Well, we made it. Seven days in, and Team 7UP is still standing – sunburnt, slightly blistered, but standing. If you’d told us a week ago that knocking on a stranger’s door could feel like both the scariest and most exciting thing we’ve ever done, we might not have believed you. But here we are, and what a ride it’s already been.
Welcome to our first official blog post from the road. Grab a coffee, settle in, and let us take you through Week 1 of our Southwestern Advantage summer.
Life on Turf: Mornings, Miles, and Mental Gymnastics
Our days start earlier than most of us are used to. Turns out “door-to-door” really does mean door to door, and by the end of some days, our legs were filing official complaints.
The weather this week couldn’t make up its mind. One day we were melting under a relentless sun, sweat-soaked shirts and all, and the very next day we were pulling on jackets against a sudden cold snap, with a bit of rain thrown in just to keep things interesting. South Dakota, it seems, likes to keep us guessing.
But here’s what surprised us most: every single door – yes, no, or “please don’t come back” – taught us something. Sometimes it was about our pitch. Sometimes it was about ourselves. And sometimes it was simply a reminder that rejection isn’t personal, it’s just Tuesday.
The People Behind the Doors
This week really hammered home that this job isn’t about selling – it’s about people. Every one of us walked away with a story, a lesson, or at least a good laugh.
Liisa reflected on something we all felt deeply this week: how having an amazing team makes everything easier. “It makes the mornings and nights funner,” she said, “and it’s like a reminder that we are in this together, while each of us is writing their own story.” Honestly, hard to put it better than that.
Matthias had one of the funniest moments of the week – a dog that wanted to be pet non-stop, to the point where he genuinely couldn’t leave the doorstep. Between giggles, he shared the bigger lesson he took from the week: having a positive attitude and not being too harsh on yourself is what helps the most. “At least with me,” he added with a grin.
Michael had a quieter but powerful realization this week: he found himself genuinely grateful just to be alive. He met so many amazing people that it made everything worth it – sometimes, he said, one person can turn an entire day around.
Liisa also came back with quite the haul this week – two bibles, a statue of Jesus, and a Christian-themed under-plate mat, among other things. She’s joked that at this rate, she’ll be “really religious” by the end of the summer. We’re not entirely sure what the families are trying to tell her, but we love the generosity (and the comedy).
And then there was Matthias’s encounter with a very enthusiastic dog who decided he simply could not leave – the pup wanted pets and wanted them forever. Matthias laughed it off and said the real lesson of the week wasn’t about the dog at all: it was learning to keep a positive attitude and not be too hard on yourself when things don’t go perfectly. Words to live by, honestly.
And then there’s Gabriel and Michael’s new favorite hobby: standing at the door and dramatically yelling “IS ANYBODY HOME?!” the moment a knock goes unanswered. What started as a joke has now become a full bit, complete with sound effects and increasingly theatrical delivery. No word yet on whether it’s improved their numbers, but it’s definitely improved team morale. Also, would you rather eat a pound of a brick or a matter baby? 😉
As you can see in the photos, these moments – funny, heartfelt, or completely unexplainable – are what make this week feel real. Strangers becoming part of our story, one doorstep at a time.
Mount Rushmore: A Surreal Detour
On Sunday, we took a trip to Mount Rushmore – and wow. Seeing those faces carved into the mountainside in person hit differently than any postcard or photo ever could. There was something almost surreal about standing there, in the middle of our first big adventure away from home, looking up at a monument to ambition and legacy.
As you can see in the photos, the views were stunning – but more than that, it felt like a much-needed reminder of why we’re here: to challenge ourselves, grow, and create something we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.
Sunday Reflections: Looking Back, Looking Forward
Our Sunday trip to Rushmore doubled as our team reflection day – equal parts adventure and gut-check. Standing in front of something so massive and permanent made our own first-week wobbles feel a little smaller, and our goals for Week 2 a little clearer: more confidence at the door, faster pivots when things don’t go to plan, and continuing to lean on each other – because, as Mari reminded us, we’re in this together.
Looking Ahead
Week 1 taught us that growth doesn’t knock politely – it shows up uninvited, a little messy, and completely worth it. We’re tired, we’re learning, and we’re just getting started.
Here’s to Week 2, and to Team 7UP continuing to turn nerves into courage, one door at a time. 🚪✨
SW Eesti 