Kris Prasad – St. Charles, MO

Kris Prasad is a life insurance salesman in St. Charles, Missouri, and he’s as snuggly as a little teddy bear, sharing his warmth with all of his extended family. Here’s his story:

“My clients are my family,” Kris said. “I cannot mistreat them. They are part of me.”

Throughout Kris’ life, he’s reached out to help others. He grew up in Fiji, working hard with his 12 siblings on the family sugar cane plantation, but he had dreams of a different life. He happened to see a magazine highlighting opportunities in St. Louis to attend Bailey Technical School and learn a trade. Armed only with his Dad’s lessons and his dream, in 1965 he set out for the Gateway City to find his life.

“My father was a very strict young man and he taught us all these qualities, that nobody is going to give you anything, you have to work for everything you’re going to get,” he said. “And don’t forget, before you do anything, always ask God to help you, and if you do that, God is always there for you.”

Kris had always dreamed of being a pilot, but once in St. Louis, up 75 feet on a ladder, he realized his was scared of heights. So God took over as his navigator, one day young Kris strolled down the street, headed for ice cream at the Velvet Freeze on 39th street. He thought he was going out for ice cream, but God had another plan. Along the way, he struck up a conversation with a girl sitting on her porch steps. Back in Fiji, boys and girls did not date, so when Connie caught his attention, he “was scared to death,” Kris laughed. They finally did go out, and their first date was to the Beatles’ movie, “A Hard Day’s Night.” They never did get down the street for ice cream, but they’ve been together ever since, and that brings us to his career in life insurance.

While at Bailey Tech, Kris thought he was going to be an auto and diesel mechanic. But he hated to get dirty. He was still searching for his path. When signing papers to get a loan for their first house, the insurance agent hired Kris on the spot. The job met all of his qualifications: it was out of the Fiji sun, it was not up in the sky, and it was clean. When he and Connie were expecting their first child, Kris remembered his Dad, and his lessons about hard work. A career in life insurance sales offered him the opportunity to work as many hours he wanted, helping him provide for his young family. He was excited to work a “hard day’s night,” and work like a dog for Connie and Kris, Jr. And if insurance could take care of his family, he knew it could also take care of others.

“I put my clients first. I ask them questions to find out what they need, then ask if it is what they want. The big question is what they can afford,” he said. “I don’t want them to take something and then six months later can’t afford it.”

During the interview, Kris clients recognize his sincerity, and his soft voice and comforting words feel like a warm blanket on a cold afternoon. They know he’s the real deal. In his heart, he’s expanding his family. “I always tell them, life insurance is money in the bank. When something happens to the insured. The family can live on. Buy as much life insurance as you can afford,” Kris said. “You don’t have to pay tax on that money. It’s tax-free money and your family lives on with the money you’re going to give them. There is nothing in this world that’s going to help your family more than having decent life insurance.”

He’s often the top salesperson of his company, and he’s had some clients for fifty years. His “family” continues to grow, because Grandpas give the best hugs. Just ask all of his clients.