NEWS  

Autumnwood Services Inc.- submitted by Stephen Schram

2008 was a very difficult year for me. The plant I managed in Charlotte made the decision to stop manufacturing.  I had the pleasure (sarcasm) of laying off 150 workers before being released myself last Fall.  In the interest of future job security, I made the decision at that time to go into business for myself.  This was a new concept for me as I had always perceived job security as having a job with a large corporation.   But after talking with some small business owners and consultants, I came to the decision that working for myself may be the more secure route in the long run. 

Since I was looking at doing something other than manufacturing, I felt like I needed more education and guidance for my new business so I looked at franchises as a solution.  But what I found was Aflac. 

Aflac is not a franchise, but they offer many of the same benefits of a franchise.  Brand recognition, extensive training, professional development, mentoring…  After obtaining my license to produce insurance, they provided me with a plan and training on how to start my own business.  For most of my life, I have been the person salesmen approached to approve their sales, now I am the person looking to meet decision makers.   I cannot speak highly enough about the support I have received from Aflac in getting my business off the ground.

One of the first steps I took when starting my business was to join the Regional Chamber in Rock Hill .  I was looking for networking opportunities and I wanted to demonstrate to my clients that I was invested in my business and an active member of the business community.  I am the only Aflac business in the chamber and I do not directly compete with the other insurance agencies listed as members, so I felt the chamber would be a great vehicle for meeting my goals and making new contacts.  My membership in the chamber was also a very smart move.    

I have now been in business for a little over six months.  There are currently over 500 Aflac agents in the state at all levels of their career, from rookies to veterans.  Last week, I was the number one Aflac agency in the state and number two in the state last month.  And just last night, I learned that I was one of 34 chosen to attend the state convention.  I am very proud of these accomplishments and I feel like I made the right decision to work towards building a business in Rock Hill .  It is a great community and I look forward to many years of success here.