Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosalind Gonzalez.
Rosalind, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My first job out of college was with the health insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and with that came my first taste of Corporate America. I primarily worked in Boston and at certain times of the year, would travel to different parts of the country giving presentations to current clients about their medical insurance. After about six years of this, I felt stuck and needed a change. The commute was killing me and I felt I had hit a glass ceiling. So in 2007, I decided to take a leap of faith. Instead of a consistent salary position, I struck out on my own as an independent agent representing Aflac. This was probably the scariest decision I ever made but by far the most rewarding.
Through lots and lots of cold calling, networking and hard work, I have built and continue to build a book of business where I am fortunate enough to help out business owners with solutions to rising health care costs. In 2010 I was promoted to a District Sales Coordinator and currently oversee a team of dynamic individuals who also have the vision of being their own boss. Together, we help educate people on what exactly is Aflac and to how it fits in today’s marketplace.
In 2008, I joined an organization called BNI or Business Network International, which helped me grow my business through the power of referrals. I have built long lasting relationships with people I like, know and trust. BNI has helped generate about 50% of my business.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When starting any business, there will always be bumps in the road. For me, I think it was dealing with the “Negative Nellies” who didn’t think I could work for myself. I was able to turn that negativity into a fuel to prove them wrong.
There is also the challenge of developing a thick skin to the word “no”. You hear a lot of that in the sales world and have to learn not to take things personally. Success comes to those who work for it, so the more no’s you hear; the more likely there will be a yes waiting for you!
Aflac – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Aflac is the leader in supplemental/voluntary insurance in the United States. Most people recognize the Duck but don’t know exactly what it is we do!
Aflac partners with companies to help expand their benefit portfolio at no cost to the employer. When there is an illness or injury, Aflac pays money directly to the policy holder to help offset day to day living expenses. As a District Sales Coordinator, I help train agents who are new to Aflac as well as meet with local business owners to help educate them on how Aflac works. I specialize with companies with as little as three employees and up. Both white collar and blue collar companies are perfect fits for what Aflac has to offer.
Being fluent in Spanish has help me expand my market to the Hispanic community as well as help my fellow Aflac agents with a translator if need be. The look of shock on a person’s face when they realize I’m bilingual and half Ecuadorian never gets old!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I would have to say my proudest moment was opening my first office that was located in Lawrence. It was so satisfying, and nerve racking, to truly be out on my own and out of the nest of my mentor, Karen Tucci, who taught me so much about the business. I thought the space was too big for my small team at the time but she told me that I needed room to grow into and she was right! We quickly outgrew that space and I am now on my 3rd office located in Downtown Haverhill that I just love. It is humbling to remember my first little office, “frankensteined” together from Craigslist finds and help from my family who always helped me move!
Contact Info:
- Address: Aflac
Rosalind Gonzalez
57 Wingate St
Suite 401
Haverhill, MA 01832 - Website: www.aflac.com/rosalind_gonzalez
- Phone: 978-208-8195
- Email: rosalind_gonzalez@us.aflac.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/aflacmerrimackvalley
Image Credit:
Ebacher Photography
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
