Kicking off 2026 with a sparkling gala, Credico welcomed the cream of the crop to an incredible gathering in January. The event combined an educational summit, strategic campaign meetings, dynamic networking opportunities, and a glittering awards banquet showcasing the best of the best, delivering a concentrated dose of excellence and empowerment.
With consultants and campaign meetings flying in as early as Wednesday, the main event began on Friday at the expansive Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center. Starting off strong with a networking reception that allowed attendees to reconnect with their peers in the field, Credico’s President, Jesse Young, welcomed the group with insights and excitement.
Keeping up the momentum, National Consultant Ronan O’Connor introduced the newest Regional Consultant, Jodie Buckles, who received her watch and accolades with her young son watching from the audience. And who could follow such humble inspiration other than Credico’s Chairman, Antoine Nohra, who had the audience riveted with his signature vision.
After lunch, the audience returned to a welcome treat — inspiration and a Q & A session with a very special guest… you just had to be there! And of course, the best follow-up to that level of excitement was the introduction of the next new Regional Consultant, Ravi Bodepudi.
Introduced by National Consultant Elana Diaz, Ravi told us about the forwarded email that brought him to New York City and introduced him to the industry. He described his pursuit of “great”, the growth of his team (along with shoutouts including Stephanie Shang, Joe Elhajj, and Abraham Shibu), and how the time spent in the field, learning hard lessons, and putting in the work was what got him to where he is today.
All the way from South Africa, National Consultant Peter van den Berg brought to the stage an international perspective that highlighted the similarities we find in our industry, no matter where you’re from and no matter where you go. The momentum in South Africa is incredible just a few weeks into 2026, and he noted the importance of remaining grateful for what you’re getting and staying focused on how you can grow with it down the line — there’s so much more out there!
National Consultant Raf Diaz then introduced the year’s Million Dollar Club winners, reminding us that we are planting orchards and nurturing the vines that can feed generations.
Raf went on to share stories of his time before joining the industry, all the way back to washing dishes, noting that it was the last time he was an employee… and acted like one. But as an entrepreneur, he left that attitude behind, making big changes to adapt to ensure his future success. And even now, the game has changed, so we need to go all in… and together, we can move mountains.
National Consultant Gavin Walsh delivered a fantastic speech that drew parallels between success in the industry and, of course, a finely tuned car. Each aspect of an entrepreneur’s business is a vital, interlocking part, and all must be maintained to keep running smoothly. With proper attention, you’ll be zipping around any twists and curves in the road ahead in luxury and comfort.
Gavin then proudly presented the next highly anticipated Regional Consultant, Marques Aiken! Speaking at length about where and how he started and what this recognition means to him and his family, Marques truly let us all share the emotions so many entrepreneurs feel when finally being recognized for reaching hard-fought milestones. His journey required both toughness and patience, putting in the time and paying the dues to achieve greatness — and with his family and his team at his side, there’s more to come.
Saturday started bright and early with campaign meetings and breakouts that focused on meeting entrepreneurs where they are. These parallel sessions offered insights tailored to every stage of the entrepreneurial journey, igniting fires of inspiration and instilling business acumen.
The Brand Ambassador awards were also presented to the top-performing businesses across 14 campaigns on Saturday. Serving clients across the US and Canada, these Ambassadors are at the peak of their game, driving sales and representing clients with panache, integrity, and real human connections.
After a fantastic networking lunch, attendees were free to prepare for the pinnacle of the weekend: the Awards Gala! As everyone gathered in the lobby, glittering guests in their black-tie best were whisked away in chartered luxury coaches to a shimmering golden venue, similarly dressed to the nines. Attendees walked the red carpet, checked their coats, and stepped up to the bar for a sparkling champagne reception as photography flashed. Award nominees were featured amid twinkling lights as music played the soundtrack of the year’s best and brightest.
Following the champagne reception, the curtain was drawn back to reveal a golden dining experience prepared to polished perfection. Credico’s Chairman, Antoine Nohra, welcomed the crowd as everyone found their seats and began to enjoy their first course. Noting 35 years of worldwide growth and success, from the United States and Canada to the United Kingdom and South Africa, and now even India, Antoine emphasized that there is even more room for expansion and opportunities ready for those willing to take them.
