Meet WoodmenLife’s January 2025 Sure Start Winner: Heather Ransom

WoodmenLife is committed to offering training to our Sales Representatives to help them grow and have the tools they need to best serve our members. Qualifying new full-time Representatives are invited to Sure Start, an interactive training event that helps them kick off their careers with WoodmenLife. During the 12 months following their Sure Start education, these Representatives have a friendly competition with their classmates to see how well they put their lessons into action and compare their sales achievements.

Get to know our January 2025 Sure Start Winner: Heather Ransom of Bladenboro, NC.

Congratulations on your Sure Start victory! How did you celebrate?

My husband and I took a short trip to the mountains to relax and reset. On our way there, we found out that I had won and decided to celebrate. It snowed while we were there, and it was a memorable trip. It was the end of the year, and the timing was perfect.

Have you always wanted to pursue a career in sales?

Absolutely not — and I still never look at this as sales. It’s been more about making connections and developing relationships. After my first husband passed away, my children and I had to survive on life insurance, so I understand how vital it is for families to make sure they are protected.

What inspired you to choose a career with WoodmenLife?

I have always wanted a career in the workplace, but I’ve never been sure what it would be. I had been a stay-at-home mom for 25 years and homeschooled two of my children. That time of my life ended, and I met my current husband. He was a Representative with WoodmenLife, and I saw how amazing his career was. I joined him on a trip to Hawaii, which he earned for the annual Incentive Trip. What an inspiration Maui was!

What drives you to deliver great service for your members?

Knowing that my members trust and depend on me to help them make decisions for their future is one of the driving forces in this field. When I finish addressing the needs my members have and we secure a plan for them, I feel a sense of relief.

What does success look like to you?

For me, success is not just defined in the workplace. I want to be a great wife, mother, and friend and know that each person I have a relationship with gets something they need from me. Success is a balancing act, and as long as I feel that I’m meeting needs on all those fronts then I feel like I’m working successfully.

Tell us a little about how you’re involved in your community. Why is community outreach so important to you?

My community has played a major role in my life. I started my career as the administrative assistant with my local Chamber of Commerce; after a year and a half there, I went to work with WoodmenLife. Through my work with the Chamber, I was able to see the needs in my community in the areas of education, business, and local government. I’ve been involved in helping support tourism in our community, and after leaving the Chamber I was voted on the Board of Directors. Today I am the current President for the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. I want to see my community succeed, and WoodmenLife allows me the unique opportunity to partner with my community through my local chapter, Giving Together projects, and presenting flags.

Do you have a particularly memorable moment from your time so far with WoodmenLife?

My most memorable moment so far with WoodmenLife has been earning a place among the top 40 Representatives in 2024 and attending the Pacesetters school in San Antonio. Pacesetters gave me tools and knowledge while I was learning from other top Representatives in the organization. My husband was also in the top 40, and it was just cool to experience that with him.

What are your goals for the future?

The future is exciting to think about now that I know I can achieve success in doing something I love. I want to continue to serve my community while working alongside my husband. There are many days my husband and I are teammates, but we are truly competitive at heart.

Click here to learn more about a Sales career with WoodmenLife.

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Meet WoodmenLife’s December 2024 Sure Start Winner: Rachel Ratliff

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