Featured New York Life Insurance Agent: Delma Bolden

Featured New York Life Insurance Agent:

• Life Insurance Industry Experience: 29
• New York Life Insurance Company Experience: 10
• Joined the Navy in 1964

Although she grew up in Columbia, South Carolina — a city rich in culture, educational opportunities and diversity - New York Life Insurance Company Agent Delma Bolden wanted more. “I joined the Navy in 1964 - Vietnam-era - straight out of high school," she explains. "I decided that was a good place for me to grow, learn about life and decide what I wanted to do next."

“The experience gave me an opportunity to be on my own, away from home, without being out there all alone,” Bolden says. “It also gave me the chance to meet other females from all over the United States, as well as from other countries. We really had a mix of all types of people and personalities.”

That mix of people gave her a unique perspective on the world, one that has served her well throughout her life. “We shared stories about our lives and upbringings, as well as the places we came from and the reasons we joined the Navy. Being around so many different people has benefited my insurance sales career, because I’m better able to relate to others, regardless of race or cultural background.”

Bolden adds, “Being in the military has helped me in both my career, as well as in everyday life, as did the education I received through the GI Bill.”

Luckily, during her military duty, Bolden was stationed stateside in Maryland - far from the war that divided the nation. Her two brothers, however, served tours in Vietnam. “My mother had three children enlisted during the Vietnam War. Fortunately, we all returned home safely.”

Although Bolden joined New York Life in 2000, she has been working in the life insurance industry since 1981. “I was destined for this career,” Bolden laughs. “My mother actually named me after her insurance agent’s wife - he represented a debit company and would go from house to house to collect payments. Ironically, this was the first type of insurance company I worked with many years ago - it was very hard work.”

Bolden believes the military serves as an excellent training ground for a career in sales. “Being an agent takes discipline, dedication and passion - qualities that are developed in the military. Great opportunities lie within it.”