In Memoriam
This one really hurts. One of the best friends I could ever ask for in this business, Sam Corey Jr., passed away April 20. I have been blessed with his friendship for almost 40 years, and I’m really gonna miss him.
Sam began his career as a commissioned life insurance agent after graduating from the University of Georgia in 1965 with a BBA in Insurance. He received his CLU designation from the American College in 1968. From there he had a very impressive 46 year career in the insurance industry.
After several other industry pursuits Sam founded The Brokerage Resource in 1992 and built his field marketing organization from the ground up, providing independent insurance agents with tools and resources for over 26 years, attracting and representing only A rated or better insurance carriers, and making the Senior Healthcare sector his top priority for the independent insurance agents working with The Brokerage Resource. In 2018 his oldest son, Sam Corey III, became president and owner of The Brokerage Resource, while Sam Jr. remained as founder, serving as an advisor and consultant to the firm, focusing on maintaining the steadfast relationships he built over the years with industry leaders and providing guidance. Together they continued to steer the business toward their primary goal—growing the firm and adding a broad portfolio of insurance products to retain the best insurance agents nationally. The Brokerage Resource was purchased by Integrity Marketing Group in 2020.
“Sam Jr. had a presence about him that commanded attention, but always made you feel at ease” relates TBR Director of Marketing Carolyn Portanova, “He always made time for his employees with his open-door policy and always welcomed calls and visits from agents. He inspired others to do their best and he made The Brokerage Resource feel like home to so many.”
Sam Jr. was very involved in the insurance community and was a past president of the Triangle Association of Life Underwriters, former president of the marketing group National Brokerage Agencies (NBA) and former president of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors—Triangle. He was a long time member of the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA) and served on the General Agency Advisory Council of several carriers including American National, Mutual of Omaha and United World.
Per long standing friend Art Jetter, “Sam was a remarkable individual, whose kindness, wisdom, and humor enriched the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. As a friend, he was a rock, always willing to help, always a source of sound advice, and always encouraging. I am thankful for our long friendship. Sam built an excellent business built on integrity, had many dear friends, and left us all with wonderful memories.”
Sam is survived by his wife, Trenna, and his sons Sam III, Lee and Russell, and his six grandchildren.
I first met Sam Jr. at some industry meeting so long ago that I don’t remember the group…NAHU, NAILBA, NBA, The Brokers Health Insurance Network…our paths crossed so many times and for that I am truly grateful for. He was witty, warm and welcoming, and each time we would first see each other at a meeting his eyes would light up (as would mine) in earnest and heartfelt appreciation of our friendship and always punctuated with his wry smile. I’m warmed by the memory of his laughter and appreciation whenever I would go on a rant or deliver one of my unique presentations. He’d always greet them with a grinning shake of his head, hand shake, and a “Good job. Almost as good as the one about…”
Sam Corey Jr. was truly a great friend as well as a great representative of our industry. His loss will be deeply felt not only by his family, but by a legion of friends and colleagues, his community, and the brokerage business as a whole to which he gave so much.[SPH]
