Trevor Parker > Registered Representative

"Every day I come to work thankful for the opportunities that have presented themselves."

As a senior in college I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. So I did what everybody else does: I went on every interview I could find. I discovered a lot of things I knew I did not want to do for the rest of my life. By chance, I began to interview with several financial services companies. The more financial services companies I interviewed with, the more I could see myself enjoying this as a career.

It was during this time that I met with a recruiter from First Investors Corporation. He was screening candidates on campus at the University of Oregon. He had a full day of short interviews on campus at the career center. After my brief meeting with him, he invited me to the office for a formal interview. I didn't know it then, but that day would change my life forever. I was very excited after my first interview and got invited back for a second meeting. After my second interview, I was even more enthused. I had no idea a job existed where you could work hard, earn an unlimited income and help people reach their own goals in life. But what really got my attention was management. When asked what my five-year goal was, I answered, "To be a manager running an office." After my interview, I immediately found a pay phone (cell phones were still very new and very expensive) to call my mom. I told her I had just finished my interview and I thought I would be offered the job. She was very happy. She asked what I would be doing. I told her I had no idea—helping people with their money I thought. She asked how much money I would be making. I told her I wasn't sure, it was based on my production. It was hard to explain to my parents at the time, but I could see an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a company that was growing and work with a great group of fun people.

I grew up in the business with close guidance from my manager. He went on many of my appointments in the beginning. Most of my prospective clients lived two hours from the office. I endured many late nights, cold calls and rejection. My first year was pretty tough. Looking back, I would have to say that I persevered for a number of reasons. I didn't want to let down those who had put their trust in me. I also didn't want to blow the opportunity I had been presented with. How many times in your life do you get the chance to build a career with your own hard work and determination… and do it with people who push you and help you to be your best…AND you get to hang out with them on the weekends?

The friendships I developed with my colleagues have meant the world to me. I truly feel blessed to be working with so many great people. They all have had a big influence on my life, and I could not imagine working with a finer group of people. I qualified for my first Convention in 1996, the first year in Fort Lauderdale at the Marriott Harbor Beach. It was there that I met another representative in the Company, Debra, on the first night of the Convention. Three years later, we were married. I'm glad I qualified for the Convention that year!¹

The next year as my office continued to grow, my managers pulled me aside and asked me to become the assistant manager. I asked what I would be doing. They didn't have that figured out yet. I asked how the compensation would work. They weren't sure. I asked where this might lead as far as a management path was concerned. They didn't know that one either. I said, "Sign me up." Even though there were some details to be ironed out, I had all the confidence in the world in my team. That was all I needed.

Every day I come to work thankful for the opportunities that have presented themselves throughout my career with First Investors, and even more thankful that I had the courage and conviction to take advantage of them. I am looking forward to the future and to the opportunities that have yet to reveal themselves.

¹ Qualification for the Convention and other recognition programs are determined by First Investors' internal points system, which is based on sales of investment and/or insurance products.

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