What Burnham System Patrons Say

Ray,
I wouldn’t even consider taking an Institute exam without using The Burnham System.
Rich Dooley

Ray,
I’ve used your materials before and I’ve used others’ materials before.
I believe you when you say your outdated material would better prepare me for my exam than anyone else’s up-to-date material!!
Sandy Gawlik

[Ray's comment: The Burnham System is constantly updated and refreshed. My customer's can rest assured that they are provided with the most current course information available. My statement to Sandy was meant to be humorous, and was based on her question, concerning the use of older course material, which she had in her possession.]

Ray,
Excellent materials.
I didn't have time to study, and was able to pull off ARM 54 (scoring between 80-90, no less) with six hours total time.
In this case, past experience, coupled with reviewing Ray's studying tips, e.g. how to read into the question, came in very handy!
Kevin M. Smith

[Ray's comment: Kevin must be extraordinary to pass such a tough exam with such a high score in so little time.
Plan on spending much more than six hours, even with my material.
Figure my help will enable you to about halve your study time.]

Ray,

Thanks to you I was able to pass 556 and 560 in the same testing window.
The clarity of your material is amazing.
Don Patin

Ray,

Wow--excellent service!!! Thank You!

Kelley Reyes

Mr. Burnham:
I recently sat for the CPCU 557 exam and passed. It was my last CPCU course! Your study materials are great!
I learned the material quickly (in less than a month) and I had confidence working through the exam questions!
By far, your study guide was superior to the other preparation methods I have used.
I wish I had tried The Burnham System sooner!
Thank you!
Michael Howey

Dear Ray,
Your study guide outlines were excellent.

My CPCU test scoring ranges improved by approximately 10 percentage points overall on the last 5 tests that I completed while using your study guides (when compared to studying on my own without using your study guides on prior tests).

Your business insurance knowledge is pretty much unbelievable.

My thanks for your help; I will gladly recommend your program to people interested in pursuing the CPCU (and have a couple of times already).
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Mango, JD, CPCU, RPLU

Ray:

In 1988, I was working for a national carrier as a Branch Claims Manager. My boss insisted all department managers obtain their CPCU. I resisted because I thought the program was designed only for underwriters, after all, it is the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation. But he insisted, so reluctantly I began. Someone told me about the Burnham system, so I thought, if it helps, I’ll buy it.

Well four years later and after ten purchases from the Burnham system, I had my CPCU. I passed every exam, occasionally taking two at a time. But the rewards never really came. My boss left the company and new one didn’t take education as seriously. So I thought, while nice to have a CPCU, it never really was worth the effort. I stayed with the company for eight more years and moved up the ladder well, but it never really had much to do with the designation.

Then two years ago, at age 55, I found myself unemployed after three carriers in a row where I had worked went into rehabilitation or liquidation. I responded to an ad for an Insurance Examiner, doing Market Conduct Examinations for a third party vendor. I didn’t really expect to hear from the company, as I had no examination experience. But I got a call, an interview, and the job. It’s by far the best job in my career. Great pay, great benefits, a super employer, and a job I really enjoy.

And it’s all because of my CPCU. If I hadn’t had that designation after my name, I never would have gotten the interview. And I never would have gotten my CPCU without the Burnham system. And it continues to pay benefits. My new employer wants me to get an AIE (Associate Insurance Examiner) designation. All the educational requirements for the designation are waived for CPCUs! So the bottom line is, sometimes you have to wait for the pay-off for your efforts, but chances are, eventually the rewards will come.

Thanks for helping make it happen.

John Hall, CPCU

Ray:

The Burnham System has worked again.

I used your study guide and key terms to successfully complete HS 322, The Financial System in the Economy.

I would have never been able to pass the exam without your system.

You have an uncanny knack for being able to take a 500-600 page book and compress it into 70+ pages of nothing but the key elements.

I have used your system to complete my CPCU and now obtain my ChFC.

Thank you for being my study partner.

