Charlene Rigelman

My Life Before New York Life

Charlene Rigelman had a degree in physical therapy and eight years' retail sales experience, mostly in furniture and interior design, when she became a New York Life agent. As the youngest of five children, she was always on a shoestring budget. "My father, who had been with another insurance company all his life, wrote a letter to New York Life about me. He felt the company would provide a great job opportunity because of its strong training program and respect within the industry and community. I started exploring the opportunities and discovered I could improve my own financial situation as well as empower others to be more financially secure."

My Partnership with New York Life

As a wife and mother, being a New York Life agent offered Char the flexibility she wanted. "I needed to be in control of when I worked and when I didn't. It was important to me to be able to attend my kid's school programs. I'm proud of my ability to maintain a successful marriage, provide a close family environment, sustain strong personal values and run a prosperous business with unlimited income potential." Charlene Rigelman is a shining example of how to build a business while raising four children, two of whom were born after she joined New York Life.

As an agent, she makes sure her clients understand their own needs and what the various products offer them. "It is better to over–inform rather than under–inform clients." In addition to conveying information, she touches their lives in small, personal ways. "One of the toughest things for widows and widowers to go through the first year is special occasions. I send my clients birthday, Valentine and other greeting cards. I honor the close relationships I have with them. They become friends, like part of my family."

According to Charlene, possessing personal skills, such as honesty and integrity, liking people and being a good listener are traits agents need.