How long have you been in business?
About a year and a half, part as an independent agent and part with Modern Woodmen of America, which I love!
What exactly do you do in your business?
Modern Woodmen of America is a fraternal benefit society based in Rock Island, Ill. Modern Woodmen serves more than 750,000 members nationwide, offering life insurance, annuity, investment and banking products, along with fraternal member benefits for families and their communities. We also offer benefits for small groups from one to a hundred.
How long have you been in Austin?
Since July, but I have lived here before after I graduated college.
What brought you to Austin?
I grew up in Beaumont and decided to come to Austin because I love the music scene and the people. Austin is a very healthy place to live and has a lot to do without dealing with big city problems. I was born in England and lived in Ireland and Belize as well.
Does your business offer any unique products or services?
We have free fraternal benefits for our members that include a fraternal fund to help you keep your life insurance policy in force in times of need, free health benefits like a prescription drug discount card, and even orphan and college scholarship benefits.
What do others NOT know about you and/or your business that you would like to share?
I used to be an independent agent, and I represented a slew of top commercial companies. Modern Woodmen is the first company that I have seen that truly cares about it's members. We do not keep any of the profits, they go back in the form of higher returns, member benefits, and strengthening the community. The difference between our products and what I have seen elsewhere is the difference between driving a Cadillac or a Kia for the same price.
Have you or your business received any awards, certifications, or special accomplishments?
I am finishing up the last stage of a four part course for my Fraternal Insurance Counselor Designation. In addition, I have received awards for creating consistent business every quarter of my employment.
Are you involved in any special events or activities you'd like to share?
We are inviting all of our members out to the Round Rock Express baseball game June 30th, tickets are $5 and we will have hotdogs and drinks so it's not to late to join!
If you could give advice to those just starting out in their careers, what would you say?
Do what you love, do it 100%, the sun is always shining on the other side of the clouds, and surround yourself with the best people you will feed of each other and stay positive.
If you didn't have this job, what would you be doing instead?
I would own my own business or pursue a masters in cognitive psychology.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I'm a cellist and play and record with several bands here in Austin and Texas.
Do you have a website?
www.modern-woodmen.org
You can catch Brendan by phone or email:
(512)-250-0458
brendan.pheasant@mwarep.org
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