Jay Simms
Posted By admin on August 25, 2009
Name: Jay Simms
Tell us about your family: My wife, Mary, and I have been married for 2 years and have recently adopted a baby boy from Ethiopia. We will be traveling there in September to spend time in Ethiopia and bring him home.
What is your hometown? Atlantic, Iowa
Where are you employed? What is your title? Gade Insurance – Insurance Agent
Tell us a little bit about your professional achievements – 6th grade teacher at Westgate Elementary for 7 years. The Junior Varsity Girls Basketball Coach at Westside High School for 2 years and in that time accumulating a 39-7 record during that time. I spent two years teaching and selling insurance on the side and now I am a full time insurance agent.
What volunteer efforts are you involved with? Member of the Council Bluffs Rotary Club. I also umpire girls’ softball games in the summer and boys’ football games in the fall. I also volunteer at Westgate Elementary periodically.
Why do you volunteer? I used to be a teacher so it gives me a chance to spend time with kids.
How do you balance your professional career and personal life? It’s hard to balance personal and professional.. especially being an insurance agent.. clients call at all hours and you need to help them in the time of need. But family is always my first priority. There’s nothing like some good old family bonding!
What is your favorite pastime/hobby? Golf
What about your job keeps you motivated? I’m very competitive so I love the thrill of beating another company’s insurance rates.
What advice would you give to someone interested in your specific career? If you work hard, are dedicated to your profession, and love what you do, you will be successful.
Who has been a key mentor in the workplace or life for you and how did they help you? Donna Duggan – her loyalty and hard work and the ability to put customers first are a symbol of what Gade Insurance is all about! I also have to pay respect to my step-dad (Kent Gade – Owner) someone who started this business and was painting houses on the side to make ends meet as a single father and managed to build a successful business.
What are you most proud of having accomplished in your professional career or personal life? I would say receiving my bachelors and masters degree in education. I was also the Omaha Metro Assistant Coach of the year in 2006.
What is your favorite adage or words of wisdom (include author if possible)? “Life’s a Garden…. Dig It”
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? The golden rule.
What is the one goal that you would most like to accomplish? I want to be a role model for my child and the community of Council Bluffs.
What do you enjoy most about working in the Council Bluffs community? I enjoy meeting new people and helping those people save money on insurance while providing them the service they deserve.
How long have you been a part of the Council Bluffs community? 5 years
If you could describe Council Bluffs in just three words, what would they be? Family, community, and continuity.
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