Who is SJWS
Karen Julian-Smith
Karen started her Voluntary Benefit Career with Aflac over 23 years ago. In her first year with Aflac she made a name for herself by getting the Rising Star Award and the Top Associate in South Carolina. During the next 6 years she consistently was in the top 5 Associate in South Carolina, beating Cory for the Top spot 4 out of the 6 years. Prior to teaming up with Cory Karen qualified for 8 Aflac National Conventions in a row.
Karen’s specialty is her attention to detail and the relationship she forms with her clients. Many of her first clients are still with her all these years later. The expansion to other carriers in the Voluntary Benefit world was a direct effect of her listening to her clients and working for them to get them what they wanted. During enrollments with employees she excels at communicating the benefits and listening to employee’s needs to help council them as to the best options to meet their needs, and those of their families.
“These benefits can change to course of a family’s live when a medical emergency hits. I want them to know what is available so that when that crisis hits we can help!”
Cory L. Smith
Cory began his insurance career 25 years ago with Aflac. While having to settle for #2 many times while competing with Karen, he did qualify for Aflac’s highest sales honor, President’s Club, twice. In 2008 he finished the year #44 in the company out of over 10,000 agents. He qualified for 15 of 17 annual conventions and received numerous South Carolina awards. As an Independent Broker Cory has continued to increase sales at SJWS each year and enjoys helping his clients and their employees.
Planning and execution of enrollments for employees is where Cory excels, because he truly wants employees to understand the benefits that the employer is making available and how they can help that particular employee. Cory has often gone to extraordinary lengths to help an employee get their claim paid or assist a business owner with an issue.
“The last thing you want is an employee coming to you a few months after the initial enrollment asking about a specific plan because they now have a problem, and they didn’t take the time to listen during the first enrollment. There is so much satisfaction in helping someone get their first big claim check after a major medical event, and the relief on their face knowing how important that check is to them and their family.”
Cory has spearheaded to expansion into other avenues for SJWS clients, which has led to strategic partnerships that can do so much more to help SJWS clients navigate the VERY stormy waters of business ownership in today’s world.
“It’s important for us to let our clients know we have answers to so many of the challenges that face businesses today with our experience and strategic partners. I hope that all our clients will learn to trust in SJSW as a part of the Human Resources team for their employee benefit and administration needs and give us a call if there are any questions or challenges that arise.”
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