Top: Cheryl (left) and Rhonda re-enact "The Call."

Above: Rhonda (left) and Cheryl turned their after-hours phone call into a meaningful business venture.

In January 1987, future Creative Memories co-founder Rhonda Anderson was raising her family in Montana. After teaching a mother’s group about her family’s tradition of preserving photos and stories in keepsake albums, Rhonda was stunned to learn that these moms kept their photos stuffed in drawers, boxes, and under the bed. They didn’t know about the power of photo albums and how they can bring meaning to people’s lives.

Determined to help them enjoy their photos and share their stories, she called a Minnesota-based album manufacturer to place an order for 40 albums. They were the only albums her family ever used, and she loved them.

It was after business hours when company executive Cheryl Lightle picked up the phone. Cheryl had never received such a large individual order and was intrigued.

Rhonda and Cheryl talked about the presentation and began to explore the possibilities. From that phone call came their vision that one day millions of people would celebrate family memories and tell their unique stories in albums. In July 1987, Creative Memories’ first Consultant signed on. The company now has tens of thousands of Consultants worldwide who make a difference in the way people remember, celebrate, and connect.