In early 1999 I found myself in a very frustrating situation. I was 29 years old. I was working extremely hard as a fiber optics salesman… and I was broke. My wife and I had been married for over six years. We’d just had our first child, whom we were thrilled about, however, when it came to work, money and time, we were struggling. We started praying for a better way.
My wife received a phone call one evening from a lady she had met recently. She said that she was in training with a company that was expanding, and that we should take a look at it. She said this company, Primerica, might be able to help us. We decided to meet up with her and see what this company was all about.
Neither of us had ever even heard of Primerica and I admit we were skeptical. After about 30 minutes into our meeting with the Primerica reps, I began to realize that what they were saying actually made sense. They spoke about developing “a written program to monitor and eliminate debt, term life insurance being the foundation to your financial house, and the basics of successful investing.”
At 29, I’d never been taught these principles before. I never finished college and I had no experience with “financial stuff.” He assured me that they could help educate us about our finances. The first step would be to fill out a Financial Needs Analysis (FNA) and based on where we stood financially and what our goals were, we would see what could be done.
We met again two weeks later and went through the results. It was simple: Follow a plan to pay off credit card debts, put some term insurance in place to protect my young family (we had no insurance at that time) and find a way to make more money. They said that Primerica would teach us how to do all of the above. They would even offer us an opportunity to start part-time and show us how to build a business by teaching other people what they taught us.
I guess we were just so eager to change our lives we believed them. We paid a small start-up fee, started the training process, and moved forward in faith.
Now it’s 10 years later and I’m 40 years old. I can’t help but think about how different my life could’ve turned out.
What if I hadn’t agreed to that appointment? What if I trusted my initial skeptical feelings? What if I’d listened to several friends who insisted Primerica had to be a scam? What if I believed Internet chat rooms, unregulated Web sites, and less than credible sources?
Well, my family’s life would be a lot different. See, what’s happened in the past 10 years is that we have grown tremendously — as people and as leaders. We have built amazing friendships. We’ve helped thousands of families get back on track financially. We are financially independent and have been able to give away more money each year than we used to earn before Primerica. The opportunity turned out to be a bigger blessing that we could have ever imagined.
We now have seven offices across upstate New York and many great people working with us. We love what Primerica does for families and we love the freedom we now have. We don’t punch a time clock. Each day is our own. I’ve spent countless mornings with my children. When my son turned one, I took each Friday off and we spent the day together. We did that for four years until he went to kindergarten.
We’ve traveled together as a family to so many amazing places all over the world, and created lifelong memories. My children are so much more confident because of the “family” business. We just returned from a trip to Montreal together where we spoke to over 500 people about changing their lives through this great opportunity.
The most amazing part about that is that my 11-year old daughter spoke in that meeting about how the business has impacted her personally. Imagine an 11-year old speaking to 500 people with confidence and grace so she could impact their lives. The list of benefits of winning in Primerica is extensive.
I have found tremendous success with Primerica and so have countless others. But that is not to say that Primerica is easy. It is not a “get rich quick” scheme. It would be ridiculous to think so. But to say it is a scam, or a pyramid, is far more ridiculous. My life is proof that it is real, and there are thousands of other people around the world who would laugh just as hard at the thought of Primerica being called a scam.
The Federal Trade Commission doesn’t call Primerica a scam. Neither does the Better Business Bureau, FINRA or any of the other regulatory agencies in this country. I encourage you to check the facts and to get your information from these credible sources.
I am living proof that Primerica is real. I was a skeptic who is now a successful businessman with the freedom to live the life of his dreams. There are a lot of scams out there you should be aware of. Primerica is not, and has never been, one of them.
I think we have to create our own experience in life, and we have to move forward in faith. When we do that, put forth an honest effort, and do the right things long enough — only then can we look back and really see the “real picture.”
Tags: broke, business, debt, family, finances, financial independence, FINRA, freedom, insurance, investments, money, opportunity, Primerica, Primerica scam, pyramid, savings, scam
This entry was posted on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 2:07 pm and is filed under Primerica. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:47 pm Zach Mann Says:
Great Story!!
December 9th, 2009 at 7:33 pm Douglas Says:
Awesome story. I couldn’t help but take my dinner hour and listen to this. Many people don’t understand the importance of finding first what is “good” before finding what’s “profitable.
