Company Directory

Jay E. Barasch

Following two generations of Barasches before him, Jay put his work ethic, business acumen and concern for others to use by founding Barasch Insurance Service & Financial Planning, Inc. Now in his 25th year in the insurance business, Jay lives by the simple adage: "Do it right or don't do it at all."

His solid work ethic is demonstrated through his meticulous and organized nature, as well through his client service. Jay spends the few hours he has outside of the office dining, watching movies and enjoying music. Because Jay is a self-proclaimed die-hard Cubs fan, the Barasch office is appropriately located on the northwest side of Chicago. As an avid sports enthusiast who also follows the motto "Work hard, play hard," Jay also dabbles in bowling, golf and racquetball.

Connie Finder

An insurance industry veteran, Connie has been working with the Barasch family insurance businesses for more than 30 years. As a licensed agent, she specializes in small business insurance and other commercial risk instruments.

Connie's long tenure at Barasch Insurance stems from her enjoyment of working with and helping people solve their insurance issues.

Outside of the office, she enjoys ethnic cuisine, movies and spending time with family and friends.

Edythe Newman

Edythe Newman, a 25-year veteran of the insurance business. She joined the firm in April of 2004.

She manages Barasch's commercial lines customer service in addition to working in a general office capacity. Edythe has worked with large accounts within commercial lines customer service and in the property and casualty and life and health fields at her previous insurance firms.

Beverly Velazquez

Beverly Velazquez has worked for the Barasch family for more than 30 years. In addition to contributing to the general operations of the Barasch Insurance & Financial Planning, Inc. offices, Beverly also keeps the lines of communication open with Barasch clients.

Her duties include managing the accounts payable and receivable duties and also collecting information from new policyholders in the auto, home, life and business insurance lines.

She sees her most important job, however, as the care and nurturing of her grandchildren.

Jerri Toomey

Jerri joined our Barasch team in August of 2005. She is a licensed agent,  works with our clients' customer service and policy maintenance in personal lines and healthcare insurance and is Jay's personal assistant.

Outside of the office, she enjoys a busy life with her husband and two daughters, with school, sports activities, and spending  time with friends and family.

Becky Engelking

Becky joined the Barasch team in January, 2011, and quickly became an important asset to the company. Becky works primarily in our Personal LInes department, working with our customers to insure their questions are answered and insurance needs are met. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs.