Lester & Bernadette Jones of Athens, AL, clearly remember the circumstances that led them to taking their lives in a different direction with Primerica, and how that decision has changed their lives forever. “Bernadette and I were middle school sweethearts,” says Lester. “We knew we wanted to do something special with our lives, but all we knew was to get an education and a good job and pray that everything turned out okay. We started out on that path, but soon found ourselves disillusioned. We quickly realized the ‘good’ job allowed us to pay our bills and nothing more.”

In 1993, Lester was working as a systems analyst. However, he found himself unfulfilled sitting in front of a computer screen eight hours a day writing reports. One day he was approached about a part-time opportunity with Primerica.^{1, 2}

“Bernadette and I were willing to listen, even though we really weren’t interested in starting a business,” Lester says. “Halfway through the presentation, Bernadette was literally kicking me under the table! I was a little confused by her reaction because we had collectively decided we would not join anything, sell anything, or buy anything that night. But she and I both recognized the Primerica Opportunity as an answer to our prayers. It would allow me to start a business part-time and utilize my passion for teaching and helping people and, of course, make some additional income.”³

The Joneses started experiencing success within their first eight months with Primerica.⁴ “We soon noticed that the other leaders we met laughed a little louder and smiled a little wider,” he says with a smile. “We have always found other people’s stories to be encouraging. We are proud to be a part of a company whose bottom line is more about people than profits.”

Because of their successful Primerica business, the Joneses have been able to help their families financially and enjoy the benefits of having more free time. The couple is also available to step in and help out when needed.

“When Bernadette’s dad was diagnosed with lung cancer, we were there for every doctor’s appointment and treatment,” Lester recalls. “When my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, we were able to take her into our home to care for her and then later contribute to the cost of a private room at a facility,” he says proudly. “When our teenage daughter had to spend three weeks at a physical rehabilitation center at Cleveland Clinic for a chronic pain disorder, we never left her side.⁴

“Had it not been for this company, we would have struggled in each of these situations. Providing our two daughters with debt-free college and graduate school experiences, supporting local charities and the ministries of our church, and traveling with our family to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world are also some added benefits of being a Primerican.”⁴

The Joneses love being able to help others outside of their family, too. “It is great to enjoy the success we do knowing we achieved it by helping others prepare for their future,” Lester says. “We never have to apologize for our success because the only way we win is by helping our clients reach their financial goals and our teammates reach their business and career goals. However, one thing I like best about being a part of Primerica is the people. It’s depressing to think that if we had never joined this business, we would have missed out on meeting and developing relationships with such positive people who have changed our way of thinking.”

1. Primerica Representatives are independent contractors and are not employees of Primerica. Representatives earn income through the sale of products and are not paid to recruit. 2. In Canada, the part-time opportunity may be subject to certain restrictions, depending on your occupation. 3. Primerica offers a business opportunity that involves the sale of term life insurance and various other financial service products. Primerica representatives are independent contractors, not employees. Their earnings are based on the sale of products offered by Primerica and also qualifying product referrals. Importantly, Primerica representatives must be appropriately licensed for each product line before they are qualified to make a sale. 4. The Primerica representatives featured within have achieved an extraordinary level of success that is not typical. Most representatives will not achieve such cash flow levels or earnings milestones. In 2021, Primerica paid an average of $8,410 in total commissions and other compensation, not adjusted for exchange rates, to its licensed representatives.