I am sitting in the car as my wife drives, heading back to Virginia. Ohio National's 4 day seminar for PGA's in Cincinnati was well worth the trip. ON really came across as a class act, from the motel to the food. I don't think I have ever eaten so much food, and it was good; Wednesday night I had 2 nice prime ribs.
They have invested a lot of time getting it right and you could tell. I met everyone from the CEO/President to the receptionist. The CEO actually flies the companies jet as the captain, he was a cool guy and took time to answer all of our questions. He probably spoke to us for an hour and a half.
Being new to the business, I could probably be told anything and there is a good chance I would believe it but the agents that were there that had over 30 years in the business seemed to be just as impressed as I was.
I met Don Blanton of "Circle of Wealth" and also had someone from LEAP there as well.
The first day was dedicated to meeting the other 67 agents, passing on ideas, and discussing ON's investment philosophies. Oh yeah, and pigging out on prime rib.
Day 2 we reviewed UL and the illustration software, and had a great breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all on the house. We also had a top producer for ON fly in and talk to us about prospecting. I did not spend 1 dime the whole time I was there.
Day 3 we reviewed the illustration software and studied WL and Term policies. We also toured the underwriting department and was guided through the process by the underwriting staff. We also had one of ON's top producers speak to us. He had just written an application on a guy with a $400,000 a year premium. He was very good and made himself available for questions.
Day 4, Saturday, we reviewed the compensation plan again, and I found out that I was offered a very good contract upfront. Their retirement package is also great. We also had the Circle of Wealth" presentation.
Now, I'm on my way home. I feel much more knowledgable about this industry compared to when I left to go to Cincinnati.
If anyone has any questions about Ohio National, send me a message.
------------------------------------ Success will not make you happy, but happiness will make you successful. - Forbes magazine
Probably had Art Sanger as a LEAP rep? I know he's a GA for Ohio National in Wisconsin. Either him or Al Dickens?
Yes, I concur. Ohio National is a CLASS ACT. I knew it when they sent me all the binders and such when I first got contracted a couple months ago. I feel like I've got a franchise, not just a contract. Having all the forms sent to me and to be able to order as many forms as I want is a small freedom that I didn't have before.
Software has been easy to work with. Website has a LOT to offer - particularly those who are new to insurance sales. The ON-Trac II is really good. One of the best "manuals" for the business that I've read.
I've been impressed with the comp plan as well. I consider myself to have limited experience, but the comp plan is very rich compared to the career agency I was at before. (Of course, I'm directly responsible for all my expenses instead of having a ledger with the career shop.)
Their Orientation Support team is very good. I've called them quite a few times. I'm looking forward to getting into more "advanced underwriting" with business owners - split dollar, key man, etc. I'm sure that their Advanced Underwriting team will walk me through the process.
They are MUCH more helpful and detailed. I've been looking into doing more VPD-type business and it's VERY well detailed on the Ohio National website. All the forms are needed and the process is well illustrated there.
I look forward to maximizing my contract with them and a long-term career.
Probably had Art Sanger as a LEAP rep? I know he's a GA for Ohio National in Wisconsin. Either him or Al Dickens?
Yes, I concur. Ohio National is a CLASS ACT. I knew it when they sent me all the binders and such when I first got contracted a couple months ago. I feel like I've got a franchise, not just a contract. Having all the forms sent to me and to be able to order as many forms as I want is a small freedom that I didn't have before.
Software has been easy to work with. Website has a LOT to offer - particularly those who are new to insurance sales. The ON-Trac II is really good. One of the best "manuals" for the business that I've read.
I've been impressed with the comp plan as well. I consider myself to have limited experience, but the comp plan is very rich compared to the career agency I was at before. (Of course, I'm directly responsible for all my expenses instead of having a ledger with the career shop.)
Their Orientation Support team is very good. I've called them quite a few times. I'm looking forward to getting into more "advanced underwriting" with business owners - split dollar, key man, etc. I'm sure that their Advanced Underwriting team will walk me through the process.
They are MUCH more helpful and detailed. I've been looking into doing more VPD-type business and it's VERY well detailed on the Ohio National website. All the forms are needed and the process is well illustrated there.
I look forward to maximizing my contract with them and a long-term career.
Do all starting PGA contracts have the same level commissions or are there different starting levels based on previous productions?
There are different levels depending on prior production.
