Real Stories and Real People

My story is quite similar to many folks in our business. I was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut, studied at Quinnipiac University, and graduated with a degree in mathematics. I didn’t fit well with this business, or so I’m told. 

I started my career running operations in South Norwalk, Connecticut. I was also playing semi-professional soccer. From there I moved to Southern California and worked for a St. Ives, which makes creams, lotions, shampoos, etc. I spent 10 years in California, seven years working as a scientist at a large nutritional supplement/over-the-counter drug manufacturer. I ran a research and development division for formulations and specifications. 

In 2001, I received a “pink slip” on Valentine’s Day! How apropos. The worst part was laying off six of my own folks. I had fired a lot of people before, and that was easy because they deserved it; however, these people didn’t. So I got back to my boss’ office and said, “I’m glad that’s over,” and he said, “Good, now get your stuff. You’re out of here, too.” That was my first dose of reality, and so I got home at 3 p.m. (I was accustomed to getting home at 8 p.m.) and my kids asked, “Are you home early to take Mommy out for dinner?” I said, “Yes, kind of like the ‘last supper’!” 

So I spent the next six months looking for a job and finally decided to come back East after continuous prodding from friends and family. We traveled cross-country over a three-week period and arrived on September 1st, and 10 days later 9/11 hit, and I could not even find an interview let alone a job offer. And one day a friend of a friend of my mother’s, whom knew I was out of a job, asked me if I keep my career options open? And I responded, “Well, yeah, I don’t have a job, so my career options are wide open!”

They sat me down and showed me, thankfully, the membership benefits before they showed me the compensation plan. Today, I value that because it’s what our business is predicated on—the membership. 

I got started part time and within three months, I worked the business full time. I immediately gravitated toward small business and group sales. I saw the potential in these markets to make money and recruit business owners. Additionally, I became a corporate trainer in both areas and enjoy teaching other associates how to do the same.

Prior to LegalShield, I worked hard as an under-valued, under-appreciated employee in a 20-year span that culminated in a thankless good-bye. Now I have the ability to build my own business with no cap on my earnings, dictate my own schedule, which enables me to spend more time with my children and those who are important in my life. I believe 2010 was my finest year to date in LegalShield, and while a struggle, it was well worth the time and effort. I was able to earn my LegalShield ring and fulfill some of my goals after nine years. My goals are much loftier today and include earning my next LegalShield income ring. Anything in life requires effort and stick-to-it-iveness, and this is no different. The American Dream is alive and well. Not many opportunities allow you to earn a stable income during a deep recession. 

I always remember the John Mellencamp song “Minutes to Memories,” and the chorus which says, “Days turn to minutes and minutes to memories. Life sweeps away the dreams we all have. You are young and you are the future. So suck it up and tough it out and be the best you can!”