With that, Antoine announced a first-time-ever expansion of the board, welcoming James Sagar to a new tier of leadership. All the way from his very first failures to his current resounding success, James has always picked himself up and kept grinding to become the leader he is today. The elevation to this new role was important enough to bring the rest of the board onstage to welcome him to the group, and wild applause and cheering filled the room as his name was announced! A spirited remix of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” played as James made his way to the stage, delayed only by hugs and handshakes.
In his speech of effusive thanks, James made sure to recognize his crew, asking them all to stand and be recognized because they are truly the reason he was standing on stage at that moment. The crowd erupted into a brief chant of “Sagar! Sagar! Sagar!” Closing with a rapid-fire array of advice ranging from “nothing changes until you change” to “successful people don’t know how to stop,” it’s no surprise that he has risen to the heights he has achieved. He knows you can’t skip the grind, and he has truly earned the success we see on stage.
Continuing from Friday’s recognition of the 35 new members of the Millon Dollar Club, National Consultant Elana Diaz stepped up to present awards for twice that amount: the $2 Million Club. She prefaced these announcements with a story, culminating in this reminder: when you’re an entrepreneur, attitude isn’t a noun, it’s a verb. It’s a decision to keep falling in love with your situation over and over and over again. To wake up and just decide to do better, and keep doing better. And that’s what is being recognized with these awards, with a drumroll and massive cheers: Naroa Mena Guerras and Steve Dongo have ascended to this incredible achievement. Then, after noting that the very first Million Dollar Club award was presented 13 years ago as a huge new achievement, Elana then went on to announce the name of the entrepreneur who has achieved three times that. New to the $3 Million Club is Ronan O’Connor!
And from that first Million Dollar Club winner 13 years ago, that same individual has consistently reached that same achievement every single year. One person who waits for someone else to surpass him. The one person who is now the sole winner of the $4 Million Club award, alongside the “Mychal McCurdy” Top Sales Award… once again, Shiva Shapiro!
Naturally, Credico President Jesse Young then stepped onto the stage to welcome the newest members of his President’s Club (wearing his proprietary new brand Nice Guys Finish First-er socks). After asking everyone who supports the entrepreneurs of the industry to stand and be recognized as the backbone that makes business success possible, he then asked the board to return to the stage. And then the National Consultants. And the Regional Consultants. And every member of the President’s Club from previous years. Possibly testing the limits of the stage, Jesse then welcomed a dozen new members to the President’s Club.
As they joined the throng on stage, cameras flashed to record this impressive display of concentrated talent. As everyone returned to their seats for the next course of an amazing meal, Jesse made an exciting announcement — a challenge to all in the industry, the best of the best. If you are ready to step up, your year starts NOW!
After the inspiration of tropical dreams, James Sagar returned to the podium for “the big awards,” what we’ve all been waiting for, starting with Most Improved Business Owner of the Year. There were five nominees out of a wide slate of high achievers, including Alexis Camarena, Divya Chandrasekaran, Jake Dunne, Tofiq Bolwala, and Tyler Basker. Following another drumroll, Tyler Basker was named the winner!
Starting off his thank-yous with gratitude to the back end and support crew, Tyler acknowledged that none of his achievements would be possible without their strong foundation. Though he was at a loss for words, his notes served him well as he thanked National Consultants, his mentor Tof, his wife, and his team at BOL. Going on to describe where he’d been before he got to where he was going, Tyler described a path that many can follow to achieve similar success.
Newly-minted Regional Consultant Marques Aiken then took the mic to announce the 2025 Rookie Club, a select group of new entrepreneurs who are recognized for their incredible efforts right out of the gate. From that group, a Rookie Business Owner of the Year is selected each year as the pinnacle of fresh entrepreneurial talent in their first year of business. And with another drumroll, 2025’s Rookie Owner of the Year was announced: Alexis Camarena!
