The Invisible Mentor

Interview With Charles Citrin, Citrin Financial & Insurance, Inc. 

 “Never get down, and if you do, wash your face, smile, and start again” says Charles Citrin’s mother, and this advice has been a guiding light for him.

Avil: Describe a business challenge that you had, how you resolved it and the lessons you learned in the process.

Charles: Challenge: In 1996, when I was 48 years old, I realized that investment banking and being a bond lawyer wasn’t working for me, so I decided to go into insurance.  I didn’t want to travel all the time and I also wanted to spend time with my children.  It was a very tough transition for me because I had to redefine myself.  I was no longer an important lawyer and I had to develop a thick skin.

 Charles: Resolution: For two years I worked for others, but didn’t find them helpful so I opened my own firm, Citrin Financial & Insurance, Inc., in 1998.  I was very lucky to hire an extraordinary assistant, Carmen Dumas.  I then found two wonderful law clients, the City of Hialeah Gardens, and the Hialeah Housing Authority, and got pulled back into law.  Now I work in insurance and in law representing young political people as a lawyer and advisor.  I have grown to like the insurance business because I feel I can help people.

 Charles: Lessons Learned

1.  Life is long and we can make changes
2. We, and not other people, define who we are
3.  Nobody gets through life on a scholarship.  You have to adjust and adapt
4.  You have to believe in yourself and stay positive

If you were in Charles’ position what would you have done differently?

Avil: In your opinion, what is the formula for success?

Charles: Formula For Success

1.  Believe in yourself
2.  Do what is right
3. Take care of yourself physically
4.  Have a sense of humor
5. Always remember what your Mother taught you.  Mine always said, “Never get down, and if you do, wash your face, smile, and start again”

For information about Charles Citrin click here.

 Excerpted from April 2008 Ambeck Edge

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