Meet Michael Vasu | State General Agent, Globe Life American Income Division

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Vasu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I really never thought I would start my own business. I was just trying to do my very best in whatever role I was in, and trusted that in that process, I would grow into the best version of myself. I didn’t have the goal of being an owner in my company. It was part of my vision in the long-term. I figured when the right opportunity arose I would pursue it. I said no more times than I said yes. When the opportunity was presented for me to relocate from Ohio to Texas, and after some consideration, I decided to pursue it. Why? I had spent so much of my career coaching people and attempting to help them grow into their ideal version by telling them to “be uncomfortable,” and I realized that what would stop me from pursuing owning my own organization would simply be my own with where I was. As a matter of personal integrity, this was my “tipping point” so to speak.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve not been one of the charmed individuals for which business came “easy.” In fact, if I described my journey, I think for some, it might be sound discouraging. It isn’t meant to be that way. I have enjoyed a great deal of success and satisfaction thanks to my career and thanks to the opportunities that have been given to me over the years. I think I recognize that, at least for me — responsibility is the priority and rewards come after that. If I were t choose one or the other, then I think necessarily, as a business owner, the responsibility to the individuals that are part of my team would be the priority. I think ultimately understanding that the rewards for me in this life are somewhat temporary, but that the rewards I am really seeking are eternal ones (rewards in heaven), or maybe for someone that would describe themselves as a “non-believer,” I would say that my focus is more on my legacy than it is the immediate rewards of this life. This, for me, helps to put things in perspective, it keeps me humble, it helps me with my patience, and allows me to direct my energy properly as I see it — which is in enriching the lives of those around me as much as possible. I think this is what separates our organization. The amount of support — from leadership, coaching, advice, resources, and the list goes on — we feel a sense of responsibility to equip people to achieve success and as long as I am in this role, this is what we will continue to do. We want to build the finest organization in the history of the company and if at some point I think that can’t be a reality is the day I’ll get off the saddle. Challenges come in business and they are sometimes avoidable, but often they aren’t. We work with people — lots of them. People come as imperfect pieces that we as leaders have the responsibility of trying to glue together in an organization to try to achieve something meaningful — but people nonetheless still bring problems. Whenever challenges do occur I try to remember this: “It’s never as bad as it seems, and it’s never as good as it seems.” And this: “This too shall pass.” We tend to make a bigger deal out of our situation than it is. Most things aren’t fatal, they are part of the journey. The more things you do, the more likely you are to experience challenges. Time exposes you to enough things that for most people, serious challenges are inevitabilities. In time you learn that a good attitude goes a long way. In every challenge is an opportunity and you’ll find the seeds of growth in them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston has so many different things to do, parts of the city to experience, and places to eat and drink, it has been 8+ years for me and I still discover new things to do. Not being a native Houstonian, and moving from Cleveland, Ohio, you really appreciate the diversity here in Houston. We are talking about diversity in many different things. I live in The Woodlands, and when I moved here it was explained to me that this place is “a bubble.” And I couldn’t agree more. It sure is. The Woodlands offers enough activities and things to do that you never really have to leave. In this area, we have Waterway, Market Street, and some of the best restaurants around. Killen’s Steakhouse in The Woodlands is one of my personal favorites — you have to ask for the short rib appetizer. My good friend Tyler Lewis just opened up a Piano Bar called “Two Tones” not far from there in Shanendoah, and that is an absolute blast. Houston is also home to great sports — the Rockets, Texans, and Astros (when they are playing) offer not just great competition, but the surrounding areas are full of things to do. There are endless bars, restaurants, clubs, museums, and all sorts activities for all ages. For someone that loves the outdoors, Lake Conroe is a great place to go for a great time, or people can head down south toward Surfside to get on the water. One of the best parts of Houston is that everything is right here!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course marriage is a partnership and if it wasn’t for my wife Daisy’s constant support, understanding, and contributions to our organization, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do, so she definitely deserves a special shout out. Before I met Daisy and as far as my professional career goes, I would have to shout out the owners of the organization I started my career with almost 18 years ago — Jim Surace and Marcus Smith from Ohio. They taught me the things I needed to know about growing myself as well as the people around me, and how to properly prioritize the important things in life. Their impact on my career and the careers of so many others is immense, and I am grateful for that impact on a daily basis.

Website: https://www.vasuorg.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vasu_organization/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/globe-life-american-income-division-vasu-organization

Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/company/globe-life-american-income-division-vasu-organization

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VasuOrganization/