There are at least two times when one can "revel" in one's greatness; when they are alive and with us and when they are no longer with us except for their memories. Recently one such individual has passed on. I didn't know Dave personally but I know (and am a business partner with) the company he was associated and where he directed his passion to help others.
I was emailed this notice and wanted to share it with my readers here to glean inspiration to move forward and to do great things with his or her own life; and as a reminder to me as well.
In his honor and in an effort to use his example to motivate others who read this, I share it here. If you are so inclined, send a donation at the links presented.
Make it a great day!
Ter Scott
Life and Legacy Coach
We Mourn the Loss of "The Great" Dave Savula, Long Time Champion and Friend of the Company and Number One Income Earner
Dave Savula, the number one leader of the LegalShield sales force for the past 24 years, passed away Friday, June 17 with his family at his side. Dave had been battling sarcoidosis for more than two years. His last public appearance was in March at the LegalShield Leadership Conference in Dallas where he gave an emotional and impassioned speech.
Dave began his journey with LegalShield, which was then Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., in 1992 when he traveled to the company’s headquarters in Ada, Okla. for a face-to-face meeting with the company’s founder and CEO, Harland Stonecipher. From that first meeting, Savula set his course to the top of the company’s money earners and never relinquished his position as leader.
“I remember coming to Ada,” said Dave. “And it reminded me of where I grew up in rural Ohio. The community and company had that kind of feel. It was a family where people knew each other by name and everyone went to the game on Friday nights. I knew then, after meeting with Harland and talking with the employees, that this company was where I would make my career, and I knew I was going to the top.”
His ascension through the company’s ranks was immediate and incredible. Kathy Pinson, a long-time company executive, recalled one of the first obstacles both the company and Savula encountered, “Dave was in Ohio holding recruiting events and he sent in a lot of associate agreements and membership applications – but we weren’t even open for business in Ohio at the time. We called and told him we couldn’t process the applications and he said ‘Well, get Ohio opened because I’m not stopping!’.” The company opened in Ohio soon thereafter.
Dave’s tireless energy and travel schedule made him a top draw throughout North America. His meeting system and recruiting approach became staples that the company would adopt for its entire sales organization. His training and inspirational speeches became a highlight of every corporate event. His videos were among the top-selling sales and recruiting aids in the company’s history.
He became the first sales associate to break the $1 million mark in annual earnings in 1998. His income would continue to grow throughout his career, even as he reduced the amount of advance commissions he was paid. Ultimately, he would become the first to go fully “as earned,” meaning his commissions were no longer advanced and his residual income soared. The impact of Savula’s pay strategy will remain for generations in his family.
Away from the company, Dave’s personal life was entwined with family and football. He and his wife of 46 years Beverly, or “Bev” as he referred to her, were high school sweethearts from Mogadore, Ohio. According to his recollection of their love affair, they lived merely blocks away from each other even as children. “I was the football star and she was the cute cheerleader,” he said. “We’ve been together ever since.” The couple have 2 sons: David John and Michael.
Dave also had a lifetime passion for and coached football in the NW Georgia Youth Football Leagues for 30 years. Dave is among the winningest coaches in Ga. youth football history, priding himself in teams that routinely finished among the best in the state. He coached many players that went on to play collegiately and in the National Football League.
Two years ago, LegalShield unveiled the Dave Savula Lifetime Achievement Award at its headquarters in Ada. A bronze bust of Dave is set to be unveiled at the headquarters, along with other key figures in the company’s history, during this year’s LegalShield International Convention, scheduled for July 14-16 in Oklahoma City.
“The world has lost a great man, a great husband, father and crusader for justice,” said Jeff Bell, CEO, LegalShield. “Dave not only helped to build this company— he helped tens of thousands of people start and succeed in business, and in the process, he helped protect hundreds of thousands of families. He will be missed by everyone, but his legacy lives forever.”
Dave Savula stood out because of his great passion and enthusiasm in everything he did, he loved his family, he loved his business and he loved football, and he showed that in everything he did-- for that we love him.
To honor Dave’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Foundation for the Pearlstine Sarcoidosis Center of Excellence, 18 Bee Street, MSC 450, Charleston, South Carolina 29425 or online at musc.edu/giving/medicine- please note Dave Savula in the “Tribute Information” section of the donation page.
In addition, we will be sending this press release tomorrow. The celebration of Dave’s life and impact will continue to be broadcast through LegalShield’s Associate Network Facebook page—please visit the page and stay tuned for information about a memorial service—stay inspired and make Dave proud.
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