I was with NAA from 2004 - 2008. I know this former manager and he is legit. This dude left a very good job to pursue his dream based on Lewantowicz's advice.
When AA screwed up the leads that year, it not only messed up this former manager, it screwed up allot of agents and managers. AA went from allowing agents to chose how many 'a' leads they ordered to forcing agents to take 'a1,'a2', and 'a3' leads to fill their GMR. So, if your GMR was for 15 leads / week, they would give you 5 'a' and fill the rest of your order with old, crappy a1,a2,and a3 leads. This was the dumbest idea ever. This really hurt agents across the nation.
Since this former manager left a good paying job with benefits to pursue this 'awesome' opportunity, you would think that his manager would 'have his back.' When AA screwed up the leads, this former manager had to do something to take care of his family. So, being the ethical man that he is, he informed Lewantowicz that he was going to sell health insurance (which doesn't conflict with life sales) and Lewantowicz, NOT being as ethical as this former manager, TERMINATED HIM and took his former team. The very dude that inspired him and encouraged him to quit his job fired him for, what... taking care of his family like a man should do...?? What a putz! What is worse, his upline manager AA did nothing to encourage the right thing was done.
I was terminated as well for contracting with other carriers. If you doubt that this will happen, try it. In fact, before you try it, ask your MGA what would happen if you contract with other carriers.
Now... I'm contracted at higher commission levels, pay nothing for my direct mail leads, don't pay a dime for conventions, and I not worried about whether I can contract with other carriers or not.