Every once in a while, a person has the opportunity to find a means that serves what is “good” and “profitable.” I like how his story reinforced the idea that profit usually occurs once you genuinely believe in the idea supporting it.
Good for you Chris.
January 9th, 2010 at 5:53 am Marsha Says:
I’m so glad that I read this as I have an interveiw today with this company and I was very skeptical even about going for this interveiw.
January 16th, 2010 at 4:57 pm Marvin Miller Says:
This was a great post. It gives me somewhere to send folks that are thinking about the opportunity.
January 17th, 2010 at 7:24 pm Brian lee Says:
great Royce!!!
January 28th, 2010 at 5:54 pm Patrick Flannery Says:
Why don’t they talk about what they actually do to make money? “Helping families” is not an acceptable answer.
February 1st, 2010 at 2:11 pm Steve Says:
I think saying that Primerica’s a scam is the wrong word. It certainly isn’t illegal, and unlike a real scam, it doesn’t take your money without your realizing it and the possibilities of wealth and happiness it advertises are possible, albeit unlikely.
However, Primerica is preys on the desperate and the greedy. Chris, I congratulate you on being successful with Primerica, and I’m not claiming that doing such is impossible. However, a huge number of managers use the promises of wealth that probably won’t come. The cold hard truth is that most people with Primerica do not make enough money to live off of, especially if they have a family to support.
Almost all reports online about Primerica are little more than personal stories. Yours happens to be positive, but most of them are overwhelmingly negative. Doesn’t that make you think that you might be the exception, not the norm?
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:48 pm Sandra Says:
I am a representative of Primerica Financial Services and my mom is a RVP based in California. I truly believe that Primerica is a great company and anyone can find success.
I know some people out there are skeptics, like Steve.
However, the truth is that Primerica offers great products that virtually every family needs. Unless you have 200k to 500k saved up, then your family needs term life insurance.
The opportunity is even better! The fact is that most people do not know what it takes to start up a business…like dedication and hard work. We are all programmed to clock in/clock out! And leave work at work and not take it home. This leads most family to just get by/surviving instead of truly living life.
Primerica gives you the chance to build your business and eventually you will not just be surviving but living life like a business owner. Honestly, for most people, knowing how to run their own business never crossed their minds. Primerica gives people a chance to do just that. Anyone who is willing to put in the hours and work ethic are the norm in Primerica.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:15 pm Olga Says:
Thank you Sandra for your post, I appreciate every body that takes the time to stop by and give us their opinion, I believe in Primerica, and agree with you, however not every one takes the opportunity to form their own opinion by coming to a workshop or an opportunity meeting, and that is really heartbreaking, because when I talk to someone about primerica, it’s really an invitation to work together hand in hand, to be of service to families that need our products and to not have to do it alone but rather in harmony with mentors that have put in the hard work and are now harvesting the fruit of their labor, that are happy to teach and guide us to achieving the goals and desires we have for families.
I am delighted to offer this opportunity with the same kindness it was offered to me, however it takes hard work, dedication and the desire to not want to work all of your life. It takes the desire to become finally free. and have in abundance so we can do wonderful things in our lifetime, the most common opinion people have about Primerica is that there are few who make it and few who get to live a life in such abundance that it’s hard to imagine, I believe that anything is possible however we have to have trust in God and work in fellowship because he will provide, if we do what is right and we have to have faith and belief in our self’s, in history we know of great structures and great accomplishments that have happened because someone believed it could be done, as that person is being criticized by hundreds if not thousands of people that didn’t believe. Sandra thanks again for your post and please don’t forget about us, stop in and say hello when you think of us, have a great day and God Bless you: your friend Olga
February 19th, 2010 at 1:13 pm Duane Says:
Hey Olga – you’ve said some things that I would expect most Primericans to say, including myself. I’ve been with the company for nearly four years and it’s absolutely amazing to me how things just continue to get better; Primerica is so unlike anything I’ve ever seen in Corporate America and I sincerely take my hat off to the leadership of this company and it’s founders. It is so evident to me that Primerica is one company that truly cares about their people and their clients. So, if there’s any among you currently doing your research – be thorough and apply some common sense to what you’re reading. There are many negative people out there who don’t possess those winning qualities that are on the inside of a person, and it’s easier to throw mud at the company and it’s people than it is to look within and say “I wasn’t willing work on myself and get better.” If you’re not willing to work hard on yourself to improve your life and the lives of others, then maybe Primerica is not for you. On the other hand, if you’re a person that cares deeply about your family and there’s just something inside of you that says “just give me a chance to win and I’ll do it” then brother, you have found a home!
