HBW and the Current Economic Climate

How is HBW faring during the current economic crisis?

HBW remains strong and vibrant during these present challenges. 2008 was a record year for HBW in all major aspects of our business. Recruiting, Life Insurance applications submitted, life insurance applications issued and new premiums placed in force were all records, as was new fixed/indexed annuity premium and gross dealer concessions for our securities business.

Is HBW canceling any meetings or conventions?

Absolutely not. All FasTrack regional training meetings are scheduled and will take place as planned, as is our Annual Convention scheduled for July in Las Vegas, Nevada.

What is the status of the HBW incentive trip, a Caribbean Cruise on the Royal Caribbean vessel, Freedom of the Seas?

It is absolutely on, and we are set to board on March 7th, 2009. As a privately held company, we are not subject to the dictates of any parent corporation who might be under the control or scrutiny of the Federal government. Further, our next incentive trip is already in the planning stages and our new contest has started as of January 1st, 2009.

Has HBW cut any commissions or are they planning to do so?

No! As a matter of fact, HBW is currently proposing an increase in compensation which, if implemented will include an increase from 2 levels of generational overrides for our VP level to an 8 level generational override system.

What is the status of retaining HBW home office personnel during this time?

We remain committed to our employees and service model. We have an outstanding, well trained staff that are extremely valued.

What is the status of the carriers and companies with which HBW does business?

Because HBW represents so many carriers and companies in the various businesses with which we are involved, our agents and associates are free to choose from among only the most reliable and solid companies for their clients, without concerning themselves with the dictates of any parent company.

What is the status of the new, exclusive Term Life insurance product being designed for only HBW agents by American General?

The Income Advantage Suite was launched in July 2009.

Does HBW believe in Term Insurance?

We believe that Term insurance is the most important life insurance product for middle-American families. Highly affordable, it is the only product capable of giving families the amount of coverage they really need and can afford to properly protect their families. Further, because we represent some of the finest term carriers in the industry with some of the most competitive products, carriers such as American General, which, according to LIMRA (Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association), was the number 1 seller of term insurance in America in 2008, ING Life, Banner Life, West Coast Life and others, our associates are free to provide the right product for their clients regardless of carrier.

Does HBW prevent people from pursuing other business interests, take away recruits upon promotion, demand recruiting requirements for promotion, or roll people back to lower levels from lack of production?

HBW is a non-captive marketing organization that allows their associates the freedom to pursue their business and life at their pace. We have no full-time requirements at any level, keep organizations intact upon promotion, have only production volume requirements for promotion, both team and/or personal without regard to numbers of recruits and don't roll people back to lower levels based on lack of production; you earn a level, you keep it.