Texans Daina and Bill Sarafin first heard about Primerica years ago from a Primerica representative who was just beginning his business.
Daina remembers, “I was managing a store and doing executive training and he (Bill) was a supervisor at a chemical plant. And, here, this young man was just out of college and he sat us down and told us … we really needed more to put our finances together.”
The Sarafins had life insurance, 401(k)s and pensions through their workplaces. “But we needed to have our own program in place,” says Daina, remembering that day with the young man at the kitchen table. “To have our own life insurance – so we would have control over our own retirement savings outside of that. Quit saving our money in CDs. Start using mutual funds. Get out of debt. Pay off our credit cards.
“And he put us on a program,” smiles Daina, “and that program led us to be financially independent.”
Fast forward several years and the Sarafins’ daughter, Alisa, met her husband, Todd Greer, while both were in the Air Force. As their tour of duty ended, Todd began looking for a career and was interested in Primerica.
“We were all in favor of it,” say Daina. “We thought they would really be able to help them not only with their finances but also be able to help him with a great career. We knew it was a great company. … We knew some people who were working with Primerica who were making a great living.”
Daina and Bill both wanted Todd and Alisa to move to Houston to so they could build a Primerica business with together. “I kept telling him. I’ll work with you if you come to Houston,” remembers Daina. “Bill was all excited about working with him…” says Daina.
“People were shocked that I left a six-figure income, company car, stock options – but I knew I had to do something different with my life. So I started working with Primerica. I wanted freedom and I was tired of being controlled. I was approaching 50 at that point and I thought when am I going to control my life? When am I going to control my time? If not now, when?”
Life Can Change In an Instant
Bill and Daina’s plan was for her to run the couple’s Primerica Business until Bill retired in September 2010 at the age of 55 when he would take over. Daina would then spend the majority of her time taking care of the grandchildren.
But that was not to be. On January 16, 2010, Daina received a phone call. Bill had collapsed at work and Daina was instructed to get to the hospital right away. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that she wouldn’t even get the chance to say goodbye to her husband of more three decades.
When Daina arrived at the hospital, the doctors told her that Bill had died of a massive heart attack. Daina couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“He had all these plans,” sobs Diane. “We had been together for over 35 years – ever since we were teenagers and thought we were going to be together forever.
“I was very blessed to have our finances in order and my Primerica career and didn’t have to worry about money. But there are so many families out there that don’t have anything other than what they have at work and they don’t understand the importance. And they never think it can happen to them.
“Life can change in an instant,” says Daina. “I know my life got totally turned upside down with a phone call.
“And there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about Bill. I miss him every day. But thank God for Primerica. You know, I don’t have to worry about the financial end of it. I can remember him for being the great man that he was. You know, taking care of our family — taking care of our finances. We can celebrate his life and not have to go through a financial crisis that we would have gone through had it not been for Primerica.”
Note: Todd and Alisa have progressed to the Senior Vice President level with Primerica with an extensive business. Daina is a Regional Vice President and has her own team and a highly successful business as well.
Jim & Mary Kocher III
Edison, NJ Former Occupation: Pastor
When Jim & Mary Kocher joined Primerica in 1985, their primary goal was to simply put themselves back in control of their future. “We were initially attracted to the Opportunity by Primerica’s crusade of helping middle income families to become properly protected, debt free and financially independent,” says Jim. “We also wanted to be able to set our own destiny, not have our future controlled by a job.”
They joined to change their lives financially, but found so much more than that, with their son, Glenn. “It’s an extraordinary feeling to be in business with our son,” enthuses Jim. “Our family Primerica business relies on mutual respect, a shared vision for success and quality time together. Just knowing that there’s a talented, committed successor to pass my business on to is a great thing.”
One of the best parts for the Kochers about building a business together is the chance to create success as a team. “We want Glenn to stand on our shoulders, so to speak, not sit in our shadows,” explains Jim. “He’s building success for himself but we’re all working toward the same goals.”
He continues, “Primerica gives us the ability to create a life of significance with the people we care about the most. Here, we have freedom of time and the potential for an unlimited income – and we get to do it together!”
For more information on how you can create your own Primerica family business, contact your local Primerica representative.
Fiori & Teresa Pagliuso
Toronto, Ontario
Former Occupation: Factory Worker
Before they joined Primerica, Fiori & Teresa Pagliuso, of Toronto, Ontario, had “dead end” jobs that left them with nothing to show for their hard work. “I was a cookie maker and Teresa worked in retail sales,” recalls Fiori. “We had zero savings, very low income, creditors chasing us and no idea how to make a change.”
They were desperate to get out of the paycheck to paycheck cycle so when they heard about Primerica, they knew they had to give it a shot. “Working 9 to 5 wasn’t fun for us,” explains Fiori. “We are very driven and we thrive on competition and recognition – which, of course, you don’t get out in the corporate world. When we joined Primerica, we hit the ground running and have been building steadily to get to where we are now.”
Today, the Pagliusos are building a strong business and are fully enjoying their Primerica career. “We never focused on the income,” says Fiori. “We only focused on growth. Building a team, developing independent leaders and teaching others to build their own businesses is how you can reach any goal – and build a lasting business.”
He adds, “When we started in this business, we just wanted to make enough to pay the bills. Now that we’ve experienced success, our goals are to get our teammates to advance to the next level and to help our people become successful as well.”
Because of their career with Primerica, Fiori and Teresa’s life is worlds away from where they started. “Primerica changed our financial future forever,” Fiori says. “We live in a beautiful home, we’re saving money for the future and we are debt free. We also love the fact that because of our Primerica income, we can give back to our family and improve their quality of life.”
Together with their team, this power building duo is headed for even bigger success. “This business allows us to give people hope for their future,” smiles Fiori. “We’re changing lives every day and that feels good!”
Kevin & Tammy Olsen
Santa Ana, CA Former Occupation: Aerospace Industry
When Kevin & Tammy Olsen, of Santa Ana, CA, joined Primerica, their biggest goal was to simply pay off a $10,000 credit card debt. But, like so many other great Primerica leaders, that short term goal turned into something completely unexpected: an incredible Primerica career. “We initially joined because a high school friend told us we could make some extra money,” recalls Kevin. “Today, our ‘why’ is to be a great example for our three children. Our goal is to prove to them that hard work pays off.”
He continues, “We want our kids to have high standards as they make life choices – whether that be choosing a college, a career or a spouse. Our thinking has changed because of Primerica and we want to instill that same winning attitude in our kids.”
But the Olsens aren’t just setting a good example for the next generation. They’re also focused on pushing up their teammates to success. “Right now, we have teammates who, we believe, have the potential to become the greatest Primerica’s ever seen,” Kevin enthuses. “We’re fully committed to helping our teammates advance to the next level.”
Kevin and Tammy believe right now is the perfect time to be building a Primerica business – and they plan to capitalize on it. “People out there are really hurting and we have the answer,” says Kevin. “In this economy, we’re finding that more and more people are finding that their job isn’t as stable as they thought it was and they’re looking for a good entrepreneurial opportunity. We believe Primerica is it!”
Together, these power builders are on track for even more success. “Our hierarchy is up almost 100% over the last year,” says Kevin. “We are so excited to see how the rest of 2010 turns out. This is going to be our greatest year and we are definitely all in!”
