KERHONKSON, N.Y. – As an insurance company, the Ukrainian National Association (UNA) relies on sales of its life policies and annuities for much of its income.
And Lubov Streletsky, a UNA Advisor and delegate to the organization’s 40th Regular Convention, has been one of the organization’s top producers for decades.
She was honored at the 40th Convention for writing 51 policies over the last four years. In talking with The Ukrainian Weekly, Ms. Streletsky shared some of her “trade secrets.”
A warm and sociable personality, she easily relates with almost anyone. Ms. Streletsky devotes her weekends to traveling to numerous festivals, camps and sports gatherings. She actively mingles and talks with the Ukrainians there, especially with the “newly arrived.” She offers coffee and snacks, and builds trust by answering their concerns.
Insurance sales are not necessarily immediate for many people, so persistence and patience are a must. Ms. Streletsky divulged that she may encounter the same people over two or even three years before they finally become members. It might so happen that an agent will complete all of the preliminary work needed to attract a new client who then signs up by phoning the UNA home office. This means the field agent will not get credit for the sale.
Ms. Streletsky belongs to UNA Branch 10 in Philadelphia, and has served for 20 years as an advisor on the General Assembly. She is a member of the large Ukrainian Baptist and Pentecostal population in the United States, which she attests, with some added support from the home office, could provide a valuable potential resource for the UNA.
Ms. Streletsky also serves as a social minister in her church, helping immigrants adjust to life in a new country.
She herself is no stranger to life’s turbulence. She was born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, where her father was a pastor. In 1968, the entire family was exiled to Siberia for many years, before finally settling in Moldova. Ms. Streletsky is therefore fluent in half a dozen languages. Now her passion is to help other Ukrainians.