"I love my work and it gives me an incentive. I have something to live for," says Ted Krause.
Ted started selling life insurance back in 1947. He owned a chicken farmthen, but needed extra money to send his two daughters to college. He remembers selling door-to-door was no picnic.
"So I'd knock on the door and say my name is Ted Krause. I want to talk to you about life insurance. Bang!"
Undeterred by slamming doors, Ted kept plugging away and succeeded. He's now in business with his grandson Eric.
Krause handles about 1,000 clients for AXA Equitable Life Insurance Co., servicing and selling policies wherever he can.
"He never stops," said grandson Eric Macon. "It's constant. He churns business. Even if he's in the hospital, he churns business, selling to the doctors that are working on him."
Ted is active in his synagogue and stays in shape by swimming at the local YMCA five times a week.
What also keeps him going is his wife Sarah. Ted married an older woman--she's 101!
"I think it's good for him," said Sarah.
Sarah likes the idea that Ted still goes to work.
"I think sitting around looking at each other is boring," Sarah said.
"We get along very well and the reason we get along is because I say, 'yes, dear'. I never argue with her because to win the argument is to lose the war," said Ted.
Ted Krause was eligible to retire almost 40 years ago but still won't hear of it. He may be 100, but says working and being active are what keep him young.
When the Lord calls me, I'm going," said Ted. But until then, Ted says he's going to keep working.
And why not? This great-great grandfather is an inspiration, who still drives himself to work each day at 100.