Gary Butler

Becky,
Thank you so much! This was a total lifesaver. I took my exam on Saturday and passed! Now I am finally finished with CPCU! I was able to review the five chapters I was still really struggling with, which made all the difference in the world. I really appreciate your sending this to me. As a full time working mom with three kids, I never could have gotten through the CPCU program without the Burnham System!
I used the Burnham system for all 8 parts.
Thanks again for your help!
Katie Guiou

[Explanation by Ray: Becky does all the real work for our patrons. All I do is write material, answer questions, and take the credit.]

Ray,

Thank you so much! Someday I hope to have an opportunity to meet you.

I feel like you were my personal instructor for CPCU. You taught me everything I needed to know for my exams.

Without the Burnham system I don’t know how I would have been able to sift through the massive amounts of material required for each part of the CPCU program. Your study guides organized the information in digestible bites.

I used your “most effective method” and faithfully read one chapter a day. I was able to complete six parts of the program in 18 months, which I never could have done without your system. (I was pushing to make the 2007 class to qualify for Hawaii!)

Thank you for preparing this program! I especially appreciated your help on CPCU 540. Your special section on how to solve the math problems was indispensable. I am not a “math” person, but I ended up acing 540, thanks to you!

You may certainly quote me for your site. Feel free to use anything I have said in my message to Becky [comments above] or this one.

Will you be in Hawaii? If so, I hope to be able to shake your hand!

Katie Guiou

Ray,

I just wanted to thank you for all of your help in completing my CPCU designation. I recently passed my final exam and will be attending the Hawaii conference in September.

At the recommendation of a fellow worker I ordered the material for CPCU 540 after failing it. I was within two weeks of my retake exam when I called your firm and had them overnight the material to me.

I don't think I would have passed that exam without your help.

After that, I have used your material for all of my remaining exams.

With busy work schedules and family life, study time is precious and the way you condense the learning objectives is very helpful to maximize the time available.

Your employees have always been very helpful and expedient when ordering course material.

Ray, thanks again for all the assistance not only for myself but to the many other students that you and your organization have helped.

I look forward to meeting you in Hawaii.

Respectfully,

John Cioni

Ray:

I wanted to share with you that I completed the CPCU program this quarter and that your materials were a huge factor in my success.

The Burnham System is a top-notch tool, and I have recommended it to several colleagues.

Further, I appreciated the personal guidance that you provided on both the use of your materials and the occasional advice on testing strategy!

Thanks again!

Danny P. Tidaback, CPCU, AIS

Ray,

I wanted to thank you for your help. I took and passed the 540 exam with relative ease. I believe your notes allowed me to truly focus on what I didn't know, streamlining the preparation process.

Thanks again,

Kunal Gulati

Thanks Ray!!!

Awesome service (as usual). Thanks to Becky, too.

Luis Guillermes

I ordered The Burnham System and, to my surprise, within 5 minutes Ray had sent me the first two assignments and told me there was no need to wait to start my studying.

I thought that was GREAT!.

Thank you, Ray and good luck to all your staff for your extraordinary customer service.

Nicole Towsley

I found your materials to be right on target, extremely well organized, and effective.

Regardless of how much you study, you will do only as well as the study materials allow you to do.

I have ordered the ARM 55 and 56 studies and feel very confident I will have the same success I had with 54.

Ray,

As always, you go far beyond the call of duty!

Your word is golden, as are your products.

Keep up the great work!

Regards,

Jim Braga

Ray,

Getting exceptionally fast service when ordering your study aids helps students hit the line running and is a huge help.

Recently, the Burnham team gave me 'wow' service when an unanticipated issue arose on CLU materials.

Thanks, always, for the quick & efficient service -- and, especially, the on-point, succinct study material!

Jon Lippard

Ray,

I feel that I know you personally.

I have listened to your audio morning, noon, and night for the past couple of years ... teaching me all I needed to know about the insurance business and about the CPCU exams.

