I have read so much on the internet and the stories that the Agents for Brooke, have had to tell and I must say, I do feel a little better that I am not the only one to have been schemed by this Corporation. I had over 30 years experience working with Independent agencies in the Houston area and I saw the writing on the wall from the 1st meeting in Kansas City, Sept when they flew my up there and made me feel like they were doing something for me. Ha I even warned some of the inexperienced agents signing up with Brooke what they were going to have to make the 1st year just to survive. I already had a book of business and an agency that I signed over to Brooke so I felt somewhat comfortable with the commissions I was already pulling. I knew what marketing assistance I needed and what carriers I needed. They did not want experienced insurance agents however and I didnt get any help after 6 months and I gave up on Brooke's broken promises and began to prepare myself as best I could.
The sad thing is, they targeted small town agents and put our names on the doors of our offices, and when I was forced to close my agency because they cut me off my draws with 2 weeks notice, I was left with embarrasement and humiliation in this small town of friends and peers and family. I left customers who I had a relationship with for over 5 years, my friends and relatives in this small community saw the shame in my face for the past 3 years now. I took my files over to another Brooke agency to service, and have not seen a penny of commissions or statement for 3 years. I would like to know what happened to my book of business.
I bought my franchise for $125,000. And it was "sold" for at least $165,000. My book value has not been valued and the Brooke carriers just signed my book over to a new Brooke agent who now receives my commissions.
I too am now bancrupt, marriage failed, lost my house, car, and mostly my own self worth. Career of over 30 years in insurance gone, because of a bad business decision and a Corporation who took advantage, lied, and stealed their way into so many lives of trusting, hard working people.
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