Jay’s path to becoming a trusted State Farm agent has been a journey of commitment and discipline. Raised in Normal, Illinois, he is one of the rare State Farm employees that doesn’t have family that worked for State Farm.  A graduate of Illinois State University in 1987 with a degree in education, Jay never taught one day in a classroom but found his calling in insurance. After starting in claims, where he worked for ten years, Jay became a State Farm agent in 1998, being assigned to take over an existing agency in Elgin.  He moved the business to South Elgin in 2008.  At the time, State Farm wasn’t hiring outside of the company, so Jay’s transition into agency work was a leap of faith, but one that has paid off. Like any self employed business, the first several years were a lot of hard work and little reward.  The hard work paid off, as he has built a successful business, still going strong for almost 26 years.  

Jay’s love for the Chicago Cubs is undeniable. A lifelong Cubs fan, he has been a season ticket holder since 2004, often sharing game days with his adult children. His favorite Cubs player is Ryne Sandberg, and while the 2024 season is leaving him frustrated, nothing can take away the memory of the Cubs' historic 2016 World Series win. "Best night of my life…not even a close second," Jay recalls, reliving the night of seeing his beloved Cubbies finally break the 108-year championship drought.

When Jay isn’t working or watching Cubs games, he’s spending time with his family and indulging his love of travel. Last summer, he and his children, along with their partners, explored five national parks in Utah—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. Each park offered its own unique experience, from the towering red cliffs of Zion to the breathtaking arches of Arches National Park.

At home, and at the office, Jay is kept company by his five-year-old Aussie-doodle, Ernie, who he affectionately named after Cubs legend Ernie Banks. Aussie-doodles are known for their playful, intelligent, and affectionate nature, and Ernie is no exception. Jay rescued Ernie from a pet store when he was a bit older than the usual puppies, but the bond they formed was instant. "He’s my buddy," Jay says. Like most Aussie-doodles, Ernie is energetic and loves to be active, which fits well with Jay’s lifestyle.

One of Jay’s proudest moments as an agent came when he hired Daniel, the son of a couple to whom he sold his very first life insurance policy. “Daniel was three when I sold that policy to his parents,” Jay recalls with a smile. Now, Daniel has been with Jay’s team for nearly ten years and serves as a Spanish-speaking team member, helping to expand Jay’s ability to serve a wider range of clients. This full-circle moment symbolizes the long-lasting relationships Jay has built over his 26-year career.

Alongside his devotion to the Cubs, Jay is an avid Bruce Springsteen fan. He’s seen "The Boss" live in concert 25 times, beginning with a trip to Carbondale, Illinois, while still in high school. From that first experience, Jay’s admiration for Springsteen’s energy and storytelling only grew, leading him to concerts across the globe, including an unforgettable show in Munich and two back-to-back nights at Wrigley Field in August 2023.

As Jay turned 60 in 2023, his focus on maintaining his health has become a top priority. "I want to live a long, active life—not just a long life," Jay explains. For Jay, this is not a phase, but a lifestyle.  This commitment to fitness isn’t just about staying in shape; for Jay, it’s about ensuring he can continue enjoying the activities he loves, from traveling to spending time with his family.

Beyond his professional and personal life, Jay remains committed to community. He supports local organizations like Cal’s Angels and Anderson Humane and is dedicated to staying rooted in the area, no matter what the economy brings. "Being a long-term business owner here in this community is a commitment I take seriously," Jay says, reflecting on his 26 year agency career.  “I still love what I am doing, and have a great team of employees. We all love helping people, and in particular helping them understand how to protect themselves from catastrophe.”  Jay and his team are particularly invested in helping customer protect their families with life insurance.  “I have seen how life insurance has changed people lives after losing a loved one unexpectedly, but have also seen the results to families that don’t have a policy in place.  Both scenes are ones you don’t forget.”  

As Jay looks to the future, his vision is clear: keep growing, keep going, and continue helping people. 

Contact Jay to discuss your insurance needs or questions.

JayJanese.com or 847-741-5733