In the fall of 1978 I decided to leave Prudential and work in an independent agency with the idea of eventually becoming a partner. When we moved to Winfield in 1976, I met a real estate agent named Russ Larsen.. Russ was an Independent Baptist and had been a Prudential agent earlier in his career. Russ was a very personable individual and we became friends immediately. In the next two years, Russ and I became good friends. Even though I had not bought a house from him, he maintained contact with me. While Russ and I were visiting, I met one of his partners, Dave Pearce. Dave was also a Baptist and also a former Prudential agent. Dave and I had common interests in sports and had daughters about the same age.
During those first two years in Winfield I became unhappy in my job. The family and church activities were going well, but I felt the need to change jobs. Russ and Dave both wanted me to go into their business and so we made a decision to do so. Shortly after I joined Higginbottom Agency, one of the real estate partners retired and one of the salesmen, Jack Holt, took the opening. About another year went by when another partner left and I was asked to become a partner and accepted. My days in the agency were a wonderful learning experience. I was allowed to be the managing partner and also finished my college degree. Lifelong friendships were built with my three partners.
During the early 1980’s, the real estate held up the business and gave us profits. In 1982 the real estate business was tight, and commissions fell off $100,000.00 in one year and never recovered. Russ decided he would sell his interest to help the business weather the storm. After another poor year in all aspects of the business, Jack sold his interest and only Dave and I remained. We had sold the real estate business to Jack when he left and so now our business was insurance only. In addition we were paying off several former partners. I made the decision to return to the life insurance business and sold my interest to Dave. Only he remained.
I felt good that the four of us maintained our friendship when the business association was over. All the credit goes to the Lord. Until his death from cancer Jack and I remained good friends. Dave is now in Des Moines, Iowa, but our friendship also remains. Russ and I often meet for coffee. He still challenges me in spiritual areas. When the sabbatical (seven years), was over, I returned to Prudential. I have never forgotten my time in the agency. I still use stories from those days in my seminars and college classes. Each area of life experience is a building block to the person we become. This time was important for my business development.
Late in time in the agency I realized a partnership wasn’t a proper place for a Christian to be. Proverbs 6:1-5 says,
"My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou has stricken thy hand with a stranger, Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth.... Go humble thyself...Deliver thyself..."
Each of my partners were good men, but sometimes things could happen for which others could be responsible. The only partnership I want is with Sharon. In addition, the employees in a business can be confused by divided loyalties to the partners of a firm. Often allegiance is built with one owner at the risk of a strained relationship with the others.
"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other..." Matthew 6:24
When I think of that time, I am thankful for the friends I made. I am also glad that we were able to part friends and reasonably financially healthy.
"We need not power or splendor; wide hall or lordly dome; the good, the true, the tender, these form the wealth of home." Sarah J. Hale
"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised Proverbs 31:27-30
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