John Stogner - First Investors Corporation Careers - First Investors Corporation Jobs

John Stogner > First Investors Registered Representative

"I feel so lucky to be part of this great Company and to have such a rewarding career."

Advice to Others:

Don't waste valuable minutes majoring in minor things. Time is the most valuable asset a businessperson has because it is something that can only be lost, not created.

Years With First Investors:

Prior Occupation:

Student

During my senior year at the University of Kentucky, I remember thinking: "What am I going to do with my Business Management degree in the real world?" Most of my professors advised me to attend graduate school and upon completing my MBA, there would be a $100,000 per year job waiting for me somewhere. I decided to follow the advice of my professors and take the GMAT exam to find my $100,000 a year job. When I got my exam results at the school guidance counselor's office, I found that I did not score high enough to get into the University of Kentucky's MBA program. I now know that this was the best thing that could have happened to me.

Shortly after leaving my guidance counselor's office, I walked by the career center and noticed a First Investors recruitment sign. I decided to call the manager of the Lexington office and find out more information. I will never forget that phone call. I spoke with the manager and he told me to send in a resume and if they had a position, they would call me back to set up an interview. Later that week I got a call, and before I knew it, I was attending interview sessions, reading FINRA Series 6 books and starting my career as a First Investors Financial Services Representative.

During my first year in the field, I would set an appointment with anyone who would see me. I made sure to duplicate the techniques that successful representatives in the office were using. For example, on several occasions, I would sit and listen to one of the senior representatives doing business over the telephone. Just by listening to him for a few minutes, I learned how to conduct business over the phone, help clients, and boost my efficiency and productivity.

During my training at the Lexington office, I learned to use the Three-Step Approach with every client. Doing the complete job—tending to savings, life insurance and investment needs—helped me build stronger bonds with clients, and in turn helped me build my career. I found that when clients have both investment accounts and life insurance with me, they rarely move their business elsewhere.

I feel so lucky to be part of this great Company and to have such a rewarding career. I often mention to people that the Company's atmosphere is very family-oriented. I have to say that 99.99% of my success is due to my wife and two daughters. They are the reason I work so hard. Sure, it is great to qualify for the Chairman's Council and to strive for all of the great accolades that the Company offers. However, there is no feeling like the one my wife and the girls give me when I succeed. That feeling does not come with a paycheck, points or a plaque. It's just a feeling inside that drives me to do better every day. I look forward to seeing our Company grow, and watching all of my colleagues reach their goals.

Recent times have been unnerving for individual investors. A severe recession, a steep stock market downturn, unprecedented volatility, and high-profile investment scam stories have damaged the public's confidence in our nation's financial institutions, and left people wondering what to do. This loss of trust and direction comes at a time when Americans are more responsible than ever for securing their own financial future.

First Investors can help individuals accomplish that goal. We have been in business since 1930, and have successfully navigated many difficult economic periods in our nation during that time. We understand that economic slumps and recoveries are inevitable...and we know how to help people plan for both.

Using a face-to-face approach to customer service, our registered representatives work with clients to establish a disciplined approach to achieving their long-term financial goals, whether they involve saving for a college education, purchasing a home, or building a retirement nest egg. We have more than 80 years of success stories, working with people from all walks of life.