It is mid-year 2016 and Financial Independence Group®(FIG) continues the observance of their 40th anniversary of industry service and partnerships. Looking back to 1976 we realize that the way we communicate, interact and conduct business every day has changed since FIG first entered the market place.
Technology has taken huge strides over the years. The world of instant access is upon us with portable computers in the form of personal laptops, tablets and smart phones. April 1976 began this phenomenon when Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs introduced the first single circuit board computer (Apple I) and Apple Computers was born.[1] This fledgling venture has flourished and maintains strong connections to most services, media formats and communication offerings worldwide.
In that same year, Cain and Associates, the agency that would later become FIG, was created. At a time when transatlantic flight times were cut to 3 1/2 hours by the Concorde and landing vehicles from US spacecraft were setting down safely on Mars[2], FIG founder Bill Cain was also looking to the future. Finding ways to access and utilize advances in technology for day-to-day business operations was an objective from those humble beginnings.
Consistency has also been a landmark of FIG. Their business model emphasizes personal service. This very boutique approach has been a guiding principle in how the corporate office has developed and maintained partnerships with their advisors. This philosophy remains an essential ingredient in business operations.
Not only has FIG grown their sales force over the years of operation, it has also created new divisions that support their existing services. These teams focus on specialized areas. Developing a large in-house IT Division was an important step for both the FIG main office as well as their advisors. E-Applications have been introduced by many carriers and the FIG IT Division regularly offers assistance and support in implementing productive tools like these.
The addition of All Points Media, the FIG marketing and creative services division, has helped to round out the offerings for FIG clientele. With website development, branding, and video storytelling, this group has helped facilitate and fuel new and exciting programs for their advisors. This helps every practice working with FIG to position themselves as the expert in their area. The visionaries that have built FIG had the foresight to embrace change while maintaining integrity. This is why they are proud to celebrate 40 years of industry leadership and partnerships. FIG has grown and prospered because they have made the growth and success of their agents their primary objective the entire time.
Coming a long way from its origins in 1976, the 2016 model of FIG is so much more than a simple back office with liaisons for annuity, life insurance and long term care. It has become a full-service partner with arms reaching into tomorrow’s ideas and advances with the ethical goal of serving the clients’ best needs through each and every affiliation.
[1] http://www.livescience.com/20718-computer-history.html
[2] http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1976.html