Featured New York Life Insurance Agent: Fred Barone

Featured New York Life Agent: Fred Barone

• New York Life Agent for: 29 Years
• Trained with legendary New York Life Managing Partner, Vasil Ivanov
• His son, Erick, is following in his footsteps

In 1979, 29 years ago, New York Life Insurance Company Agent Fred Barone, Raleigh (NC) General Office, was working as a district supervisor for a camera retail company in New York. Although he had climbed the ranks, starting as a stock boy and working his way up, he knew it was time for a change.

“I was referred into the business by my own New York Life Agent,” says Barone. “I really wanted to be my own boss. I was ready for a career change, but wanted to be sure I worked for a Company that offered great training and had a great history of strength. New York Life was the answer.”

So he jumped in, made the change, and hasn’t regretted it a day since.

“New York Life’s high ratings for financial strength from the four major rating agencies, history of over 160 years and existing statutory capital will reassure policyowners. It’s the best time to be with the insurance and financial services industry, as long as you’re with New York Life.”

Working in the Long Island (NY) General Office for much of his career, Barone had an opportunity to train with some of the best in the business, including legendary Managing Partner (MP) Vasil Ivanov. Winner of New York Life’s Chairman’s Trophy, an award given to the MP with best overall Office performance, for ten consecutive years, Ivanoff was known for turning out top-notch salespeople. Recalls Barone, “He set incredibly high standards and expected his team to be the best — no excuses. But when you are an Agent, you are working for the toughest boss, yourself. You really have to have a burning desire to be successful, as well as help others.”

After working as an Agent for several years, Barone embraced change again and decided to explore New York Life from the inside out, working as a Sales Manager for four and a half years. “I loved it,” he says, “but after my son was born I decided to return to the field again. I was eager to be my own boss again and have time to spend with my family.” So he did just that and not only built a successful business as an Agent once more, but had the flexibility to coach his son Erick’s Little League team and be active within his community.

Now, with Erick grown and finishing college, Barone decided to shake things up again last April. A born and bred New Yorker, he and his wife Christine moved from Long Island to Raleigh, North Carolina. “We were seeking a different pace in our life,” explains Barone. “It’s exciting to be starting over here in Raleigh because it’s a new culture, a new lifestyle. It’s a chance to start over somewhere new for us.” Although Barone continues to be there for his clients in New York, it’s also exciting and challenging for him to reinvigorate his business in a new place. “It’s not hard, though,” he says, “with a Company like New York Life behind me, and its long history of stability and security.”

He continues, “What’s taking place in the financial markets in the past few weeks is very serious and only the biggest, strongest and most conservative will thrive. New York Life’s high ratings for financial strength from the four major rating agencies, history of over 160 years and existing statutory capital will reassure policyowners. It’s the best time to be with the insurance and financial services industry, as long as you’re with New York Life.”

Barone has witnessed the importance of that stability time and time again. “One of my clients, Ron, who I was very close to, was the head of security at the World Trade Center. We were good friends. In fact, he was only one of three people who I ever let drive my car. Besides my wife, my son and Ron, nobody drives my car,” he chuckles, and continues soberly. “Tragically, he was killed in the 9/11 attacks — and he had been married just a year. I remember calling his wife that day — it was hard, but I wanted her to know I was there for her. That’s one of the best things about this job — making a difference in people’s lives.”

Now, things are coming full circle for Barone. “My son recently interviewed at the New York Life’s Long Island GO — the very same place I got my start, and I am so proud. He sent me a photo of himself all dressed up for his interview with Sal Farina, the Office’s current Managing Partner. Coincidentally, I took Sal out on his first appointment many years ago!” he laughs. “I feel so lucky. I am truly blessed with a great son, wife and career with a wonderful, solid Company — New York Life. For me, these are the best of times!”

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