Once your personal production is at the higher level with Ohio National, then you get the higher comp (and I believe that it's all retroactive for all production for the year too).
I had minimal production, so I started at a level 4 - the highest you can get without proven or documented production history. But that won't stop me from "climbing the ladder" to higher levels.
Do you know the comm.% for the different levels? And the production requirements? Group production? What is the level 4 comm.% w/ undocumented production? Thanks!
Also at 4 there is no advance available. At 5 there is, also at 5 and above you have to maintain the production level or they will drop you back. At 4 and below they pretty much leave you alone, no production calls from the regional.
They have a competitive term product that can be sold by phone. Had a real nice guaranteed UL.
Do all starting PGA contracts have the same level commissions or are there different starting levels based on previous productions?
No they are different, depending on prior production. Most new agents start at level 4 but I was able to get a better contract, and I am also enrolled in the Profit Partnership plan.
I basically went there to learn more about this business, and I absolutely love selling med supps, and that is what I am going to continue to do because I am improving in that field and I actually like it. However, I can see where this company is going to be a good partnership for me in my life sales.
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Originally Posted by WinoBlues
Also at 4 there is no advance available. At 5 there is, also at 5 and above you have to maintain the production level or they will drop you back. At 4 and below they pretty much leave you alone, no production calls from the regional.
They have a competitive term product that can be sold by phone. Had a real nice guaranteed UL.
For guys who contract After Oct. 1, they will remain at their level, or go higher, for next year. I you start at level 5, you can't drop below that next year.
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Originally Posted by WinoBlues
Also at 4 there is no advance available. At 5 there is, also at 5 and above you have to maintain the production level or they will drop you back. At 4 and below they pretty much leave you alone, no production calls from the regional.
They have a competitive term product that can be sold by phone. Had a real nice guaranteed UL.
The production level is only 32000 of first year annualized commission for level 5.
Last edited by VaDwayne : 10-11-2009 at 04:45 AM.
Reason: Posts merged
Does this mean that at higher levels, your regional becomes "your manager" and asks about your production?
How often?
I have never gotten a call from regional and I have done absolutely nothing since signing. I can tell you this, there were 68 GA's there and I didn't speak to a single one who is unhappy.
Does this mean that at higher levels, your regional becomes "your manager" and asks about your production?
How often?
You may get friendly pep calls of encouragement. And helpful production reminders. Especially that last half of the first full year. His bounus and job count on the numbers.
Remember they were/are a captive life company. The PGA side is the newer side of the house. But growing.
You may get friendly pep calls of encouragement. And helpful production reminders. Especially that last half of the first full year. His bounus and job count on the numbers.
Remember they were/are a captive life company. The PGA side is the newer side of the house. But growing.
ON must be huge in California. There were tons of agents there from CA.
I'm thrilled with Ohio National, but I don't want someone to be "in my face" on my numbers, etc. Otherwise, what's the point of being a PGA or independent agent?
Pep calls? Okay, I can work with that. Production reminders? Okay. His bonus counts on my numbers? Okay. Assistance with a case? I'm sure to expect that as well, just not a lot of "hand holding".
As long as it's "I'm here to help" and "You're only $x away from the next level" are good. I would expect that on occassion.
I have never gotten a call from regional and I have done absolutely nothing since signing. I can tell you this, there were 68 GA's there and I didn't speak to a single one who is unhappy.
I can not speak for anyone else. California has gone thru Several regionals. And had none for a year or so. If you do not hit the number you will get a letter letting you know of the automatic decrease.
Are they a strong conservative Company? You Betcha. Have put some family members in their ULs.
They have some real heavy hitters.
ON must be huge in California. There were tons of agents there from CA.
I heard about Ohio National for the first time at a MassMutual "Life Academy" where Art Sanger was presenting LEAP and Wealth In Motion in an optional session. Found out that he was leaving LEAP systems (as a trainer) to be a GA for Ohio National. At that time, I knew there had to be SOMETHING going on with them.
Then I read about them on another forum (www.topgunproducers.com) and it was recommended to me to contact Ohio National for their whole life product when I left the MassMutual career system.
And I'm very glad I did.
The insurance product line is competitive. The term is very inexpensive. I don't worry about price in the permanent products because it's all about strategy, but again, they're competitive. Wish they had EIAs though.
All that matters to me is: stability, agent treatment, policyholder treatment and everyone wins!