Aflac Boasts a History of Innovation, Growth and Global Impact in Columbus, GA

Courtesy of Aflac

Celebrating 70 years of business, Aflac, which was founded in 1955 by principal founder John Amos and his two brothers, Paul and William, under the name of American Family Life Insurance Co. of Columbus, has made a name for itself within the community. 

What began in a six-room complex in downtown Columbus with just 16 employees and 60 agents has grown into a company that now protects approximately 50 million people in the U.S. and Japan. Today, Aflac is a Fortune 250 company with nearly $125 billion in assets. 

“Employing thousands of people at our Columbus headquarters, the company has been fortunate to have a steady inflow of highly skilled individuals to ensure customer service excellence and innovative advancements, while (remaining) a top employer in the Chattahoochee Valley,” says Jon Sullivan, director of corporate communications at Aflac. “The diverse culture of Columbus is conducive to building a company that values ethics, tethered to the notion of doing the right thing, building trust in our products and services across the nation.” 

Courtesy of Aflac

In 1989, the company adopted the name Aflac, a fortuitous decision that would have lasting impacts. In August 1990, Dan Amos became CEO, bringing with him an entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for business success. 

Within 10 years, on Jan. 1, 2000, Amos would introduce the Aflac Duck, widely recognized as one of the most successful, ongoing advertising campaigns in corporate history. An overnight success, the duck led to a doubling of sales nationwide in only three years. 

“The advent of the Aflac Duck set Aflac apart from other insurance companies as a bold, innovative initiative. Never before had insurance companies deviated from the stoic ads to a place where the company, under Dan Amos’ leadership, committed to a program that not only used humor, but was making fun of its own name to build brand awareness and education,” Sullivan says. 

Today, the Aflac Duck continues to thrive, having appeared in more than 100 television ads. 

Courtesy of Aflac

Embracing Innovation 

While Aflac’s branding efforts have flourished, the company has also continued to innovate through its products, marketing, services and philanthropy. And because of its company culture, Aflac has been named a World’s Most Ethical Company by Ethisphere for 19 consecutive years. 

“The commitment of our employees sets a prime example of empathy and pride, which are two traits that are universally desired,” Sullivan says. “As a company that sells a nontangible product – a promise to be there in your moments of need – our company reputation, built here in Columbus, is paramount to our success. It is the foundation of our business that has grown to be a leader in the two largest insurance markets in the world.” 

Indeed, Aflac’s history of innovation, along with vital decisions to take calculated risks, have been a huge component of achieving international impact. As Sullivan explains, Aflac’s decision, for example, to ensure that Aflac Japan is administered in a culturally “Japanese” way enabled the company to gain trust from Japanese people and become a household name. Inextricably linked to smart leadership, Aflac has grown to dominate the two largest insurance markets in the world. 

“Whether in Japan or the U.S., our universal mission is to provide outstanding service, promote empathy for our customers, and to be there for our policyholders when they need us most,” Sullivan says. “The concept of providing valuable products, great customer service and valuing people does not recognize borders or cultures. They are universally desired regardless of geographics or demographics.” 

In addition, Sullivan stresses that Aflac’s 70-year history in Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley has been a significant component of the company’s success. 

“The values of our company, established by our founders, continue to emphasize character, integrity and always striving to do the right thing,” Sullivan says. “This commitment has informed the ‘Aflac Way’ of doing business for decades, and is a reflection of the culture in the community we call home.”