Transforming Life Experiences into Success This November, Frank Friedland, CLU, ChFC, of Astro Financial Services, Virginia Beach, Virginia has attained $200 million of in-force life insurance based on production with North American and its legacy of companies. This rare accomplishment demonstrates his professionalism and dedication. Frank has a storied career in the industry and is a multi-time recipient of numerous awards and honors. He began his life insurance career back in 1969 when he committed himself to seeing 100 people in one day before going home. In 1997, Frank reached $100 million of business and hit $150 million of business in 2000. Frank draws his motivation from several life experiences including being a disabled veteran when he learned to appreciate the importance of disability insurance. His strongest motivator occurred when his father died without the benefits of life insurance. Frank also survived a battle with pancreatic cancer, which has helped him gain a better perspective on the importance of planning. "When my father died, he did not own any life insurance. I understood first-hand the burdens that placed on us. From that moment on I knew that I wanted to be a life insurance salesman. I did not want other families to go through what we endured," said Frank. One of his biggest challenges though was his battle with cancer, which almost took his life. In 2002, Frank was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had little hope of recovery. Though his life insurance and will were in place, there were several details he realized that he needed to finalize. While going through the final arrangements, he recognized the importance of planning. Eventually, he went through a very serious operation and had his pancreas removed. "I want [people] to know that if they have a family member who has pancreatic cancer or a friend... it is possible to beat," said Frank. From this experience, he learned to dedicate the time necessary to help his clients be better prepared.

Frank always puts his clients first and this philosophy has served him well. Many years ago, he met with a single parent with two small children that she wanted to protect. She was hard-pressed to pay more than $8.00 monthly on a term life policy, but it was reassuring to know that her family was protected. A few years later, that same client was working for an executive who was in the market for life insurance. She recommended Frank, and the sale brought in more than $72,000 of premium. Frank has a wonderful outlook about his career and said, "Knowing how many people I have helped over the years is satisfying. I do not consider being a life insurance salesman work. It is something I look forward to every day."

I am an attorney living the in the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia. In addition to my law practice I have a commercial and residential real estate holding and development company. We build and manage shopping centers, restaurants, offices and residential properties. Frank has been my exclusive life insurance agent for at least 10 years. He is without doubt the most knowledgable person in life insurance I have ever dealt with. His service is exceptional and his advice has been invaluable. I can say without qualification that I would highly recommend him and his expertise for anyone's life insurance and insurance planning needs.