I just learned that I have passed my final exam, and would like to thank you for everything you have done for me and for other CPCU candidates.

You are the best,

Terrie Lemon

Hi Ray,

Just thought I would drop you a note to thank you for all your help.

I started using your system in 1976 for my CPCU.

Without your help, it would not have been as easy.

Thanks for the heads-up on AIAF 113. That made my day. [Ray's note: Jay called to buy 113 this past fall. Ray talked him out of it because Jay would automatically become an AIAF on 1/15/2007 without having to learn and pass 113, since Jay had credit for CPCU 540. Jay saved over $500 plus hours and hours of study. Unfortunately, that also cost Ray a sale.]

Thank you for everything. Keep in touch.

John H. J. Frantz, CPCU, CLU, CIC, ChFC, ARM, AAM, AIM, ALCM, AIC, ARe, AFSB, AAI, AIT, AMIM, API, APA, AIS, ASLI, AU,
ARM-P, AIAF, ARC, AIT, ACS

Vice President Wright-Gardner Insurance

Dear Ray,

I just wanted to express my appreciation for your work. As a working mother with two active, young sons I NEVER could have completed my CPCU using the Institute's materials alone. By providing only the information needed to master the material, the study time was manageable even with my hectic schedule. I recommend your system to all of my friends and co-workers in the industry and am eternally grateful to the manager who recommended it to me.

Now, if you can only come up with an equally efficient method for housework you'll have a devoted customer for life!

Last Friday I took the CPCU 510 exam for the 4th time.

After going to class and doing self-study from the Institutes books, I finally ordered your materials.

I turned in my books to my employer and advised I will no longer pursue my CPCU if I fail again.

I received a notice of my grades in the mail just a few moments ago and I passed.

Thank you for your help. I will look for you to assist me in passing the remainder of my courses.

Vern Winczner

Burnham's preparation materials have played a key role in helping me to prepare for several exams.
When you supplement the Burnham system with your regular reading (and course work), there is no better way to prepare.
Since there is always so much information presented to you in any single assignment, Ray's materials help you to organize all of the information and help you to effectively focus on the critical points.
This method has helped me to learn the material more effectively ... at a much faster pace.
Ray is passionate about his work, and he unequivocally guarantees that you will be satisfied.

Thanks for caring Ray ... you and your materials are AWESOME!!

Charles Boornazian

[The Burnham System is], simply, one of the best tools I have ever used in any educational venture I have participated in. I strong recommend this for anyone if they desire is to pass!

Roland Cyr

"You're the greatest man in the world, but you can only do so much."

Kathy Burnham, spoken to her husband, 5/13/2006.

Ray,

Your material has saved me countless hours and needless worry.

Mitch Borton

Thank you for your quick response. Excellence always, just like I quickly came to expect from you and your company from the first time I did business with you.

In the past 2 1/2 years I have completed the INS, API, AIS, and CPCU. I began using The Burnham System with INS 23. I had previously completed INS 21 and 22 before using your study method.

In today's society it is very refreshing to receive and use a product that is better than the promise.

I have just completed 7 years in the insurance industry after having a 24 year career in the Army. I was recently promoted to Senior Underwriter in Personal Lines. While I'm sure that my performance played a key role in the promotion, I am also certain that my studies gained the attention of my peers and supervisors. Your system minimized my study time, which allowed me to focus on the key points. I personally paid for 2 of your course guides while the company picked up the bill for the rest. The cost versus results is immeasurable. I appreciate your contribution to the industry.

The INS 23 is the 3rd course that I'll be using your study guides with. I'm HOOKED!!! I appreciate the way you explain the material in layman's terms. I can read the other manual and then wonder what I had just read.

The INS 23 is the last one in this AU series that I have to take. However, since you have made it easier, I'm looking forward to possibly delving into some other applicable courses as well.

