Featured New York Life Insurance Agent: Earlene M. Neidert

Featured New York Life Agent: Earlene M. Neidert

• New York Life Agent for: 41 years
• A New York Life Sales Program "Annuity Champion"
• Played Field Hockey at Muhlenberg College and Inducted into College's Hall of Fame

When it comes to recruiting agents, many of New York Life Insurance Company’s Managing Partners actively seek athletes.

Says Mark Koskovich, Managing Partner, New York Life’s Dallas General Office, and former college football player, “All athletes, regardless of skill level, have certain attributes in common — such as organization, motivation, self discipline and time management. Many of our accomplished agents have been involved in athletics.”

Koskovich, who spent two years working as an agent before joining the Company’s management team, says, “Coincidentally, I played on the football team at the University of New Mexico with three other New York Life employees: Managing Partner Mark Biren of the Colorado G.O., Gabe Chavez, a former Partner in the El Paso G.O. who now is the Director of the Hispanic Market in the Corporate Office, and Managing Partner Brad Wright of the Montgomery G.O. — and oddly enough we all came to the Company through unrelated channels.”

Believing these skills help them apply what they’ve learned, he advises new hires to practice constantly — conditioning their sales proficiency just as it would help them get in shape for their sport of choice. “They have to practice their presentation skills daily to experience the rewards,” says Koskovich.

Here’s a brief look at a New York Life team member whose discipline and determination — both in business and sports — have helped make them who they are today.

Agent Earlene M. Neidert, CHFC, CLU, Northeastern PA General Office
Earlene Neidert recently celebrated her 41st anniversary with New York Life. Driven to play hard, she played field hockey at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa. Undefeated, her team was ultimately inducted into the college’s Hall of Fame. When she joined New York Life in 1967, Neidert was one of only two women in eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley employed in the insurance business. “I couldn’t believe there weren’t more female agents at that time,” says Neidert. “It seemed to me to be the perfect career — allowing flexibility, and time to spend with my children.”

“You find a lot of loyalty within the Company. People stay forever it seems.”

Undaunted, Neidert became the first female president of the Lehigh Valley CLU Chapter in 1975, and is currently an “Annuity Champion” (a New York Life program that recognizes sales achievement) today. Commenting on the similarities between sports and sales, Neidert says, “This business is like a roller coaster: You have your highs and lows, your victories and defeats, just like in sports. Thanks to my sports experience, I’ve learned to handle both, and it’s been a good ride.”

New York Life has always been a family affair for Neidert. Her father was an Agent for 55 years and her husband for 26 years — a combined total of 122 years in the business. “You find a lot of loyalty within the Company. People stay forever it seems,” she says. “It really speaks highly of New York Life.” In fact, Neidert’s very first client continues to be one today, and even attended her “Senior Nylic” (Senior Nylics are individuals who have been New York Life Agents for at least 20 years) recognition luncheon along with his wife.

And it’s not just the employees and agents who stay with the Company, either, says Neidert. “I am very close to many of my clients, as well as their families. I’ve watched many of their children grow up as well as their grandchildren. I always feel good, too, that my work provides security to their futures. It’s really quite a noble profession, and I feel honored to be a part of it.”

Click here to see other New York Life agents.

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