Have you ever walked into a company and had the ability to instantly read its culture? I have – 3 years ago, when my husband joined Family Heritage Life Insurance Company of America. It was unlike anything I had ever seen. Throughout my 18 year career I have worked in some pretty amazing companies that have put on some elaborate corporate events for their employees. But this company stands out amongst the pack.
This first introduction was in Cleveland, Ohio at an agent sales event. I recall meeting Paul, the seemingly overzealous and optimistic guy that my husband would be working for. I referred to him as “Mr. Happy” and, after our brief introduction, was fearful that we might be joining a cult. But his enthusiasm was validated not a few short moments later when we were ushered into the ballroom of the hotel where a full press basketball court was set up in the middle of the room and children were swarming, laughing and playing while upbeat hip hop jock music blasted from the DJ’s speakers. There were elaborate buffet tables set up with delectable foods lined from one end to the other and the children’s buffet table had the real delicacies that the adults secretly snuck like chicken fingers, pizza and oversized soft pretzels. This was merely the “basketball party”, a precursor to the Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball game where over 500 agents and family members clamoured into our reserved section. This was one of many events that took place over the three days we were there, ending with a private party at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where virtually every one of the 500 plus participants were dressed as their favorite rockers!
It was clear that the company was successful and seeing the awards ceremony, bonus checks, stock dividends and other perks distributed, the wealth was obviously being shared with the agents. But as grand, fun, amazing and elaborate as the company was in taking care of its agents, it was the agents themselves that created the culture that, I can honestly say, I am honored to be a part of today! It is a culture of care, integrity, family values and extreme generosity. Family Heritage and its agents support dozens of different charitable organizations and when Howard Lewis, the president of the company, heard of what Gary and I were doing on the road to raise money and awareness for St. Baldrick’s, he voluntarily adopted yet another organization to support.
At the Orlando Sales meeting on December 27th, 2007, where close to 300 agents and their family members gathered, 5 incredible people stood up from the crowd to shave their heads in a speedy but effective head shaving event that – within just 15 minutes…reared close to $15,000.00 dollars! When the tears cleared away from my eyes enough to focus, I could see people enthusiastically jumping up and down like wack-a-moles to pledge their support to their favorite shavee. While I have been told that I am fairly good with the written word, there are truly none that can be placed here to express the love, gratitude, and complete and total admiration that I feel for these 5 individuals and the agents and families that have, and continue to, support us.
And it is important to note, the culture of the company often comes from the one who sits at the top! This awe inspiring culture of love and generosity is no surprise with Howard Lewis at the helm!
On a personal note:
Laura Linek: You should work for Disney as a fairy princess! Your efforts will most assuredly help to make many dreams comes true!
Peter Ferre: Your quiet generosity does not go unnoticed! Thank you for being a hero to kids with cancer
Les Perryman: It was not enough that you sacrificed that gorgeous thick silver hair of yours! You had to also be the company’s top donor!
Ken Matson: Don’t grow it back! You look hot!
Ryan Walker: I’d tell you to not grow it back as well…but I suspect there is no hope for that. Thanks for taking one for the team!
Paul Leahey: Well Mr. Happy, as I write this I have tears in my eyes! You were the biggest surprise of all! I love ya, Man!
Hey, girl! You are so right about the Company. Hard to put it into believable words. I saw one in particular, pop up every time, inclucing once AGAIN for me! You know who, and to honor his true philanthropic nature, I won’t share his name here. I mention him, though, because someone commented that he should have shaved his head, as well. I told them that I believed that if you can’t do the action, put your money into action. The person disagreed, until I pointed out that since I didn’t have thousands to give, I shaved my head. To me it is just as important that those who can’t do, are willing to give.
I love this company. We are the luckiest people in America!
Can’t wait to see you in San Fran, baby!
Crystal