As
one of 13 children, Bob Mentz learned early in life that he needed
to be independent to get ahead. That spirit was with him when
he got his first job at age 12 delivering newspapers. And it stayed
with him as an adult when he and wife, Debbie, opened a greeting
card store near Tampa, Florida.
Bob
learned about the greeting card business from his father. But
his most important lesson came when his father died with little
life insurance, leaving his mother with few resources to support
herself. Bob wanted a more secure future for his family. So after
a chance meeting in his store with Michele Florio Williams, CLU,
a financial professional with the MONY Group, he was eager to
have his finances reviewed.
At
Michele's recommendation, Bob bought life insurance and increased
his coverage over the years as his financial needs evolved. In
the 1980s, when he wanted to expand and interest rates were high,
he borrowed at relatively low rates against the cash values of
his permanent life insurance policies.
Business
continued to thrive, largely due to Bob's contagious sense of
humor and caring personality. "He made everyone smile and made
everyone feel special," says Michele, who became one of the family's
closest friends. "Members of his church, delivery drivers, his
clients, everyone."
Then
tragedy struck. Bob died of a bleeding ulcer at age 50. Two years
later, not a day goes by that Debbie doesn't miss her husband.
But life insurance proceeds have allowed her to carry on their
dreams without worrying about finances.
The
business is doing great and provides a good living for Debbie.
And the insurance money will allow her to retire comfortably and
help fund future life goals for her children and grandchildren.
"He
gave me everything when he was alive," says Debbie. "And he made
sure that would continue after he died."
