Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Fisher.
Denise, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started working for AFLAC in 2002 after the television show – AT THE TOP OF HER GAME – was halted due to the advertisers pulling out after the 911 attack in 2001. I was 40 years old, single, and from the TV show over $200,000 in debt overnight. I never thought I wanted to sell insurance because my past personal experiences were not pleasant. It seemed like salespeople wanted me to buy whatever they were selling, but when I had questions or needed help- they were not around.
But then after persevering phone calls from my brother up in PA, he convinced me to look at being a sales rep for AFLAC Insurance. I was NOT excited about this prospect at all, but I was not having any other success with other job opportunities. I could go back to Disney as a server (I worked there for over 26 years) but that would be the last resort for me.
So, after many months of doing odd jobs, like cleaning houses, walking dogs (my favorite), and digging ditches, I decided to give AFLAC a try…
It was one of the best decisions I ever made. And in the interview with the first regional manager, I had- I told her my personal unpleasant story about not getting service from the sales reps – and she told me – Just be the change you want to see in the world “
So that philosophy is what I have built my successful AFLAC business on for the last 20 years – I am blessed to work for a company like AFLAC – who actually pays their claims in a timely manner – and my office and I get to help people every single day. I have built my business on customer service and never wavered from that – it has served me well.
In times when most companies are going “self-Serve”, we want our clients to call my office and allow us to assist them with everything from their claims to any other AFLAC questions they have.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No not at all I had never done any insurance sales before – I waitressed in the evenings for the first year so I could build my book of business up with AFLAC- it’s a 1099 position, so I got up early and went cold calling, the company asked me to cold call on at least 25 business’s a day – I did 50 because failure was NOT an option for me
40 years old, single, and no job facing a $ 200,000 debt that I had gotten myself into- I would cold call from 7:30 a.m. until around 4;00p.m then go home, shower, and change into my waitress outfit and wait tables until midnight or after – I needed to keep that cash flow coming in as I was trying to build my AFLAC clients up.
In the first year I was rookie nominee of the year – no sales background but I do like people and I do like to help them – so I think that came across to my clients and the majority of them opened an AFLAC account with me. Many still have them today and I am thankful for that…
It took me about a year and a half – then I was promoted to district manager. I had a full-time sales team that ranged from 8-15 salespeople – we had a lot of fun and we helped a lot more people. Then in 2010, I stepped down from that position and just worked my own book of business – another great move for me.
Since that time, I have been blessed to be one of the top producers in Central Florida and we now help thousands and thousands of small businesses and their employees.
it just keeps getting better and better
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I love the most is
1. helping people every single day – when they are sick or hurt and they are worried about how they will pay their bills, I get to help them file their claims and in days – they have their cash benefits in their account – we offer peace of mind.
2. I like that each day is different for me – I travel to each of my clients and no days are alike.
3. I like all the people that I meet along the way – most are like family to me and I just love that.
4. AFLAC provides us with great incentives and as a top producer -I have earned some amazing trips – AFLAC Has taken me to Hawaii over 6 times, the Cayman Islands, Aruba, Jamaica, Banff Canada, and on alaske cruises – so much fun
I think I am most known for my generous spirit- I feel like the more I am blessed in my business- the more I can bless others. I am a firm believer in giving back – so I donate to and support a lot of non for profits- pet rescue by Judy, my church in Apopka – Journey Christian church, and Matthews hope Christian ministries for the homeless along with many horse rescues are my favorites.
I think I am most proud of the hard work ethic my mother taught me growing up in Pennsylvania and the fact that I do really care about others and want to help them any way I can.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Wow starting my own television show was a HUGE risk, I had never done anything like that before so after 26 years at Disney as a server- I left working there (no real job to go to) and I created my television show- I wanted to create something positive on TV that was inspirational and kids could watch when they got home from school.
So, AT THE TOP OF HER GAME – was about female athletes who overcame obstacles and helped other girls/women succeed in the sport of their choosing …
We ran on sunshine networking for almost two years in a prime-time slot
It was a huge risk not only financially but emotionally but I gave it my all.
I really believe in taking risks, I don’t think I would have been happy staying as a waitress at Disney – and I am so thankful that I took the risk to leave – I went back to college at UCF when I was 38 and got my degree in advertising and public relations (I picked a degree that had NO math in it) …lol
And then I minored in journalism – I did several trips with the Orange County sheriffs in their ride-along program and wrote many articles for the UCF Paper at that time. It was fun and then – even though I took the leap of faith to start my own TV show – and IT got me in $ 200,000 worth of Debt- I do not regret doing it.
That launched me into the AFLAC career – one which I never would have known about had I not left Disney.
So yes, I think risk is soo important – we don’t get ahead if we stay comfortable in one place …
Contact Info:
- Email: denise_fisher@us.aflac.com
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