Retirement

With a tear in my eye and a big smile on my face I wanted to share the news that I will be retiring at the end of October.

Believe It, Achieve It

One of the most inspirational poems I ever read was Believe It, Achieve It.? It talks about the Wright Brothers and their dream. …?? Well, I had a dream over 35 years ago and my dream became a reality.

“If you believe it you will achieve it. There is nothing in this world that you can’t do.? If you believe it you will achieve it. Believe it till your dreams come true.?? Everyone can have a dream If you believe it it’s gonna come true.? Behind everyone who’s successful there’s a dream they believed they could do.? A goal is just a dream with a deadline. Aim high and set your sights to win. The size of the dream doesn’t matter just the size of the heart that it’s started in….”???????

As I sit here at my computer just after attending my last benefit fair of my career my mind is taking a walk down memory lane. I started Countywide Pre-Paid Legal Services in my parent’s basement with a desk, a telephone, phone book and a typewriter with a dream of helping people with their legal issues in an affordable way. ?When I first started Countrywide I was talking to Human Resources professionals and brokers and consultants who never heard of a prepaid legal plan and how it all worked.? I was also talking to attorneys trying to build a network and many of them never heard of a prepaid legal plan. I am proud that prepaid legal services is now known in our industry.? I never once doubted that there was a need for our services.

I have attended thousands of employee benefit meetings and benefit fairs over the last 35 years and have met so many interesting people and listened to their struggles. Over my career I have worked with so many talented HR professionals and Brokers and Consultants and many have turned into friendships and personal relationships and for this I am grateful.?

I am proud of the work we have accomplished together at Countrywide. The only way to do great work is to love what you do and if you love what you do then it doesn’t feel like work and that has been my experience.??

I have had the privilege to work with an incredible talented team.? There are 2 people that I would like to recognize, my right hand person, Michelle Rodriguez has been a rock star as we have worked together for the last 29 years.? Heidi Swartz has been likewise invaluable as well for the last 10 years.? I want to personally thank you both for your dedication, support and I appreciate all that you have done and always going the extra mile. We have accomplished so much together.? To the newer team members, please continue to shine and provide our personal touch to all who we serve.

There are so many things I have learned over the years from my colleagues and my EO forum members that have provided invaluable information to help me grow as an individual, entrepreneur, father and friend.? I am grateful to each one of you that have touched me with your ability to share your knowledge, intellect an experiences.

Thank you to all who I have worked with over the years as you have inspired and motivated me.?

I loved what I did professionally and am excited to enter a new phase of my life and explore and travel to new domestic and international destinations.? I will now get to spend more time with my family and friends and try new hobbies, learn new things and continue to improve my golf, tennis, pickleball game, swimming and whatever else is out there that I will discover. ????????????

Thank you to each one of you that has touched me in my life.? I would like to end with a meaningful phrase to a very good friend and colleague, “THAT’S IT”!!!

With Gratitude,

Len