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.

Sally Kirkpatrick

Sally Kirkpatrick has been an insurance customer service representative for more than 30 years and has been with Barasch Insurance since 1991. As a licensed agent and the agency's personal lines manager, she takes quote information, makes changes to in-force policies and answers clients' questions.

Sally also investigates billing problems regarding personal lines policies including auto, homeowners, flood, personal and umbrella policies.

Outside of work, she is active in the Rogers Park Historical Society and enjoys collecting antiques with her husband of 39 years, James.

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. Although new to the insurance industry, her professional background includes extensive customer service and office management.

As a licensed agent, Jerri 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 scouts, sports activities, time and friends.

Rebecca Schiffer

Rebecca is our newest addition to the organization. She works with our customers to make sure their auto, home and other personal insurance coverage needs are met.