Decades of knowledge and experience.

The Patriot - John Hancock
Vol. 26 Oct. - Nov., 1972 No. 8

Since Bill Iannazzi discovered he could make as much money in the insurance business as he was willing to work for, he's been talking people into coming to work for John Hancock.

Now district manager at Providence Central, Bill can boast of six recruits in his family alone in his 38 years with the company. "At John Hancock you're always rewarded for what you do," Bill points out. "For the right person, there's no opportunity like sales, where you're working for that commission dollar."

After working as a grocery store   manager for several years during the depression, Bill decided to risk a cut in salary, down to $22 per week, to take such an opportunity with John Hancock. "When I started, it was just a job," he admits, "but after two weeks I was making $80 a week and that really impressed me. It was more than some of my professional friends were making at the time."

Bill had twelve years at Hancock behind him and all the accompanying success when his "little brother" Pat left the service in 1946. Pat started studying accounting, but Bill was sure he would only be happy selling insurance for John Hancock. After a couple of years as a clerk in a district, Pat turned 21 and switched to sales. "Now, I'm John Hancock's best booster," he declares. "I love the day-by-day challenge in this job. There's absolutely no monotony. You're always meeting people and performing a service for them. I think it's great!"

Their brother Tony who came into the business shortly thereafter attributes his happiness at the Hancock to the pace and nature of his work. "I'm very enthusiastic about this business. I'm the kind of person who has to work on my own and can't stand being closed in, tied down on the job. This work is perfect for someone like me you're always out and about, meeting loads of people."

And then along came another brother, Vinny, Eddie Pezzi and Domenic Merolla, brothers-in-law, his son-in-law Gerry who is with the Department of Special Activities and, most recently, nephew Robert.

Vinny, successful for many years in local Rhode Island politics, was always very aggressive and worked very well with all kinds of people. Not only does he love the business and enjoy his fatherly image on his debit of 23 years, but he also appreciates the income John Hancock provides him. "I love to travel," Vinny explains, "and, because of my job and the opportunities it presents, I can afford it."

Young Bob, three years into the business, relates that he "found himself" at John Hancock. He joined the company while he was still in school because he had seen how well his uncles had all done. "I was a little shaky at first, because your income is determined by what you do," he recalls. "Now I don't understand how men can leave the business. It seems they usually leave for something less desirable."

Wouldn't all those Iannazzis from one big, close-knit Italian family get in each other's way in the insurance business? "Well, you know there's a lot of friction in this business," Bill Iannazzi replies. "But we've made it a point never to interfere with each other's sales opportunities. Selling to other family members has never caused any conflict, because either our relatives buy from whomever they want or, at least, we see that everyone gets his fair share. After 38 years with the company, for instance, I've certainly had mine, so now the younger fellows get the family business.

"John Hancock has been extremely good to all of us," Bill continues. "We all own our own homes and we've sent our kids to college." Besides that, the Iannazzis agree, they've had a lot of fun and enjoyed years of daily challenges.