Joyous laughter bubbles from both Bob and Betty Kendra, owners of Kendra Financial Group Inc., when asked about what it’s like working with their spouse.
“We use our strengths to complement one another and capitalize on those things each of us does best,” Betty says. “It makes a great partnership. There is nothing like having a partner you know you can trust.”
In their partnership, Bob takes the lead on public relations, and Betty prefers to be behind-the-scenes working on the more analytical side of their life insurance and financial services business.
This husband and wife team finds satisfaction in getting to know each client, making a personalized plan, and executing that plan to see their client’s goals realized.
“We take great pride in helping people achieve their goals,” Bob says. However, sometimes those plans come to fruition in a way that is hard for families.
“It’s odd to say, but we are at our best when people are having their worst day," Betty says, "When we deliver a death claim, we are able to bring comfort and peace to a family. We are able to do what other people can’t do. We’re the only ones in the community coming with a check.”
The key to their success, according to Bob, is, “a commitment to the client and their commitment to us."
"We get to know our clients," he says. "They all become friends.”
In 2018, both Bob and Betty earned memberships for the Million Dollar Round Table, a recognition reserved for the top 1% of financial professionals worldwide, marking Bob’s fifth year and Betty’s fourth year joining this elite group.
The couple suggests that business owners get involved in their church and the community, specifically through civic organizations and the local Chamber of Commerce. Bob currently sits on the board of directors for the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce but began his involvement years ago as a member of the Chamber’s ambassador team. As members of Wesley UMC, Betty says that her faith is the most important guiding principle in her life.
Throughout their 30 years of marriage, Bob and Betty have learned to balance work and family life.
“When we invest in our business, it benefits our family," Betty explains. "But we always block off time to spend with family. Time is the resource we give to our kids.” They have two children, Joey and Savanna, both currently in college.
Prior to joining the insurance/financial industry 20 years ago, Bob was a golf professional for 22 years, including time working for Arnold Palmer at Bay Hill Club in Orlando. Betty, an Augusta native who has been in the business for 17 years, previously had a 20-year career in manufacturing management.
“When we invest in our business, it benefits our family. But we always block off time to spend with family. Time is the resource we give to our kids.”
—Betty Kendra