Hi ,

This morning, I received an email that reminded me that because
of a decision I made over a decade ago, the U.S. Government
Shutdown should minimally impact my business!

That decision was to join a business barter club with over
25,000 members scattered across the U.S. and Canada.

Here's that email:

💪 Even When Washington Shuts Down… ITEX Members Keep Thriving!

Hi ITEX Members

When the government slows down or even shuts down, some
businesses hit pause. But small business owners like YOU don’t
wait for Washington — you keep going. And that’s exactly why
small businesses thrive no matter what’s happening on Capitol
Hill.

Here’s why:

✅ Flexibility: Small businesses move fast. You don’t need a
committee to pivot — you just make it happen.
✅ Local Loyalty: Customers trust the people they know.
Communities support local, especially when times get tough.
✅ Creative Financing: When cash gets tight, ITEX keeps business
flowing. Members trade goods and services, conserve cash, and
still grow their bottom line.
✅ Innovation: Tough times spark creativity — and ITEX members
are some of the most creative entrepreneurs anywhere.

💡 While others are waiting for a government restart, ITEX
members are still making deals, landing new clients, remodeling
offices, marketing services, and traveling — all with ITEX
dollars!

No matter what’s happening in D.C., the ITEX economy never shuts
down. Because business doesn’t stop when cash slows — it just
shifts to smarter systems like ours.

👉 Keep thriving. Keep trading.

Visit ITEX today to explore new products, services, and travel
destinations available on ITEX — and keep your business moving
forward.

Stay strong, stay smart,

John Castoro
President & Chief Energizing Officer
ITEX NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, & VA
Top Franchise in North America for 30 Years
President’s Club
Circle of Excellence

End of email that I received :-)

NOTE: While John owns the franchise for ITEX NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD,
& VA our membership encompasses 25,000+ small businesses across
the U.S. and Canada.

We all share one huge database. While I'm physically in Florida,
I can do business with ANY member.

In fact, I know how to reach across to other barter clubs
worldwide, but MOST people in the barter world don't know how to
do that.

ANYWAY, here's an interview that I did with John where he
revealed that he once did a barter deal with Donald Trump for
rooms at one of his upscale New York hotels:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XFk4TFeY3o

If you own a business in the U.S. or Canada, for-profit or
non-profit, and you would like an invite to ITEX, just reach out
to me.

To invite you I merely need to fill out a form inside the ITEX
website where I will need your:
- First and Last Name
- Business Name (If You Have One)
- Email Address (Personal Or Business)
- Phone Number (Personal Or Business)

After you accept the invitation, John or someone on his team
will give you a call to discuss how you can LEVERAGE your ITEX
membership!

Don't worry, it's NOT a sales call. It's to explore what goods
and services you might want to offer to other members, and what
goods and services you might need.

I personally have purchased a lot of advertising from other
members. Major magazines and newspapers ARE members of ITEX.

So are many major hotel chains and resorts, so when I travel I
conserve my cash and pay with my barter dollars. I earn most of
those barter dollars selling digital products... ELECTRONS!

During the holidays, I also shop both online and offline with
ITEX members. ITEX members often display a decal on their door
or window that’s similar to the Mastercard or Visa decals :-)

I've rambled on long enough!

Let me know if you have any questions, or want an invite.

To your success,
Willie Crawford