Accompanied by cheers and applause, Alexis made his way to the stage to collect his award and acknowledge that although it’s his name on the award, there are so many people who have supported him and made it all possible. He described moving to a small market and finding success with this team, expressed gratitude for the support on his campaign, and gave thanks to his partners and mentors for holding him accountable to his goals — there’s always a bigger milestone to chase.
James Sagar brought the next gold envelope to the stage to extend massive thanks and announce the Recruiter of the Year from each organization. And to announce Business Partner of the Year, acknowledging that “without these guys, we don’t drive,” James asked the crowd to give it up for two more amazing individuals.
Following an ear-splitting round of applause and cheering, National Consultant Gavin Walsh returned to the podium to present “the award that isn’t measured by just revenue, but by lives improved and standards raised.” An award sought out by every entrepreneur, the Owner of the Year is chased by many throughout the year, but only five are nominated and one will win.
And rather than a drumroll, Gavin asked for a building roar, announcing Marques Aiken as the 2025 Business Owner of the Year! With his crystal award glittering on the podium next to him, Marques emphasized consistency and systems that have led to this achievement, thanking his parents and family in the audience, the markets in which he’s found success and the markets yet to come, combined with a shoutout to Rookie of the Year Alexis Camarena for setting an example for friendly competition and inspiration.
Board Member Justin Cobb was then welcomed to the stage to present the final award of the evening — not a trophy to set on a shelf, but a watch. Prefacing the announcement with a story beginning with his early days in the industry, he outlined his growth, expansion to new regions and new countries, meeting inspirational leaders, and above all, his desire to move fast. Growing and developing new leaders, there were some who had other options and opportunities but stuck with this one. And now, in recognition of the success of the opportunity that he seized, the newest National Consultant Matt Goodchild ascended the stairs to thunderous applause!
Opening the box with a huge grin, Matt began his speech with the advice he gives other award winners: be brief, enjoy it, and don’t cry, with a “we’ll see” for himself at the end. With effusive thanks for everyone from Josh Peace to Justin to Danielle and Obi to everyone behind the scenes, Matt related a story of vulnerability and growth. He outlined his development from a fiery young entrepreneur who was off track, to being given an opportunity outside his comfort zone, to the second and third and fourth chances and the people who never gave up on him.
And although he did get caught up in his own hype and went through a lot to find his happiness, he counts his second starting point as just two years ago when he realized he needed to make some big changes. Big plans that, although they may not have been realistic, they were inspiration to keep racing to #1. With a reminder to all that we only get this one life, he emphasized that it’s best to know yourself, know your limits, and develop the tools and skills that keep you regulated behind the scenes to create real balance in your life. Let people help you… and he did. He found the magical moments in rebuilding, in creating new opportunities, in working harder than he’d ever worked to start fresh and do it all again.
Following this inspirational success story, the celebration really kicked off! The thundering sound of rhythmic drummers came marching out to perform, leading the audience to the dance floor for a performance by acrobatic dancers all dressed in shining gold and black. The DJ kept things moving with an incredible mix of music from a variety of genres and eras as close-up magicians wowed the crowd with beguiling sleight-of-hand tricks sure to amaze. Social media was soon flooded with pictures from the photo booth and 360 camera, as well as candid shots of everyone displaying their shining awards presented against a shimmering backdrop of success.
Stepping outdoors led to even further delights! The unseasonably cold Texas weather was no bother to those enjoying the outdoor cigar lounge, generously appointed with gold-embroidered blankets, patio heating towers, and a toasty fire pit surrounded with comfortable chairs. And late-night celebrations were further enhanced by the arrival of food trucks offering a selection of six different types of sliders appealing to vegetarians and carnivores alike, plus seven different cookies to appeal to any sweet tooth.
The festivities continued well into the night, full of dancing, drinks, merriment, and congratulations for all the incredible award winners, alongside a fierce resolve to be next up on that stage. Over the course of just a few days, attendees discovered new inspiration and motivation, made new connections, and hatched new plans and strategies for their next big moves.
Bolstered by the knowledge and understanding acquired at the Summit, inspired by the examples set by the award winners, and supported by an incredible network and team, these entrepreneurs have already launched into 2026 with a renewed drive and spirit that will lead to even greater heights at next year’s event.
