3y
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. To start, this agent was terminated due primarily to his toxic negative attitude in the office, and the influence it had on our team. In addition to attendance issues. We have a very positive upbeat culture here, and that type of an attitude (similar to the tone of this review) makes it difficult for everyone to succeed.
He mentioned being upset for not being compensated to participate and help with events to support the Alzheimer’s Association, Relay for Life and others. We have a strong passion to give back to those in need here in Northern Michigan. Which is why we have partnerships with the Alzheimer’s Association and Relay for Life, and do events throughout the year to support ending these terrible diseases. We are very up front from the first interview that this is a core value of ours, and we look for team members that share that same passion to help others. At that time he said he shared that value.
Regarding attendance, we have an attendance policy in place to ensure that our agents are meeting their responsibilities and are available to assist clients. This policy is applied fairly and consistently across all agents. We pride ourselves on our client experience, and being on time and there is a standard minimum that is needed to deliver on that. Paychecks are not withheld if these attendance requirements are not met, but certain bonuses, that are clearly laid out, do have an attendance component. However, we were beyond flexible on this policy with this employee, paying him these bonuses many times, despite not meeting the requirement.
We are incredibly up front and transparent about the commissions expectations for this career. This agent started at a difficult time due to Covid, which hurt his overall compensation and renewals. As well as below average sales performance, missing the minimum production requirement for almost his entire first year. In a commission career, you are paid based on your performance and what you put into it, and his below average numbers were reflected in what he was paid.
One of our primary values is leading by example, and supporting our team members. Understandably the owner of any business cannot work every position in the firm. Just the same as a doctor is not working the reception desk, or a Burger King owner is not working the register, the owner cannot also be making regular sales calls. This is why, years ago I made the decision to hand down my book of business to our agents to help give them additional support, and help me have the time to grow our business. This agent knew this very well, as the majority of his income came from clients that were already with the firm, and given to him. Also that “2nd Home” as he calls it, is not a 2nd home, but a rental property here in TC, purchased with a mortgage, used as an investment. Not some 2nd home in Maui as he portrays it.
When it comes to Marketing, we offer our advisors a wide range of options they are able to use. From LinkedIn, to Facebook, Email Marketing, Google Advertising, leads and more. Some perform well, others don’t, all part of business. We give our advisor Marketing dollars to spend, and in addition we co-op their marketing efforts. Those “terrible leads” as he mentioned were covered minimally 50%, and sometimes 100% by the agency. Many agents also continue to use and have success with these “terrible leads”.
Thank you for your feedback, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Marc Hudson, President
