The IBOAI lauds the achievements of Ken McDonald, retiring May 1 as Quixtar Managing Director

Helped steer Quixtar’s bold new vision – Billy Florence

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 5, 2005 – The Independent Business Owners Association International (IBOAI) announces the retirement of Ken McDonald, Managing Director of Quixtar Inc. McDonald, led the team that developed Quixtar’s business model and launched the enterprise and its amazing e-commerce website in 1999.

“Ken was a strong advocate for this astounding new business model,” says Billy Florence, president of the IBOAI. “He helped steer from within Quixtar the adoption of a bold new vision that brings everyday people like you and me together with remarkable technology to help us all reach our dreams.” Adds Florence, “The IBOAI was proud to partner with Ken and the company to bring Quixtar.com to life.”

“We will miss Ken’s drive and enthusiasm,” says Fred Harteis, former president of the IBOAI and current member of the IBOAI Executive Committee. “He had an inventive spirit that made working out solutions to thorny business challenges gratifying. He leaves a legacy of accomplishment,” notes Harteis, “having helped create a business model that will thrive far into the future.”

Like Florence and Harteis, Jody Victor served as IBOAI president and worked closely with Ken McDonald. Says Victor, now a member of the IBOAI Executive Committee and Presidents Cabinet, “Ken was a true friend of IBOs (Independent Business Owners) across the United States and Canada. It has been a pleasure working with him, and I will personally miss his good humor and infectious enthusiasm.”

McDonald championed the I-commerce business model, which features the convergence of the Internet, the Individual, a full-service Infrastructure, and a proven Independent business ownership plan. Through his corporate tenure, the power of this business model made Quixtar an online sales leader.

In the five years that McDonald was at the helm of Quixtar, the company saw more than $4.2 billion in sales plus nearly $320 million in sales for Partner Stores. Independent Business Owners earned in excess of $1.37 billion in bonuses and other incentives. Quixtar was named the number one online retailer in the Drug/Health & Beauty category based on sales, and 12th among all e-commerce sites, according to Internet Retailer’s “Top 300 Guide.”

About the IBOAI
“As the official trade association, IBOAI is dedicated to serving and protecting the interests of Quixtar-powered Independent Business Owners throughout North America,” states Billy Florence, IBOAI Board President. Governed by a Board of Directors, the IBOAI:
• Protects the best interests of IBOs and serves as an advocate in IBO issues.
• Promotes and protects the integrity of the Independent Business Ownership Plan.
• Ensures that the business opportunity today is as good or better for future generations.
• Acts as an advisory group to Quixtar Inc. and Quixtar Canada Corp.
The IBOAI Board of Directors Executive Committee includes IBOs Billy Florence, President, Greg Duncan, Vice President, Don Wilson, Secretary/Treasurer, Fred Harteis, Past President, Jody Victor, Angelo Nardone, Steve Woods, Tim Foley, and Mark Crawford.

Contact Information

Connie Altschwager

Executive Director

IBOAI

Contact via E-mail