On the AU 65 & 66, every morning first thing before I did anything else, I would read the 5 or 6 pages in that chapter every day. (It was quick, easy reading.). I didn't try to memorize anything. I just read an assignment a day. It took me 20-30 minutes, then I was done for the day. I did that every day for weeks. The material being covered started becoming more and more familiar.

When it came down to "crunch" time right before the test, I don't feel that I had to study and "cram" as hard as I have done in the past.

Thanks again!!!!

Mary Malone

I didn't begin using The Burnham System until I took AU in 1996. As you'll see on my transcript, since 1996, I've taken ten IIA exams, all using The Burnham System. On those ten exams, I've received seven "E"s, two "G"s, and one "P". I got an award for Academic Excellence in 2003 using your printed material for AMIM.

I just passed my CPCU 530 exam! It was by far the most difficult exam I have taken so far. This is the first time I have used your system (I only have one exam left).

You made studying for this exam much easier than the other ones I have taken. Thanks for your efforts!

The Burnham System has helped me pass 6 CPCU tests now! I've passed a total of 7. [I have] one to go. After comparing the Institute's material to the Burnham system all I can say is "thank you, thank you, thank you". [The Burnham System] material gives such a comprehensive review in such a condensed format. Keep up the good work. I tell all my co-workers about the Burnham system.

Dara Glenn

I passed the [Insurance Regulation, IR 201] exam yesterday. I had ordered the two books and course guide from AICPCU website, read and studied, but found I spent way too much time answering the questions and not actually understanding the content. I ended up reading straight through the books to try to comprehend the material, then I used your books, which are in great outline format, to study and cram. I would not have passed without your books. I'm on to the ARC, ARM and CPCUs, with your help. Thanks so much. Debora Carroll

Ray, Thanks again for your great executive outline for HS 351. I passed the test today with no problem, and am excited to have obtained the CASL designation! Your outlines were very complete and your practice test was very helpful in preparing me for the test. Thanks again! Peter J. Gallagher, ChFC, CLU

Hi Ray, I just wanted to send you a note to say thank you. This one was a bit hard and I was very grateful for your work. I PASSED!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

"Your system is terrific. I stuck with the reading and audio tapes for several weeks for each exam and passed them with flying colors."

Loman Education Foundation Award for Academic Excellence Goes to Brian J. Bradley

Thank you Barry Klein of www.UltimateInsuranceLinks.com for your recommendations. When asked Barry tells his website visitors:

“Highly recommended by a professional I respect and admire. I bought it for the first and every exam since.” - Lisa Watson

“Everyone in our office believes it’s the best study tool available!” - Shannon Williamson

“Great system. Without your help I wouldn’t have been able to get my CPCU designation.” - Patricia Crawford

“More efficient study time.” “Focus on the most important material.” - William Wall

“It is absolutely, positively the best, most efficient, method of digesting the largest amount of information in the shortest amount of time.” - Darryl Hogue

“Only material available, to my knowledge, for c ertain courses.” - Michael Johnson

[Ray’s comment: The best way to make any material available for the most courses is to never let any candidate use any other material for any course.
Only if I earn enough on the other courses can I continue to create The Burnham System for the courses taken by fewer candidates.]

“Good value, effective and, Ray, you’re just a likeable guy.” - Robert Rosenfeld

[Ray’s comment: Now, that’s why everyone should hire me to be their teacher.]

“Your folks are great on the phone. I was impressed when I called.” - George Dufala

“The way I was treated on the phone by your staff and by you. I really appreciate your personal touch.” - David McCormick

“Product was good. You are honest, funny, and you helped me do something that I was unsure I could accomplish.” - Kevin Turner

[Ray’s comment: Now that George has retired, not only am I “the smartest man in insurance”, I’m also “the funniest man in insurance”. Tell your friends.]

“Qualifications, confidence to guarantee a pass, time savings.” - A. Mark Lybbert

“Better format and easier to read than [colleague’s name withheld by Ray].” - Bob Heflin

“Your courses greatly reduce my study time and increase my knowledge of the subject matter.” - Stuart McLin

“Short and sweet. I needed something quick so I could learn in a shorter amount of time.” - Nicole Bell

[Ray’s comment: Candidates, if you don’t want to save time, why use The Burnham System? Just so you’ll pass?]

