So our founder, Al Shank Sr. had alot of really great marketing ideas. For instance, if you follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook you'll notice our latest posts have a brochure, in this case, called "Preparing ahead for your Boy." It included things like ideas on "thrift training, life insurance, and good health," for that new kid. It also included a handy, dandy "how tall are you" yardstick for seeing how tall the new son was getting. The one in the posts was sent direct to the parents on December 30th, 1953 to old Epworth Hospital here in Liberal. In this case it was sent to help prepare for young "Ray." That would be Ray Martin and we really thank him for sharing those items with us.
However, I think the biggest public relations/marketing effort Dad ever made was reading something in the local paper, cutting the item out, and sending it with a "I read something about you" card. People have really hung on to those and someone shares their clipping and card with us several times a year. I was introduced at the Liberal Area Chamber of Commerce banquet lately and even the gentleman, Gary Dunnam, who introduced me took one out of his pocket and said "I still have this and want to talk to you about it sometime." People have really hung on to those.
I remember, even long before I got into insurance, Dad would sit down on the floor in our family room almost every night with his scissors and tape and start cutting out articles to send to people. I will cherish that memory as long as some of you will cherish the "I read something about you" cards you got from my Father. You know what.....I never got one of those. So I'm just a little envious of those of you that did. I guess Dad figured he knew it all about me before anything would ever get to the paper. Thanks for reading.......see you again real soon.....