The maxim "To Care is to Grow" represents the guiding philosophy behind how CSO does business.
In 1976 sculptor Wm. E. Doyle, S.J. cast a bronze statue titled "To Care is to Grow" to commemorate the company's move to its new building, Designed expressly for CSO, the 36-inch statue depicts a young boy mending the wing of an injured dove.
While the statue and slogan find their origins in the mid-1970s, the attitude they represent has prevailed at CSO since the company began. In the midst of the Depression in 1932, the company founder, T. Leslie (Les) Kizer, convinced 100 friends to purchase $11 policies from a company that didn't even exist. Les' solid reputation gave these initial policyowners confidence, and with the first $1,100, he secured a charter from the state of Nebraska.
The company's first opportunity to prove its reliability came when policyowner Charles E. Mertz broke his little toe on his right foot--just 13 days after the company was founded. He was the 74th policyowner and wrote this letter of appreciation to Les:
Dear Mr. Kizer:
I am in receipt of your check for $53.32, the amount due me in full settlement of my claim for a broken toe. I paid only one quarter premium, and want to take this opportunity of thanking you for your splendid settlement and prompt payment. It will make me most happy to recommend both you and your company for your fair settlement and prompt payment at any time.
Yours very truly, Charles E. Mertz
Over the years the company continued to grow and Les continued to be a pioneer in the insurance field. He always instilled in his employees a sense of compassion and integrity. His legacy continues and these founding principles still guide how CSO does business.
The "To Care is to Grow" statue is displayed near the executive offices in the five-story building that was added to the home office campus in 1988. A caring approach still defines the way we do business.
CSO is committed to this philosophy of doing business and in recognition of those who exhibit an outstanding commitment to service, a miniature replica of the statue has been produced and is occasionally awarded to those CSO employees.
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