Duane
March 5th, 2010 at 12:19 am Jorge Says:
Hey Steve, I’m not with Primerica but I’m very familiar with it. Been to presentations and have family and friends involved. I own my own business in the architectural millwork industry. Let me tell you that not every millwork shop becomes a success, and there are thousands in the nation. Not everyone who starts a business is wealth and most give up in the first year. Yet, the opportunity and potential is there. Starting a business only gurantees us the opportunity. why should Primerica be different???
March 28th, 2010 at 8:43 am trevon moreland Says:
We have all inherited a system work. Its 2010 and every race has experienced slavery (JOBS). Any legal idea giving you the OPPORTUNITY to benefit your consumer, and provide for your household is a blessing. There are plenty of jobs (slavery) titles that serve no purpose, but to destroy families and morals. If going to work ontime, and experiencing the hazing attitudes of corporate america, is a dream for you continue. A gold watch, a certificate, and a retiring party is all you get making someone else richer. We have a freedom most americans never appreciate until they visit other countries. I’m 23 served my country in the iraq war, and I feel like its time I give back to my family for lost time clocking in / clocking out. This OPPORTUNITY is not for everyone, but everybody needs this opportunity.
April 14th, 2010 at 8:22 pm The Prospect Says:
I looked at the Primerica opportunity and asked questions.
First thing I asked was what percentage of the people who start are really successful? The RVP said 2%. He went on to say between 10-20% more make decent money. After looking at a lot of businesses I would saythat’s about the same in any commission sale company and in fact in life in general. I’m trying not to be critical, but most people aren’t leaders and in fact want to be lead. I have manageed large groups of people in several large companies. I asked more questions.
There are tons of people who pay the licensing fee and never go to the classes. Some pay the money and take the classes and never take the test. Some go all the way pay the money, take the classes, take the test and then never show up. some show up and never do a thing. Some do a little and decide it’s too hard.
I have a friend who hires for Home Depot. He says after the interview, if he hires 10 people 3-4 just wont show up, one or two quit the first day or two and some get fired in the first week. So for 10 that he hires – he gets 1-2 employees. So it looks to me like the only scam out there is people who want something for nothing.
As far as the opportunity, sales in all business is about prospecting. If you’re new to sales and inexperienced your only asset is your frineds – guess who Primerica and everyone else in sales tells you to go after frist! Guess who you are mot familiar and most at ease with. You probably won’t sell anything, so in a very short while you are into a “cold” market. So if you’re not willing to get good at cold marketing – stay out of sales! Primerica products are average to good, but packaged as a very good assembly. People crave advice – any advice. what most people need is a plan – Primerica’s is free. Of course they want you to buy their product. When you go to work – any kind of work you want to get paid. Like I said, Primerica’s products aren’t the “best”. Don’t necessarily have all the bells and whistles, don’t necessairly cost the most or aren’t the cheapest either. But the plan they give you is worth a lot. It’s by far their best product. I’ve been in the Real Estate, Mortgage, Loan, Insurance and Investments business for more than 30 years (not with Primerica). Don’t see much wrong with their business. Most of what I see in condemnation is agents (of other companies) spouting their sour grapes. The agents for all the companies take the same classes and take the same tests. Most other companies have no “opportunity” to take advantage of. If you really want to take advantage of whatever opportunity is available to you – quit bitching and go to work – or go get a job and see how they treat you. You want to be rich and successful, just go to work!Primerica or any other company is just a vehicle for your desire and ambition. If you’re complaining about
June 22nd, 2010 at 1:23 pm Richard Says:
Steve complains that most people don’t rise to the top in Primerica. Primerica offeres an opportunity not a sure thing. Those who do well have been shown how to do well just like everyone else but they are the ones who apply those principles and do the hard work it takes.
I believe the same is true in any legitamate company. How many store clerks working at Sears rise to store manager? How many store managers rise to Regional VP? How many of those VP’s become CEO of the company? Rising up through the ranks in Primerica is much easier and the supervisor above you looks at you as an asset not a threat to their career. They want you to do well and as you succeed so do they. Primerica offers an opportunity and trains you to succeed. The rest is up to you.