Today, I’d like to talk to you about the famous Amway tape Chasing the Blue Light Special by Jim Brooks.
Jim Brooks was one of my favorite Amway Diamonds. During my two and a half years in the business, I listened to several of his tapes. Although I was not affiliated with the Britt World Wide line of sponsorship, I purchased a lot of several hundred tapes from a former distributor on eBay.
One of those tapes was Chasing the Blue Light Special. In his tape, Jim Brooks talked about his experiences in the Army and as a truck driver in Washington. He discussed his beginnings in Amway and mentioned how one day “something just clicked inside him.” From that day forward, he actively built the business and became one of Bill Britt’s first downline Diamonds (number six or seven I believe).
He discussed how prior to his Amway business he didn’t really have any goals in life. He was like many other people who were so busy being broke and “chasing the blue light specials” at Kmart. This saying resonated with me and I’ve never forgotten it.
I listened to this tape at least fifty times. It kept me motivated during the peaks and valleys of building my Amway business. I misplaced the tape quite some time ago, but I would love to hear it again.
I really loved these old Amway tapes. They are some of the best motivational tapes you will find. It’s really great hearing the rags to riches stories, like Jim Brooks, of people who started with nothing and built a small fortune via network marketing. I’ve never met Jim Brooks personally, but if I did, I would tell him thank you!
The Kmart Blue Light Special
As a kid growing up in Maine, I remember my mom taking me to Kmart to go shopping. Part of the fun was the Blue Light Special.
The Bluelight Special debuted in 1965 as flashing blue sirens in the center of Kmart’s stores that would go off to direct shoppers to a discount item, as an announcement was blared on a loudspeaker, “attention, Kmart shoppers,” a term that became part of the American lexicon. ~ Retail Dive
My biggest takeaway from his tape was that most people are more excited about shopping and saving some money than they are about their own life. Rather than chasing the Blue Light Special, it’s more important to chase your own dreams and goals. Food for thought.
About Amway Diamond Jim Brooks
Jim Brooks was part of Britt World Wide, a popular line of sponsorship within Amway. His upline Diamonds were Rex & Betty Joe Renfrow and Bill & Peggy Britt. To the best of my knowledge, he joined Amway sometime in the 1970s. Prior to joining Amway he was a truck driver. He was also a U.S. Army veteran.
Jim Brooks Obituary
Sadly, Jim passed away a few years back. Here is a copy of his obituary I found online.
On August 4, 2013 heaven welcomed an amazing man as James Leslie Brooks, JR went home to be with the Lord. James was born and raised in New Jersey. He served in the United States Army. After the Vietnam War, James was honorably discharged and moved to Washington State. James was an Amway Independent Business Owner and motivational speaker. He touched many lives and was a true blessing and inspiration to those who knew him.
Although the loss of James causes great sadness, it brings joy and hope knowing that we will one day be reunited in heaven. Surviving family members include, wife, Lin Rex, daughter, Justine Lineberry, daughter, Angela Brooks. Five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Brother, Steve Brooks (Karen), sister, JoAnn Leadbeater.
Preceded in death by daughter Kimberly Brooks, father James L. Brooks, SR, mother Dorothy Brooks and brother Rick Brooks.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Jim Brooks was a legend in the Amway business. If you’ve ever listened to his famous tape Chasing the Blue Light Special, please leave a comment below and tell me what you think about it. I look forward to hearing from you.
Chuck Holmes
20+ Year Network Marketing Professional
Top Earner & Top Recruiter
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
P.S. Learn how to grow a successful network marketing business. Secret tips, training, and practical ideas. Free training delivered by email.
I have the old tape and just listened to it again. It’s always a good pick me up. I think I have an old double tape of his called Pedal to The Medal in my library of old tapes as well. He and Dave Severn were my two favorite speakers!!!
Yes, they were two of my favorites as well, along with Bill Britt.
Thank you. Mr. Jim Brooks, Amway Diamond, was at a major function for the New York Nardone team that I was plugged into at the time (I’m in another line of sponsorship and I have not built the business big to date although I do dream and chase it like the proverbial ‘Blue Light Special’, or even like a ‘red herring’). I recall something Jim said at that function. I think about it alot. He said “You can never go home again. ”
For me, this has a kind of significance – perhaps biblical. To me, it means I can no longer live in nostalgia wishing and wanting something from my past such as security and peace. Suffice it to say that I must move on, as Jim did when he related the story of daughter Kimberly, or wife Betty Jean.
Thank you Jim Brooks.
May G-d give Jim His Peace
I was looking online for the older version Chasing the Blue Light Special and came across your site! They updated the tape/CD when Jim and my mother divorced. I enjoyed reading what you had to say about my dad! He was truly gifted with the ability to speak and motivate people, that is for sure! I was always inspired by the people who had heard him speak and would say that it had changed their lives. So readying your comments about my dad and that you would thank him if you had the chance to meet him was pretty special! Sadly he passed away a few years ago, but I am thankful I came across your site today! Have a blessed day!
Thanks for visiting my website, Angela. Your dad was an amazing man. I would have loved to take him out to lunch and pick his brain for a few hours. He had so much charisma and energy. He was a man’s man. He knew how to fire up an audience. Plus, he seemed like a down to earth guy from humble beginnings.
You are blessed to have such a great dad.
I used to have several of his tapes, but when I got divorced, they disappeared. Sorry I never saved them.
He was a dynamic speaker. I counseled with him several times. I liked his character. He was a man’s man. Very much a solid guy. I saw his plans in Victoria for his downline Donn and Sharon Moss.
It was entertaining, just like his tape was.
Rest in Peace Jim Brooks, you are an inspiration to us all.
Hi Curtis,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. When were you in the Amway business? It must have been interesting to be at his business presentations. I’m sure he used his sense of humor to keep things fun and exciting. Are you still in the Amway business?
Chuck
Hey there, I’ve been on the hunt for the chasing the blue light special audio forever. Did you ever find a copy of it?
Nope, I haven’t. But, I love that tape.
Don’t know if you’re still on here but My favorite quote from Jim Brooks “Success is like going to the bathroom it is just something you have to do for Yourself”
That’s a great quote. Jim had a way of keeping things simple and easy to understand.
I may have a CD, the newer version. I would have to look, if you are interested.
If you do, I’d gladly buy it from you. I can PayPal you the money if you want to sell it.
I was in Jim’s downline and he was an absolutely amazing individual. I was in his organization when he was going through some pretty tough times in his family and although his business suffered he never lost his faith!
I believe of all the tapes I kept “Chasing the Blue Light Special” was one. I might even have 2. Like you I would have to track them down.
Jim passed away a couple of years ago and I kept thinking I should call him and see how he was. When I found out I missed my opportunity I remember what I learned from him. “Procrastination is opportunity’s natural assassin and it is the fertilizer that makes difficulties grow.” Stopping procrastination is hard but not telling him how much he meant to me I think was harder.
Very cool, Glenn. I would have loved to meet Jim. How long did you work with him in Amway?