers Area Director
Colleen Rippey shared her journey from uncertainty to becoming one of the top Real Producers Area Directors. She started slow but took a leap of faith after an ultimatum from Real Producers’ creator, Remington Ramsey. Though her first months were tough—she launched her publication with only $300 in profit—she went all in, and by year’s end, she was bringing in $11K per month.
She challenged her fellow Area Directors to define their personal vision of success and shared the core values that guide her:
- We fight to do right.
- We are unrelenting in our commitment to representation and inclusion.
- We believe everyone has a big life worth sharing.
- We build, we grow, we celebrate.
- We champion collaboration, creative problem solving, and positive competition.
- We believe in harnessing our power to change lives.
- We believe in being kind above all else.
Her advice for success boiled down to three key beliefs:
- Build a business that works for you. Focus on what energizes you and delegate draining tasks. Stay in your zone of genius. For Colleen, this means prioritizing planning and always having an accountability partner.
- Know your role as a community leader. Area Directors are connectors, supporting their local community. We crowdsource. We show up.
- Remember we are more than a magazine. N2’s impact extends beyond print ads—offering credibility, industry influence, and valuable relationships.
To reinforce the value of what Area Directors do in their community, Colleen shared answers her top 10 clients gave when asked why they love her publication platform:
- We actually care about helping their business.
- We create valuable relationships.
- We offer credibility to business partners.
Become a Community Connector in Your Market
Being Great at Something New – Greg Knell, Stroll Area Director
Greg Knell, a newer but highly successful Area Director, shared his rapid journey to launching his publication in just seven weeks—far faster than the typical four to six months. After being let go from a copywriting job in the tech industry, he needed a new opportunity—and needed to start bringing in income to support his family of seven by the time his three months of severance pay ran dry. N2’s model of autonomy and financial freedom caught his eye, and he committed fully to its system.
“The sacrifices you make today allow for the opportunities you want tomorrow. I believed this would be the best opportunity,” Greg said.
His formula for success? Complete trust in the proven N2 program and the willingness to make short-term sacrifices for long-term gains. He encouraged fellow ADs to embrace the training and systems that have driven N2’s success for over 20 years.
Learn How to Launch a Publication in Your Market
The Impact of N2GIVES – Jeremy Vallerand, CEO of Atlas Free
Closing out the day, Jeremy Vallerand of Atlas Free reminded everyone of the bigger purpose behind N2’s work: the fight against human trafficking. Through N2GIVES, our philanthropic initiative, we’ve donated over $26 million to organizations like Atlas Free.
Why do we do this? Because we understand the power of community and collective action.
Atlas Free works with more than 100 organizations in 25 countries known as the Atlas Network. Back when N2 started financially partnering with Atlas Free years ago, one woman and child were being rescued daily. Today, with N2’s ongoing support, Jeremy shared that five women and children are rescued every single day.
“N2 is one of the brightest fireflies in the cave fighting the darkness of modern-day slavery,” Jeremy said. Our collective success directly funds these life-changing efforts, proving that business can be a force for good.
Learn More About Our Fight to End Trafficking
These messages from the 2025 Kick-Off Conference reinforced why we do what we do. From navigating business seasons to becoming true community leaders and making an impact beyond our industry, the lessons shared from the stage were invaluable. Here’s to another year of growth, resilience, and purpose-driven success!
