Franklin Financial Services celebrates 35 years in operation

Belen Krabbe began Franklin Financial Services 35 years ago this month, but her path to that longevity was murky before she began her career in the financial services industry.

“I was supposed to be a failure and that’s the way I started my career, as a single mom with three little boys and recovering from a difficult divorce,” she said.

Deciding not to accept the designation of a failure, Krabbe joined the financial services industry in 1984 as a secretary for Equitable Life of Iowa. She said she soon realized that a secretary position was only the beginning and strived to climb the ladder of success.

“I firmly believe that God has plan for all of us and his plan for me was to not stay as a secretary,” she said, adding that she pitched the idea for a raise to her manager and was told that she’d have to become an agent. “After lots of prayer and direction, I agreed to do this and was immediately told I would be a failure. I failed the personality profile and the first State exam.”

But Krabbe persevered and achieved her goals and beyond.

“The way the year ended up, though, I became Rookie of the Year,” she said.

She moved to Hampton in 1985 and began Franklin Financial in the Coonley Hotel building before purchasing the current location at 11 First Ave. NW in Hampton.

She said adjusting to life in a new community with her own practice took some time, as being an independent agent meant she was alone in her office with only the ability to call the parent office for assistance.

“You don’t really have someone in the same space, in the same office you can connect with and be supportive with each other. I was alone all that time,” she said. “That’s tough but there was always someone to call.”

As she had for her life and her career, however, she persevered because she knew she had to in order to fulfill her promise to her faith.

“Knowing from the get go that God put me here is the confirmation and that’s where my strength comes from because it can be tough,” she said. “You can have your highs and lows.”

Krabbe said her career has been guided by the trust in her faith, no matter the circumstances and the building was another example. She said while she was not in a financial position to purchase the building but had a vision of her business being located in a building with a black ceiling with fans. When she opened the door to the building, she discovered a structure in shambles, but one with a black ceiling and fans.

“I came through the door and there was the black ceiling and fans, but it was horrible. It was six feet of debris in the middle of the room, it stank to high heaven…the walls were plywood,” she said. “It was there that I knew the purpose in buying the building wasn’t to establish my business but to establish a Christian Youth Center, which I did for five years.”

No matter the location, Krabbe has obtained six designations including CAP, CLU, ChFC, CASL, RHU, REBC and an LUTCF from the National Association of Life Underwriters, all with the purpose of becoming the best for her clients.

“When I work with people, there is a procedure and methodology and it’s understanding who these people are, understanding what it is we’re trying to do and understanding just so many things,” she said. “I ask a lot of questions before we ever get to the point of product because the purpose is the most important.”

To celebrate 35 years and to thank the community for its support, Krabbe and Franklin Financial Services will provide Hampton businesses with a $3,500 stimulus package with a drawing at businesses impacted by COVID-19. Beginning June 8, residents are able to register for $35 gift certicates. Two gift certificates will be drawn at Willie’s Sports Bar, Rustic Brew, Seven Stars, Jay Hickman Chiropractic, KLMJ, Center One, Carol’s Flower Shop, Christensen Jewelry, Restaurant La Amigita, Godfather’s, B&C Kitchen, Cuts on the Corner and Koerner Whipple. Additionally, 35, $35 meat bundles at Fareway will be drawn.

Buckets will be placed at each location and the drawing will take place on June 26.

For now, Krabbe said she doesn’t know when she’ll call it quits but she’ll continue to serve the people of Franklin County as she has for the past 35 years.

“I’m going to be here as long as people need me,” she said.