Lester Rosen, CLU–1962
Having been a member of MDRT for over 60 years, it has allowed me to associate with the outstanding producers, both male and female in the United States and, in recent years, countries throughout the world.
The qualifications for MDRT have been, not only volume of production, but ethical operation. The meetings each year are electrifying, not only by virtue of the excellence of the programs emphasizing the "whole person concept," but the relationship in meeting annually with numerous qualifiers who have become personal and respected friends.
MDRT qualification is recognized by all producing agents as a high and meaningful achievement. Hopefully, life insurance agents throughout the world can qualify for MDRT membership with the same production requirements as those agents in the United States. The internationalism of MDRT will produce benefits of understanding and respect for life insurance agents of different cultures and, undoubtedly, create a relationship of global mutual esteem.
MDRT is an excellent forum for the sharing of ideas both now and in the future. The annual MDRT meeting brings together the best of the industry, thereby making it a breeding ground for inspiration, education and aspiration.
Millard J. Grauer, CLU–1980
The MDRT has been the most dramatic positive long-term influence in my life. The inspiration, the new ideas from leading salespersons in the free world, the whole person concept, the methods shared to strengthen family relationships, the support when going through a crisis in life such as the death of my first wife, the necessity of continuing education, of being an ethical professional, the need for and utilization of staff to grow your practice, the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of International MDRT friends, are just a few of the priceless gems Ive received from the Round Table for over 40 years. MDRT has provided for me the "Joy of Living."
Wilmer S. Poynor III, CLU, ChFC–1987
When I joined New York Life Feb. 1, 1961, my father had already been an agent with that company for 27 years, a CLU, and a Qualifying and Life member of the MDRT. He laid down two "rules" that have meant so much to my personal and business lives. He stated that I must become a CLU to prove I had knowledge of the business and a member of the MDRT, which would be proof that I could take that knowledge and apply it, with sales skills, as a measure of success in our business. I accomplished both in the year 1964 and attended my first MDRT meeting in June 1965.
I can remember going to that meeting, not really understanding the pride my father had in introducing me to the friends he had made until I had the privilege to introduce my son, Hamilton, at his first meeting.
The MDRT has influenced my personal life through the introduction of the Whole Person Concept, helping me set my priorities as to my relationship with God, family, community and business.
It is an organization that has always stood for excellence in performance and ethical behavior. It is an organization made up of the finest and best-qualified people in the world who could be successful in anything they attempted. I have never been around a more sharing and loving group of people.
No meeting that I attend comes close to the MDRT in motivating and educating me and allowing me to feel a part of something that is very important. After being subjected to rejection and problems, I need to be told that what I do is extremely important by those who truly understand the challenges we face everyday in our work.
I love the MDRT. All of its members are dedicated to trying to be the best that they can be, and I encourage any of your readers, who have the opportunity to qualify, to come and join us.
William T. O'Donnell–1992
Looking back, MDRT membership has meant the following to me:
The chance to sit at the same table with the very best in the business–at an early and uneducated stage.
The chance to make friends with people from all over the world.
The opportunity to exchange sales concepts with some of the brightest minds in our business.
Unparalleled personal development though contact with and listening to some of the worlds finest speakers with messages that hit home.
The chance to gain leadership and communication skills.
The chance to influence agents, home office leaders, association leaders, spouses and children through speaking opportunities.
Dealing with the finest professional staff.