“You were there when I needed you. I was failing tests and your system, helped me pass.” - Anonymous

“Recommended by a friend. I like the condensed study materials.” - Carl Schwartz

“Needed to pass HS 328. I had previously taken and failed this exam three times. After using The Burnham System I passed this exam on my fourth attempt. I will never use any other study aid.” - Anonymous

“My first supervisor suggested I try Burnham with my CPCU studies.” - Jimmy Stewart

“Seen or used all others, thought yours was the most concise and best.” - Christian Hunt

“The overwhelming positive response of students using your system.” - Jason Rohrig

“I heard good things, liked your product, and continued to use it.” - Sue Armigers

“It works, it’s simple, it lays it all out in an easy to read and comprehend format.” - Aaron Kilgore

“Friend’s suggestion at first. After that, the customer service you and your staff provided brought me back.” - Josh Ward

“After I tried your course I come to value the organization of ideas and practical suggestions.” - K. Nelson

“Great! Thanks. Without it, I would haven given up on earning a designation.” - David E. Lowe

“I liked the format and the concise nature of the texts.” - Kevin O’Connor

“I find your material very beneficial and have recommended it others.” - Robert Wilson

“Great work! Your materials are a great study aid and very valuable.” - Tiffany Sirkle

“Proud, your passion is self evident. You instill confidence in your student.” - Kevin Turner

“I find it invaluable. It makes the course material easy to review.” - Carolyn King

“I am very pleased with the work you’ve done! Your outlines are clear, concise, and memorable. Your examples clearly illustrate principles and help differentiate the sometimes subtle differences in similar concepts.” - Bonnie Huard

“Very comprehensive. You have a rare talent. You, also, are very committed and dedicated to your cause.” - Belinda Ervin

[Ray’s comment: My commitment and dedication come easily.
My average patron saves over 50 hours per course.
My patrons are the cream of the crop in their generation … good people who do good things.
Do you have any idea how many children spend more time with their parents, how many marriages I've been credited with saving, how many Boy Scout troops get led, how many soccer teams are coached, and how many church school classes get taught as a result of my work?
Things like that spawn a commitment that's hard to match in any calling.]

“I feel The Burnham System offers an efficient method for studying the important points of each assignment.” - Brent Leonard

“Very impressed with your achievements, both in education and business. Product is top notch, concise, and to the point.” - John Turchi

“I have taken ten courses using Burnham and never failed an exam. Your system works great for me.” - Jimmy Stewart

“Very pleased with quality, effort, customer service, and commitment to success.” - Angela Sparks

“Your work is quality, thorough, and certainly done with passion and care.” - Jason Rohrig

[Ray’s comment: Joe may be challenging me as “the funniest man in insurance”.
Thank you, Joe, for the second meaning.]

“You have done a great service for those seeking professional designations.” - Samantha Berry

“You’re very knowledgeable in the field and do a lot for the industry. I’m thankful you devoted yourself to helping others meet their goals.” - Josh A. Ward

“Your texts help me focus on the most important points without the effort that would otherwise be required.” - Polly E. James

“Complete information, hits all the high points on the exam.” - Lisa S. Watson

“Cuts down the studying time and organizes the info to learn more efficiently.” - Brian Booth

“The material does what it promises. Well presented and thought out.” - Charlotte Janson

“Response to questions, speed of getting information to me. You always give more than 100%.” - Patricia Crawford

“I’ve been very pleased with all of the purchases I’ve made.” - Kevin O’Connor

[Ray’s comment: Please, future patron, hold me to the standard of ‘the best in the world’.
But, please, future patron, understand I do not claim perfection.]

