Spotlight on De Jesus Insurance Agency

Contributed By: Jonathan Bradford

Business comes easy when employees and customers are taken care of collectively, according to Edwin De Jesus.

How did this agency become one of the best in Northwest Indiana?

Edwin De Jesus, a State Farm Insurance Agent, started his agency from scratch. With humble beginnings, he saw the opportunity to run his own business, De Jesus Insurance Agency, 4515 Hohman Ave, Hammond, Indiana.

“I was at a State Farm Insurance office and an agent there said she always thought I would make a great insurance agent. As I researched the opportunity, I found it was the perfect fit," says De Jesus.

De Jesus credits his stellar team as a key factor to the success of his agency. “My agency mimics who I am. When a customer comes in and speaks to anyone in the office, it’s like they’re speaking to me. How I care and treat people shows through my team.”

“When one loses their house, is in a car accident, or God forbid, their loved one and the breadwinner passes, we can put them back whole again and can provide a generational legacy. We help people throughout the region in the best way possible," says De Jesus.

Glenda Perez, Assistant Manager says, “Production and service go hand-in-hand at our agency. It is important that our clients receive great service. Training the team is a huge role for me. I try to stay updated on coaching the team. In return, they help with sharing any current information, so that we all stay on the same page. It really is a team effort.”

Bringing positivity to the customer is another key.

Wanda Suarez, Office Manager says, “I am dedicated to creating a positive and safe environment for our team and customers. I take great pride in being a leader that my team can rely on and trust. Our agency’s core mission is to help our clients manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their goals and dreams.”

“Think about it, the things that we insure are the biggest assets that people have; their home, car, and their life. We can even help them prepare for retirement.” says De Jesus.

De Jesus adds that what really sets this agency apart from any other State Farm office is ‘we value our customers.’

Matilde Bradford, Insurance Account Representative says, “We are not just salespeople; we are insurance advisors because we help educate our clients and uncover any unrealized needs.”

Nearing 21 years in business is proof De Jesus made the right choice.

“I'm proud of the impact we’ve had in the community. Now we're one of the largest agencies in the area. If customers weren’t happy, we would never have progressed at the rate we have today. I have been in business for over 20 years. I care and want to keep my customers,” says De Jesus.

The entire staff takes pride in being able to provide services to clientele in Spanish as well as English. Having both language options makes the company more relatable to the community. Omar Guerra, Insurance Account Representative says, “It is a crucial asset for our agency, driving growth, enhancing communication, and providing a competitive edge in the marketplace.”

Edwin De Jesus reaches a substantial clientele by removing language barriers that hinder access to essential services; by offering personalized support in both English and Spanish.

Hammond’s Hispanic population has almost doubled in the years De Jesus has been in business. The 2000 U.S. Census counted 17,473 Hispanics in the city. According to the Census population estimates as of July 2023, the number of Hispanics is 31,342, accounting for over 40 percent of the city’s 76,193 residents.

Hispanics have been attracted to Hammond’s diverse economy that offers jobs in light manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, retail, banking and insurance, healthcare, hospitality and food service, and construction.

In Lake County, according to the Purdue University Center for Regional Development, the Hispanic population grew from 59,128 in 2000 to 99,927 by 2020.

“It is important for people to comprehend what they need and what they're getting. As we provide good service, our customers refer us. It’s an ongoing cycle,” says De Jesus. “If you take care of your customers, they will take care of you. My employees are people too, and it is not difficult to care for and take care of both,” says De Jesus.

De Jesus feels he is improving every day. He expresses what pushes him to strive to be better and where his talent came from.

“I think it’s a God given talent. I try to maximize that every day. I think that because I enjoy what I do, and have passion for what I do, I wake up every morning to be the best that I can be. The care that I expect my employees to give to my customers is the care I expect to give to my employees. I let God lead me. If the future leads me to open more offices, I will be prepared for that,” says De Jesus.

Story Posted:07/09/2024