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
- Life is long and we can make changes
- We, and not other people, define who we are
- Nobody gets through life on a scholarship. You have to adjust and adapt
- 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
- Believe in yourself
- Do what is right
- Take care of yourself physically
- Have a sense of humor
- Always remember what your Mother taught you. Mine always said, “Never get down, and if you do, wash your face, smile, and start again”