“Conciseness of your outlines. Also, your personal encouragement to succeed in these difficult courses.” - Bryan Elitz

“I completed what I started. My career took off and I am very grateful for your product. You made my return on investment greater.” - Kevin Turner

“Concise delivery of material, elocution on tape, and personal side notes.” - A. Mark Lybbert

“Dealing with your staff. I have called a couple of times and they have been very helpful and friendly.” - Bob Heflin

“The conciseness with which the materials are presented.” - Deborah Kutzavitch

“The reassurance The Burnham System provides me when studying for an exam.” - Brent Leonard

“The way the information was presented and the ease of use.” - Julie Hubbard

“Quality of work and printing. Service. Willingness to help me.” - J. Scott Schaffer

“Your ability to condense study material efficiently and effectively.” - Brian Moos

“I am pleased that you seem like a very genuine person who cares about the men and women working full time wanting to learn and improve themselves.” - Jason Rohrig

“My success in earning my CPCU designation through the use of your material.” - Samantha Berry

“The study guides are definitely the reason I’ve been able to pass.” - Josh Ward

“I can’t think of anything. The pattern and pace of reading on the tapes was very effective -- giving the broad overview of the topic, then providing the detail on each point, and recapping at the end of the topic. Also, the cadence was helpful, as your pauses between items allow time for the listener, on subsequent reviews, to mentally fill-in the next item on the list. Oh, how can I forget the ‘most effective learning sequence?’ That is tremendous!” - Bonnie Huard

“I would have used The Burnham System much earlier than I did.” - Aaron Kilgore

“Nothing. On second thought, I would have started taking classes sooner.” - Lori Herrling

“I pitch your material all the time but most people think it sounds too good to be true.” - Darryl Hogue

[Ray’s comment: That’s why I include guarantees … so people can try The Burnham System and then decide if they should buy it.]

“Just keep doing what you are doing and I’ll get to Hawaii in 2007!” - Paul Bracci

“Be there for future prospects especially if they are associated with Karen Michaels Agency.” - Karen Michaels

“I think the concise nature of your works is its greatest asset.” - Christian Hunt

“I can think of nothing that you could do better. Keep up the good work. I truly owe my success in passing the test I have taken to you.” - Mike Collins

[Ray’s comment: When I ask my patrons over the phone if there is any way I could serve them any better, the single most common response has been, “Yes! Take my exam for me!”.
Of course that question is always intended as humor.]

“Everyone in our office believes it’s the best study tool available!” - Shannon Williamson

[Ray’s comment: It’s guaranteed to be the best available in the eyes of every patron, or I’ll happily return my fee and thank that patron for giving The Burnham System a try.]

“Ray, you have much to be proud of. It’s amazing how much I’ve learned and retained.” - David McCormick

“Your enthusiasm and rapid responses to my inquiries, even to the point of calling me personally, were very helpful. They were helpful in an information-specific way, but even more than that, they were encouraging in the sense that I really felt like you were ‘on my team’ cheering me on to the victory of a pass score. Showing that personal interest in a student’s success was a big influence.” - Bonnie Huard

“Ray, I am sold on your system. It helped me earn both ChFC and CLU designations in the span of only 18 months. I tell anyone who is studying for exams to check out The Burnham System because it works.” - Roger Perry

“You are quicker than others in getting out revised products.” - Robin Hester

“The staff is awesome!” “Burnham helped to cut my study time in half!” - Aaron Kilgore

[Ray’s comment: In every survey I’ve done, I did cut my average patron’s study time to just under half, with the sole exception of the last survey, when I cut my average patron’s study time to just over half.]

“I wanted to give you my sincere thank you for making my life just a little easier by breaking the material down in an easy-to-learn format. Please keep up the good work.” - Samantha Berry

Thank you Barry Klein of www.UltimateInsuranceLinks.com for your recommendations. When asked Barry tells his website visitors:

Here are more comments from various CPCU Designees we spoke with at the
conferment held in Hawaii.

Send mail to Tom for any questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: 03/11/08

Send mail to Tom
for any questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 03/11/08