Catholic Life’s top sales producers took part in the 2017 Leader’s Conference, held January 20-21, 2017 at the Omni Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. The annual conference provides educational opportunities as well as recognizes top producing Agents.
New Products, New Software
As part of our commitment to offering members the best product selection, Catholic Life introduced two new products and a new software system at the beginning of the year. As a result, the primary educational focus at the Conference was the new products and the new illustration software. Assistant Vice President Janet Friesenhahn led the discussion sharing tips and tricks to using the new software.
Now Agents can run an immediate quote on their phone or tablet with the new web-based system. She also reviewed the features that make the new Affordable Term product and the Single Premium Whole Life Plus product beneficial for our members and their families.
At lunch, nationally recognized author and inspirational speaker Matt Jones was the keynote speaker for the event. His award winning
book Life’s a Marathon chronicles his battle with cancer.
“Matt inspires, entertains and motivates his audience in a way that has you wishing for more,” said VP & Director of Agencies R. Dennis Best. ”In his speech, he reminds us that it’s the inside stuff that matters most. He was truly inspirational.”
The Millionaires lunch recognized Agents whose sales totals exceeded $1 million in face amount. Those honored included: Jeff Bruce, Jimmy Tirres, Gerri Martinez, Darrell Labus, Charlotte Grobe, Mike Dieter, Charlene Mainz, David Walker, Mike Williams and Grace Peters. Additionally, Twelve Apostle honorees shared their secrets of success with the audience.
Award Winners
The highlight of the event was the Awards Banquet that was held Saturday night. Catholic Life recognized individuals and agencies that excelled in 2016 for their hard work during this event. Geraldine Martinez of Rockne captured the #1 Twelve Apostle or leading producer award for the fifth time. She is a member of the Case Hollub Agency and has been with Catholic Life since 1992. Additionally, she won the Life Production Leader Award, meaning she led in life insurance sales in 2016.
Other Twelve Apostles include Mike Dieter, #2; Elaine Labus, #3; Ricky Schroeder, #4; Debora Slavinsky, #5; Clarence J. Moczygemba, FIC, #6; Thomas J. Sbrusch, FIC, #7; Jeff D. Bruce #8; Karen F. Kutac, FIC #9; Joe R. Dominguez, FIC, #10; Russell A. Krumnow, #11 and Albert A. Simnacher, FIC, #12.
James E. Tirres, LUTCF, CLU, FIC, whose San Antonio General Agency serves San Antonio and the surrounding areas, captured the Excellency Award. Tirres also earned the Manpower Award.
Eugene N. Smart, MBA, CLU, FIC, whose agency encompasses Houston and the surrounding areas, captured the #2 Excellency Award. Smart also garnered the 2016 Total Production Leader Award. The Excellency Award recognizes the General Agent for
performance in new agent recruitment and production, total monthly life applications written, percentage of monthly branch growth and monthly increase in Life Premium, persistency of business, total monthly life premium, and total monthly overall premium.
Veteran Agent Glenn Snoga of Seguin was the Personal Producing General Agent of the Year Award winner for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, Charley Matherne of DeRidder was the #2 PPGA of the Year.
Newcomer Lourdes “Lou” Menendez of Carrollton earned both the Life Rookie of the Year and the Rookie of the Year Awards.
Veteran Agent Francis J. Lutz, FIC of Castroville earned the Field Underwriter of the Year Award. This award is based on a review of selected producers by the Underwriting staff. The criteria developed for the selection of candidates include accuracy in application completion, attention to detail, production, and persistency.
Albert Simnacher of Herford was named the Fraternal Life Agent of the Year. This award is based on agent involvement in the Branch and Fraternal operations. Simnacher works closely with the Hereford Branch and the Catholic Schools Sweepstakes program in the Diocese of Amarillo.