Phase III
Briefly, 1920-1959 - Adult Business Life

• After a hitch in the armed services it takes some effort and re-adjustment for one to get his mind geared to civilian thinking.  I worked hard at this task.
  
  
• For some two years immediately after my discharge, was a salesman, working the wholesale trade for a candy manufacturing and brokerage firm, traveling West Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.  Then two things happened -- one temporary, the other permanent.  The temporary one was a sales manager for about 8 years -- the same firm.  The permanent one -- I finally persuaded Nell Mae -- whose picture came to mind in France -- to accept me for "better or worse," on June 27, 1925.  This I have never regretted -- and is proof I was a pretty good salesman.
  
  
• To keep in good physical condition I played handball and volleyball twice weekly at the Y.M.C.A.  This was very enjoyable.
  
  
• Just prior to the Great Depression of the early 30's, I entered the wholesale candy business.  After a successful beginning the Depression hit, and brought a struggle -- a nightmare.  It is comforting to me now, that I paid all bills -- some three years after closing my business to go with Reeder Chevrolet Company.
  
  
• Following the turbulent Depression years it was a relief to be with Reeder's.  Some lasting and cherished friends were made there.  World War II had made it necessary that I change work.
  
  
• After much checking -- with special consideration as to the permanency (I have never enjoyed changing work) -- the quality of the company, and the opportunity it offered for merited advancement, I chose Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.  My work there was as an agent, then Assistant District Manager, and the last four years as Insurance Consultant -- specializing on business insurance and estate planning.  With Metropolitan I won for Nell Mae and me many pleasant trips to various places in Florida, to Gulfport, New Orleans, Hot Springs.  Elected president of the Knoxville Association of Life Underwriters, 1958.
  
  
• I learned by many special courses and experience that for one to be happy in business, a profession, or dealing with people in any category, a goal -- a purpose -- must be established.  Enthusiasm is a helpful aspect.  Another is to have or secure confidence and to make the one with whom you are dealing feel good.  I have learned also that well planned hard work will cause problems to vanish.  I enjoyed my work and enjoyed being a Saturday golfer (trying to break 90) and the good fellowship with my golfing friends.
  
  
• I've heard (am still pondering this) "If one doesn't know where he or she is going they are likely to end up some where else."
  
  
• "Pride of Accomplishment" -- One can store up dividends to be cashed over the years by unselfish help to associates.  An example -- I recruited and gave initial training to a young energetic man who advanced rapidly and soon became one of the company's leading managers in another state.  One year his office won the honor of having the best record in his territory (7 states).  The company gave him a victory dinner and invited Nell Mae and me.  Many H.O. executives present.  The manager began his talk by saying "except for one man present here tonight I would not be here, etc.," and then called my name to stand, and publicly thanked me for the guidance given in his early training.  Dividends?  Yes.
  
  
• While at a Metropolitan convention in West Palm Beach, Florida, passing a friend and former associate he extended his hand, and said "Ferrell, I'll never be able to repay you," and passed on.  What a compliment.  Dividends?  Yes.  He is now a manager.
  
  
• While recuperating in the hospital (47 days) from 6 heart attacks in 1959, I had an urge to write about 40 of my former associates.  Felt at that time I would not leave the hospital alive, but prayed would live long enough to complete this letter.  First I wanted to publicly pay tribute to my wife, Nell Mae, for loyalty and unselfish cooperation, and specifically seven others were mentioned by name who had helped me and two who had amplified my help and gone on to be managers.  Then a plan for achieving happiness was suggested.  Next, indecision was briefly discussed.  William James said, "There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision ..."  An excerpt from the final paragraph ...  "From my heart I must say this ... A great majority of our men have accepted Christ as their saviour -- if there are any who have not, please do so without delay..."
  
  Note:  I had not seen this letter for several years, but came across a copy in 1976 (some 17 years after written) and it brought back memories of that 47-day hospital ordeal.  To those who read this what would you write if you thought it might be your last letter?
  
  
• This excerpt of a letter from one of my golfing partners, and many more similar expressions from associates and friends helped in my recovery.  "... That wonderful golf foursome which I happen to be a member of ... was speaking of you last Saturday and each expressed their concern for your well being.  Ferrell, I just wanted you to know that you have been on my mind, and I will be thinking of you, and saying a few good words to our Master for a speedy recovery ..."