By Gary Hemmings
Farewell, or to those in Dannevirke where this journey started “Farvel”.
33 years ago, on the 2nd November 1987 I signed on as an Agent with Norwich Union Insurance.
Next Friday 12th March I wander off into the sunset, well almost. Brad MacDonald, my colleague for the last 3 years and all round good bugger takes over and reckons there are a few jobs he‘s got lined up, just for my mental health. Yeah right.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being you. It has been an amazing journey in what I regard as an extraordinary industry. We really are privileged to get so close to you and your family. Sure, you don’t want that darned insurance, it’s too expensive but at the only time that it works I’ve never heard anyone say, Nah, that’s too much.
That is why it is so important to get it right. When life turns to custard, that insurance policy in the bottom drawer that you never did read makes things a bit easier. And, the last couple of weeks have been no different. I’ve dealt with or been involved with:
- A beautiful young mother of 3 with Breast cancer
- An old friend, client, colleague and confidant (same guy) with 2 cataract ops and an Aneurism.
- Two more really good guys who had scans for other ailments that picked shadows on their lungs. Both confirmed with lung cancer.
But, while the right insurance at the right time is great it is really the friendships that make every day worthwhile. Thank you so much.
Now, who is this Brad MacDonald. He is a young fellow some of you may have met already. Funnily enough he is the same age as me when I started, married to the lovely Yvette, two very special daughters and an enthusiasm for life and everything he does.
Three years ago, he was telling me about his desire to move out of a corporate role in Financial Planning to set up his own business and help people on their financial journey. To build a plan that will get you from where you are to where you want to be and beyond. He impressed me and I thought “have I got a job for you”. I said before, how special you are to me and I wanted you to be looked after when I head off. Well, I got it right, he’s a good one and really has your best interests at heart.
If you enjoy a good chat about sport, especially cricket, football, hunting and golf, Brad is still involved in all four. He is also pretty good at drawing pictures of your future. How much money you’ll need, how to get there and how to protect you and yours if there is a hiccup. You will enjoy Brad’s company, like I have and for that, I’m really grateful.
Brad is able to provide advice across not only insurance, but KiwiSaver, investments and retirement planning. Feel free to reach out to Brad on brad@commonsense.co.nz otherwise I’m sure he will be in touch over the coming months.
It has been my absolute pleasure to work with you all over the last many years.
Enjoy the journey.
My kindest regards
Gary
