What a Great Career at GBU Looks Like
July 26, 2021
After more than 40 years with GBU, Sales Support Specialist Jerilyn McCollum is ready to retire. In her time with GBU, Jerilyn has gained extensive knowledge to pass on to future GBU employees, so she will continue consulting and mentoring new sales employees on a part-time basis. We asked Jerilyn a few questions about her career at GBU so that we can share with all of you what a great career at GBU looks like.
What first brought you to GBU?
My high school friend’s dad was the National Sales Manager at GBU. She contacted another friend to ask if she wanted an interview with GBU; that friend had just accepted a job with another company. I told my friend I would be interested in an interview and was hired!
What has changed the most since you started working here?
As you can imagine, in a span of 42 years much has changed over the years. GBU has grown in so many ways; from the executive structure, product portfolio, agent growth, expanding fraternal programs, financial strength, employee additions and on and on.
What is your best memory from your time at GBU?
It’s very hard to pinpoint a specific memory; but, when I remember GBU I will first remember all of the wonderful friends and relationships I have had over the years. I honestly could not have hand-picked better co-workers and executive staff than those that I was fortunate enough to work with over the years.
What advice would you give to new employees just starting out here?
GBU is on the upward move, be dedicated to your job, learn all you can from the “seasoned” staff and don’t ever hesitate to voice your opinions and ideas.
What do you think GBU will be like 40 years in the future?
I truly believe that the solid foundation built by past management, coupled with the vision of our current management, will take GBU to new heights over future years.
What was your favorite movie when you started at GBU and what is your favorite movie now?
Sound of Music, then and now!
You have the floor. Is there anything else that you would like to say about your fantastic career?
I have been very fortunate to have worked with so many wonderful GBU members and producers over the past 42 years. You will always have my heartfelt gratitude for the support and friendship that you have given to me in all the ups and downs a lifetime can bring. Wishing everyone health and happiness always.
As we move into the second quarter of another exciting year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments and share some of the new initiatives we are implementing in the realms of sales, marketing and community engagement. Over the past year, GBU Life has reached significant milestones thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team and the trust and support of our members. Our sales department has exceeded targets, and we have expanded our reach to more communities than ever before. We have launched several successful marketing campaigns that have not only increased our visibility but have also strengthened our brand's presence in the industry. For this year, our focus will be educating potential new members on the importance of securing their financial futures through life insurance and annuity products while serving their communities as part of our great Society. Looking ahead, we are committed to enhancing our sales strategies to better serve you. We are introducing some tools for our agents to enhance our products. One new tool is our Defined Benefit Annuity program which combines the Future Flex Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) with a software tool that can help determine retirement savings needs and break them down into contributions over time to help you meet your retirement goals. Be sure to keep in touch with your GBU agent to review your plans and products to see how adding an FIA to your retirement planning can help boost your savings efforts
GBU members between the ages of three and nine years old can enter their colored page in this year's contest, which is themed Pawprints on My Heart. Three age categories will be judged as follows: Category I: Ages three and four Category II: Ages five and six Category III: Ages seven, eight and nine Entrants may use crayons, colored pencils, markers or watercolor paints. Entries will be accepted through Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The picture on the next page can be reproduced, or copies can be obtained by calling the Community Engagement Team at the GBU Home Office (800-765-4428) or by printing the image above. Cash Prizes for Each Category First prize: $75 Second prize: $50 Third prize: $30 How to Enter Send the three- to nine-year-old GBU member's coloring contest entry with their name and address on the colored page to: GBU Life ATTN: Member Benefits 4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394. Or email contest@gbu.org with "Coloring Contest Entry” as the subject line. General Information Judges reserve the right to accept or reject any or all entries. Their decisions will be final. Artwork will be handled at the GBU Home Office with the utmost care. GBU reserves the right to reproduce entries for whatever use it wishes, provided proper credit is given. Permission does not include the sale of such work.
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