Martin’s Career Path
Today, Martin can say that he has found freedom – financial freedom, the freedom to do what he wants and what fulfills him, and the freedom to help others.
But it wasn’t always like this. Martin had to fail many times before finally reaching the point where he stands today. The following outlines his career journey, from his beginnings as a bankruptcy officer to the present.
1. Before Referral Marketing
Before Martin started with referral marketing, he worked for 12 years as a civil servant at the bankruptcy office. Afterwards, he completed a degree in Business Administration, earning the title of Betr. oec. HWV. In addition, he served as a lecturer at various adult education institutions.
2. Start in Referral Marketing (1996)
Martin’s journey into self-employment began in 1996, when he met Jim Rohn (America’s foremost business philosopher) for the first time.
Two statements from Jim Rohn continue to influence him to this day:
"To change things, YOU must change YOURSELF."
"Der Grund für meinen stetigen Geschäftserfolg? Während andere mit 10 Leuten sprechen, spreche ich mit 100 Leuten und empfehle mein Geschäft."
Afterwards, Martin began introducing and successfully establishing innovative health products from the USA in Switzerland as well as in other international markets. Already, several thousand customers have expressed their enthusiasm for the products.
Around 95% of the business development and customer acquisition was achieved through personal referrals.
3. Recognition in TODAY Magazine and on BusinessForHome.org
"Martin Ryf is an old-school marketer who built his success 'offline,' from person to person. Back when he started networking, there was no 'online world.' 'After my time as a civil servant at a bankruptcy office and my subsequent studies in Business Administration at HWV Zurich, I had no knowledge of referral marketing, but I was fascinated by the idea of leading a self-determined and free life. I learned everything I needed to become successful through countless trainings and in practice, with thousands of phone calls and personal conversations. I made many mistakes, went through all the highs and lows, and never gave up until I reached the top. The financial success was great, but I place an even higher value on my personal development, which I was able to go through,' Martin said in a portrait in TODAY magazine."
"Martin has been listed several times among the Top 200 referral marketers worldwide on BusinessForHome.org, the most widely read and respected industry site. As a speaker at many events, he has shared his experiences with thousands of people. Today, Martin is recognized as a leader, mentor, coach, and speaker. His team partners particularly value that they can always rely 100% on him and appreciate his way of always addressing things honestly.
'It’s easy to be enthusiastic and a leader when everything is running smoothly. But how do you behave in difficult times? Can your business partners—and also your family—look up to you and rely on you to guide them safely through a crisis?' Martin asks. He continues: 'It is important to always be open and honest with your business partners. That is how trust is built, and mutual trust is the key to success in today’s business world.'"
4. Launch of an Online Advertising Platform (2015)
In May 2015, Martin launched a new online advertising platform in Switzerland and other countries. Within a short time, thousands of companies were recommending each other on this platform—a huge success.
In March 2017, Martin became the top referrer in Switzerland and ranked 5th worldwide among over 300,000 partners.
As described on the relevant page:
“The gentlemen and ladies on this leaderboard have taken affiliate referrals to a new level and give everyone a goal to strive for. The results they have achieved are based on nothing other than hard work and determination. They deserve our recognition, and we thank them for their tremendous efforts.”
5. Introduction of New Advertising Technology (2017)
Starting in July 2017, Martin introduced a completely new advertising technology from Canada in Switzerland as well as in several German-speaking countries in Europe. Using a small transmitter, businesses could send their offers directly to the mobile phones of passersby and customers. Hundreds of businesses enjoyed increased sales, and 100% of the equipped companies were acquired through referrals within the pool.
Within the first six weeks, Martin Ryf jumped from 0 to the Top 25 among over 20,000 referrers and, after nine months, became one of only six MASTER AFFILIATES worldwide.
6. Introduction of a Natural Energy Drink in Switzerland (2018)
At the end of 2018, a new natural energy drink was making headlines in the USA. Martin contacted the company’s CEO to introduce the drink in Europe. The CEO then traveled to Zurich to meet Martin in person—the rest is history.
Within just 12 months, over 2,000 retail locations were offering the drink in German-speaking regions—a remarkable success story. 100% of the retail locations and customers were gained through professional word-of-mouth marketing.
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7. Ultimate Success with a CBD Product (2022)
In May 2022, Martin recognized the potential of an innovative health product combined with a referral-based business model. By building an international network, leveraging personal product experiences, and maintaining consistent teamwork, he developed a rapidly growing sales structure. The combination of a high-quality product, word-of-mouth marketing, and a clear business strategy led to sustainable growth and exceptional financial success.
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8. Appointment as a Top Expert in Network Marketing (2025)
In December 2025, Martin was nominated by Erfolg Magazin for the award of Top Expert in Network Marketing.
According to Backhaus Verlag, this prestigious recognition is only granted to selected professionals who demonstrate exceptional expertise, quality, and relevance.
Martin is pleased to have a platform as part of this exclusive circle of top experts, enabling him to build trust and expand his reach.
The award includes, among other things, an official online listing with a link, a mention in the print magazine, a high-quality framed certificate, the presentation of a golden certificate, and an exclusive expert seal.
It also offers valuable opportunities to establish new contacts in widely recognized business networks, promote collaborations, and publish editorial articles on forward-looking topics such as network strategies, building and scaling partner networks, community building, customer retention, recruiting in network marketing, and digital tools.
Martin is grateful for this recognition and looks forward to making a positive impact through continuous contributions, sharing knowledge, and representing the industry in the best possible way. At the same time, he will continue to work toward creating a positive influence and strengthening the community.
9. Cover story in the magazine “Founders” (2026)
From Bankruptcy Officer to Successful Entrepreneur – Martin’s Story is Anything But Ordinary.
For twelve years, Martin Ryf faced failed businesses on a daily basis. Today, he is considered one of the most renowned mentors and speakers in referral marketing – with over 30 years of experience and thousands of business partnerships built worldwide.
In founders Magazin (Issue 87), Martin speaks openly about his extraordinary life journey: why he left the security of public service, the painful setback he experienced – and how he turned it into his greatest success yet.
What truly drives him? What does he want to pass on to those entering network marketing? And why does he call this industry the “paradise of entrepreneurship”?
Read the full article in founders Magazin now and discover Martin’s story.
