Kenny Smith never imagined that after more than two decades as a professional graphic designer, his career could disappear almost overnight. But like thousands of creative professionals across the country, Kenny became one of the growing number of workers displaced as artificial intelligence rapidly reshaped the design and marketing industries.
At 61 years old, Kenny faced a harsh reality that many mid-career professionals are now encountering. Not only were fewer traditional jobs available, but employers were increasingly reluctant to hire seasoned professionals at salaries that reflected their experience. Industry studies now show that workers over 50 take significantly longer to find new employment after a layoff—and many never return to comparable income levels. For Kenny, continuing to live paycheck to paycheck was no longer acceptable.
He needed something different.
He needed control.
He needed to be his own boss.
What Kenny didn’t immediately realize was that he already had access to a business opportunity that checked every box.
Months earlier, anticipating economic uncertainty, Kenny had begun exploring the idea of developing a side business. During that search, he came across several YouTube videos discussing the income potential of becoming a broker in the commercial factoring industry. As he dug deeper, one name appeared repeatedly: IACFB—and a program called PALs.
What caught Kenny’s attention wasn’t hype or promises of overnight success. It was the professionalism of the industry, the residual commission structure, and the fact that brokers were paid life-of-account income for simply referring qualified clients. It was exactly the kind of scalable, recession-resistant business model he had been searching for.
Kenny joined the PAL Affiliate program, which allowed him to get started at no cost. He even purchased one of IACFB’s Factoring Broker Training Guides through Amazon. But like many people building a side gig while still employed, he hadn’t yet committed the time to fully engage.
Then the layoff happened.
Suddenly, what had once been a “side project” became a lifeline.
As Kenny revisited the PALs website, he discovered the next step: the PAL Associate program. Unlike the Affiliate level—designed for occasional referrals—the Associate program offered a professionally built broker website, advanced marketing tools, and significantly higher commission payouts on every funded account.
This wasn’t just extra income.
This was a career pivot.
Kenny upgraded to PAL Associate and immediately began studying the training guide he had previously set aside. For the first time, he saw a clear path forward—one where his income was no longer dependent on an employer, an algorithm, or the next wave of automation.
He quickly realized that the most effective and affordable way to build his new business was networking. Fortunately, Kenny had already been a long-time member of a local Rotary Club. While his Rotary peers still knew him as a graphic designer, the transition into finance consulting would take time.
That’s where Chamber of Commerce networking changed everything.
Unlike Rotary, Chamber members expect to meet professionals offering new services. With a professional website, basic marketing materials, and the backing of a recognized industry association, Kenny could immediately present himself as a legitimate commercial finance consultant.
As he progressed through the training, Kenny discovered even more value. His program included a twelve-month subscription to the IACFB Academy, featuring seven comprehensive courses, hundreds of lessons, certification exams, and a professional listing in the Directory of American Factors & Lenders. In a matter of months—not years—he was acquiring the knowledge, credentials, and credibility needed to operate confidently in a new industry.
For Kenny, this wasn’t about replacing a paycheck.
It was about building ownership.
Commercial factoring offered something his old career never could: the ability to build residual, passive income streams that grow over time. With each funded account, commissions continued month after month—often for years. Over time, those accounts could realistically add up to six-figure annual income, without the constant fear of layoffs, age bias, or technological displacement.
Why This Case Study Matters to PAL Affiliates
Kenny’s story reflects a broader trend:
-
AI is accelerating job displacement across white-collar industries
-
Professionals over 50 face longer job searches and fewer opportunities
-
Side gigs must evolve into real businesses when income security disappears
The PAL Affiliate program is an excellent entry point.
But for those seeking career-level income, the PAL Associate upgrade provides the tools, positioning, and commission structure necessary to build something lasting.
In today’s economy, the most valuable skill isn’t graphic design, coding, or marketing.
It’s control over your income.
And that’s exactly what Kenny found.