Introducing PIA President: Jon Strom
We are excited to congratulate Jon Strom of JMS Insurance Services and Image of Wisconsin on being elected President of PIA for the 2024-25 term. Jon brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and enthusiasm to the role – and his term is just beginning!
Getting to Know Jon
How did you get into the insurance industry?
I started in the insurance industry in 1981. My dad was a life producer for MetLife and thought it would be a great occupation. So, I got a position with Prudential selling life insurance for about two years. During that time, I also started to “broker” P&C business through an agency and discovered I enjoyed that over selling just life insurance. I was fortunate to convince a few companies to take a chance on an agency with minimal volume and grow with them. At the time, I basically was a “scratch” agency. It was hard going in the beginning, but after some time it really worked out well 43 years later.
What is your favorite part of working in insurance?
There are a lot of rewards. It may sound like a cliché, but it is helping people protect their investments that they worked hard for. Even after all these years, it is a win when I sell an account knowing that I am doing my best to protect their future.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Penny and I enjoy our pontoon boat. We are fortunate to live on a recreational lake and really enjoy the relaxation after a good day at work to hop on our boat and take in a sunset.
President Jon Strom delivers his opening address at the Awards Lunch during Engage 2024.
Answer Quick!
The mountains or the beach?
I love the beach!
What movie could you watch over and over again?
Forrest Gump, Shawshank Redemption and Pretty Woman
Who are your favorite bands or musicians?
REO Speedwagon, Styx, Poison and Phil Collins
What is your favorite sports team?
The Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers
What do you listen to in the car?
Fox News, Fox Sports or Hair Nation
Getting Deeper...
If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be?
I would love to have dinner with Reggie white, Vince Lombardi and Ray Nitschke.
Where did you grow up? What was your favorite part about it?
I was born and raised in Fort Atkinson, WI - a great small town where I graduated and also grew my business. We had a great neighborhood, with a group of seven friends the same age. We were always having fun and doing something outside.
What has been your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
I have had a couple favorites. I sailed on a schooner to some Greek islands, which was amazing. I also had a wonderful trip to New Zealand.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I remember some advice I was given, which I have said and heard many times since. I had written a manufacturing risk that had a major claim, and I was feeling bad for the company due to the seriousness of the claim. Fortunately, it was written well and the insured was well protected. However, it cost the insurance company a large payout and (selfishly) it took me out of profit sharing for that year.
A good agent friend asked me, “Would you write it again tomorrow knowing it is a good risk?” I said yes. That helped me. It was warranted as a great risk and I would do it again – knowing it was a quality risk but hoping for a different outcome.
Congratulations again to Jon! We are looking forward to all that is to come in the year ahead with him at the helm!