Just out of college in 1959, with wife and child and no job, i lowered myself to grab a job with Hearthstone Ins. (Combined). While being paid $35/week to sit in a sleazy hotel meeting room, i was indoctrinated into learning PMA and a phoney, high-pressure sales talk. After two weeks of this nonsense, while paying for my parking, meals, etc. I was assigned to a "sales mgr.", a former baker with a mediocre command of the English language. There i was instructed to sell useless accident policies and collect nickel-and-dime premiums. Despite being self-employed, the company paying none of my expenses, nor social security, etc., i was required to attend meetings and shout childish PMA slogans. Due to my economic need i rapidly became one of the top producers in New England, elevated to management in less than one year, at age 22. Not once did i ever meet another agent, mgr., or home office executive with more than mediocre intelligence. Ignorance and dishonesty (E.G. Writing phoney ploicies to win awards, holding back company funds, etc.) was rampant. The compensation for these little policies was so low, regardless of many sales, that a $200 GROSS INCOME week made the weekly bulletin, and few were ever on it. Despite 12 hour days, i knew of noone who made a substantial income with the exception of con man Stone and a select group of Stone's rear-end kissers. My mistake was staying for 8 years. However, having had enough of my intelligence being insulted, i went into the real insurance business and made my fortune. I am proud to say that i sent 4 children to college, am independently wealthy, and have a personal foundation. Had i stayed at that ridiculous excuse for an occupation, Combined, i never would have accomplished what i have.
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