Eight weeks ago a Destin man wanted to thank his friend for encouraging him to start a new business.

He created what he calls a VIP Pin.

The idea has taken off not just in Destin, but all over the world.

Your one time purchase leaves behind a lasting thank you and part of the proceeds will go to help a local charity.

Do you consider yourself to be a VIP?

Over 1500 people recently discovered they are when they received one of Philip Carroll’s “Very Important Person - Ask Me Why” pins.

Philip, known to his friends as 'Squirrel,' felt inspired to create a unique thank you gift for a man he says went out of his way to encourage Squirrel's new business.

Philip "Squirrel" Carroll says, "I always wanted to reward him with something. I always wanted to tell him thank you and that I appreciated him. So what came up was the “VIP - Ask Me Why” pin."

When Squirrel awarded his very important person, Bill Head, he asked him to wear the pin for a few days and then pass it along to someone deserving. Bill gladly accepted.

Bill Head, the V.I.P. Pin Recipient, says, “This whole award is catching on because people are really starting to think, 'You know I need to start telling people how important they are'. Because unfortunately, sometimes if you wait too long you never get to tell that person thank you. We need to do it while we have the opportunity. That's why I love this."

Alex Denis said, “Your one time gift keeps on giving. Some of these badges have already been to other countries and back. You can visit their website and check out their blog to read what other people have written about their very important person."

One father used the VIP pin as an opportunity to encourage his son who struggles in school.

The father acknowledges his son's hard work and perseverance then declares his overwhelming pride for his son.

Another blog written by a service member fighting in Afghanistan praises his wife, calling her the true VIP of the family.

He calls his blog about her an international, web searchable, public thank you for all to see.

Brenda Winfree recently discovered she's a VIP.

She thinks this pin has the power to unite the world.

Brenda Winfree, a V.I.P. Pin Recipient, says, "Someone along the line, maybe twenty down can go back and read. What I wrote about my daughter or what Squirrel wrote about me. They might want to go meet that person and you get to see the world.”

Squirrel agrees.

"You can see a whole United States come together and say I really appreciate you, and the world."

If you'd like to learn more about the “VIP - Ask My Why” pins visit their website at the link below.