If Eric Allen, co-founder and president of Nélo Life, could turn back time, he’d offer his younger self invaluable advice. “Dream bigger, faster,” Allen emphasized in a recent interview about his groundbreaking company, which is transforming lives worldwide.
“Seek out mentors who embody the lifestyle and attributes you aspire to,” he continued. “Embrace humility, or life will impose it upon you. Quit worrying about others’ opinions and stand firm in your beliefs, even if you must stand alone.”
Allen often wishes he could “slap some wisdom” into his younger self, but now he’s grateful to impart the lessons he’s learned to his four children.
“I’ve had to learn the hard way,” he says with a smile.
Reflecting on his journey, Allen is thankful for every step, including the challenges and obstacles. He recognizes that the past has propelled him into a place of purpose and fulfillment.
“Each experience, good or bad, has shaped me into who I am today and driven me to make a positive impact through Nélo Life,” he adds.
Today, Eric Allen serves as the co-founder and company president of Nelo Life, an innovative, exclusive lifestyle membership industry fueled by a desire to create meaningful connections and experiences for people worldwide. He aims to empower others to learn, explore the world, create memories, and save together.
In a recent interview, Eric Allen shared more about his story, career, aspirations, family and “God-sized dreams” for Nelo Life.
Interview with Eric Allen, Nélo Life Co-Founder and CEO
Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?
Eric Allen: While I have started and run a wide array of traditional businesses, I never envisioned myself being on the ownership side of a direct selling/network marketing business! In fact, it was always the ‘field leadership’ lifestyle of time and financial freedom that initially drew me to the industry nearly two decades ago. However, after experiencing firsthand and seeing so many other entrepreneurs’ hopes and dreams devastated by poor decisions behind the ‘corporate curtain,’ I decided to partner up with some other amazingly talented individuals to form Nélo Life.
I’ve had this God-sized dream for a long time to co-create a true global force for good by galvanizing great people from all corners of the world to uplift and empower both their lives and the communities in which they live. I love watching others achieve lifestyles and fulfill passions on greater levels than they ever thought possible. I look forward to our global community truly leaving a lasting positive ‘dent’ in the universe and a legacy in which all members can feel proud.
Q: Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?
Eric Allen: My professional career started as an inner-city teacher and sports coach, ultimately leading to fulfilling a dream of coaching Division I college basketball in the USA. Seeking more life balance and a lifestyle that would allow me to spend more time with my growing family, I became open to the network marketing business model. Through a ton of hard work and painful learning lessons, I realized that relationship marketing done the right way can truly create a lifestyle most people can only dream about.
I was able to take the life lessons, skills, personal and professional development, and key relationships experienced by achieving the top ranks in three different network marketing companies and apply them to traditional business and charitable pursuits.
The last network marketing company I led from the field leadership side, after coming out of what I thought was retirement from the industry, certainly made the greatest impact on where I am today as the President and Co-Founder of Nélo Life. I witnessed firsthand the complete annihilation of many people’s hopes and dreams through poor business execution from the corporate decision-makers. My partners and I decided to step into the ownership side for the first time and do our best to be great stewards of our members’ goals and best interests. It’s been a lot of hard work and sleepless nights, but we feel we are truly co-creating a movement that will bless many people’s lives across the world.
Q: How would you describe your personal and professional values?
Eric Allen: My parents instilled in me the Golden Rule from an early age: treat others the way you want to be treated; they also reinforced that good character is a direct result of keeping promises even when not convenient. While I am far from perfect and will continue to make mistakes, those core values have served me well throughout life, both personally and professionally. It’s interesting how far we can separate ourselves in today’s society by simply keeping our word and applying the timeless lesson many of us learned in Kindergarten!
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
Eric Allen: Dream BIGGER faster! Seek out mentors who have the lifestyle and embody the overall attributes that you want yourself. Seek humility in life, or it WILL be delivered upon you. Quit worrying about others’ opinions and stand firm in your beliefs, even if you are standing alone at times. There are many times I wish I could go back and slap some wisdom into my younger self, but I do have my own four children to impart many of the lessons I’ve had to learn the hard way.
