The inspiration for this article is totally personal—and is reflected in the title. Forty-five years ago on the publication date for this issue of Benefits Selling, I began working in the insurance business. Dec. 1 was my official first day as an employee of The Unity Mutual Life Insurance Co. of New York.

I was an actuarial trainee, hired by the first of many great leaders I have worked for over the years, Vice President and Actuary Bill Murray. To this day I'm convinced he hired me because when he asked what I thought of Social Security, I answered that I thought it would run out of money someday unless the design was changed.

For the record, I'd never heard of an actuary before the day of my interview. I was a political science major who decided not to go to grad school. When I was offered the job, I took it thinking I would give the insurance business six months and, if I didn't like it, I could always go back to grad school.