Featured New York Life Insurance Agent: Lorraine Buck

Featured Agent:
Lorraine Buck

• New York Life Agent for: 27 years
• One of the first female, African American agents in the New York Life's St. Louis Office
• A former psychiatric social worker

Joining New York Life Insurance Company in 1981, New York Life Insurance agent Lorraine Buck, from St. Louis, Missouri, General Office, celebrated her 25th anniversary a few years ago. As one of the first female, African American agents in this particular office, establishing herself in the field has been an uphill battle at times.

"I feel that female agents have to work very hard in this business," says Buck. "You're juggling your career and taking care of your family at the same time — it requires a lot of balance."

A career in the financial industry is a piece of cake for Lorraine, however, as compared to her first career as a psychiatric social worker, which she began in the 1970s after completing her graduate work.

"I'm the product of direct mail," laughs Buck. "One day I received a letter saying 'Who do you know that would like to be their own boss, have a flexible schedule and make their own hours?' I looked at this piece of paper and said, 'I do! I do! Where do I sign?'"

"I tell people that no matter what you have to have life insurance. You just don't know what can happen, and you don't ever want to leave your family with a burden."

"I immediately called up the Clayton Office, (which closed in 1990 and became the St. Louis G.O.) and spoke with the General Manager at the time, Mr. Lee Paul," says Buck. "During our conversation, he forewarned me, 'This can be a difficult career path — you have to be willing to talk to strangers about their finances, work long hours and be persistent.' The whole time I'm thinking, 'I work on a locked psychotic ward, and you're trying to tell me that selling insurance products is difficult?'" she says with a laugh.

Despite her former manager's warning, Lorraine has built a successful business over the years. Buck's clients range from employees of school districts, non-profit organizations, funeral homes, "In my business, I've done it all," says Buck. "I really enjoy talking to all types of people, enjoy speaking in front of groups, and I think that helps a lot."

Explains Buck, "My former career was devoted to caring for people, and I think that's transferred over in my dealings with my clients through New York Life."

She gives her clients "financial checkups" periodically to make sure they are doing well. "I perform annual reviews, and I send birthday cards to my clients religiously," she says. "I also understand when my clients are having financial problems - it happens."

"I tell people that no matter what you have to have life insurance. You just don't know what can happen, and you don't ever want to leave your family with a burden. I think that clients recognize my caring and concern as being genuine, and know that I will do everything I can to ensure that their families are protected for the future."

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