Q: What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?
Eric Allen: Honestly, I’m most proud of carving out a lot of time the past 10 years to coach all of my three younger kids in their sports – baseball, basketball, soccer, etc. Unfortunately, I missed out on a lot of that special time with my oldest son while I was chasing my dream of being a ‘big time’ college basketball coach, and I’ll never get it back! As competitive and ambitious as I can be at times, creating tons of memories with my family during their crucial upbringing is something I will cherish forever.
Q: How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure overall well-being?
Eric Allen: I believe our outer world is a reflection of our inner world. I make health and wellness a top priority as often as possible. Our family always likes to have a vacation on the books that we can look forward to, and once we are at our destination, really ‘unplug’ and enjoy true uninterrupted family time. My faith is a huge part of managing worldly stresses as well. Without His grace and willingness to save a sinner like me, I would be lost with no hope whatsoever.
Q: How do you define success?
Eric Allen: I used to equate ‘success’ with worldly possessions, money, shiny things. I quickly realized that more and more stuff never filled the void in my heart. Today, success to me is leaving behind a legacy that made a positive impact on the world and a light that sparked others to become the best versions of themselves as well.
Q: Who is the one entrepreneur or business leader that you consider to be your greatest example and inspiration? Why?
Eric Allen: You know, this is a great question! I was taught by a mentor decades ago that leaders are readers. I have become a voracious reader and listener to lots of business experts, faith leaders, motivational authors, and beyond. It would be impossible to attribute my greatest inspiration to any one person. In fact, I get just as much inspiration and motivation listening to a passionate teacher, charitable leader, or stranger I meet in passing. I’ve learned that closed minds don’t get fed and remain open to learning as much as I can from as many people as possible. We can only coast in life in one direction, and that’s downhill. I look forward to each day bringing on new relationships, new learning lessons, and new challenges that yield new possibilities.
Q: Are there any charitable organizations or community service-oriented activities that you are involved in?
Eric Allen: The whole essence of Nélo Life is to uplift and transform people and communities around the world by aligning with proven charitable organizations. My wife and I also started our own 501(c)3 charity that gives 100% of all money away to our vetted charity partners as well. I have personally been active in my local Church, Boys and Girls Club, Little League, orphanages, sex trafficking organizations, and others that are striving to uplift humanity.
Q: Please tell us an inspirational, uplifting story about a time you helped change someone’s life, or someone helped change your life and made a difference.
Eric Allen: My time as an inner-city teacher and coach, where I met my wife, is filled with some of my best memories. I love to really pour guidance and light into youth coming from tragic backgrounds. Nothing warms the heart of my wife and me like when we run into former students and athletes we coached, and they tell us stories – sometimes we don’t even remember a lot of the ‘little’ things – that stuck with them and made a transformational impact on their lives. I love the expression of changing the world by starting in your backyard. Everywhere we look, especially today, there are people hurting and struggling, carrying their own demons and struggles, and even a smile and show of love and compassion can go a long way in creating a ripple effect that shines a brighter light on the world.
Looking Towards the Future
Eric Allen believes that true success lies in inspiring and uplifting others, fostering a community of growth and positive change. Through his work with Nélo Life, he aims to create an environment where people can thrive, achieve their dreams, and make meaningful contributions to society.
His commitment to this vision is evident in his dedication to his business and philanthropic endeavors, reflecting a deeper understanding of success as a holistic and transformative journey. Rooted in trust, transparency, and transformation, Nélo Life is more than just a company; it is a movement dedicated to uplifting humanity.
Through service, philanthropy, and a commitment to learning from past mistakes, Eric Allen is paving the way for a future where dreams are realized, communities are transformed, and lasting legacies are forged. His leadership and vision inspire a new era of meaningful impact, one where people are connected and empowered to achieve their fullest potential.
To learn more about Allen’s innovative company, visit NeloLife.com.