From 1955 to 1964, Francis worked as a field underwriter for Meridian Insurance, State Auto Insurance and then again for Meridian Insurance. When calling on agents, Francis was often asked if he could insure mobile homes, referred to today as manufactured homes. At that time, mobile home insurance was packaged with the purchase loan and normally written through the mobile home dealer or bank.

Francis Roe approached Orville Allen, president of State Auto Insurance, and Carl Russell, president of Meridian Insurance, about offering mobile home coverage to independent insurance agents to sell directly to mobile homeowners. Both Mr. Allen and Mr. Russell declined.

Shortly after these declinations, Francis received a $25.00 a month raise and he quit, telling his employer, “you must need the money more than I do.” His next bold statement was to Ruth, his wife and mother of five, “Ruth, I just quit my job.”