Meet the Team

I believe it’s important to share the “why” behind the work we choose to do. 

Nearly two decades ago, I experienced one of the most difficult times in my life. My father passed away the day after I turned 30. He loved deeply, but a lack of planning meant that my mother was left anxious and uncertain about her future.

For me, this is deeply personal. My purpose is to ensure that love and protection go hand in hand. That’s why I’m passionate about helping clients understand their options and strategize for the best possible outcomes. Insurance planning is an incredibly selfless act. Whether for your business or your family, taking the time to create continuity and peace of mind for the people you love is a powerful act of putting others first. As a devoted husband and father, I understand that responsibility firsthand. 

As Alana’s father, I know better than most how love and protection are intertwined. We are blessed with an incredible daughter who happens to have significant special needs. Planning for her future—for today, for tomorrow, and for the next 50 years—is at the heart of everything we do. That same commitment extends to our clients. Passion, protection, guarantees, and assurances are essential, and so is continuing to grow, both personally and professionally, to better serve those who rely on us. 

To that end, I recently earned my Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) designation. Understanding the distribution phase of retirement and ensuring financial security is just as important as any other aspect of insurance planning—perhaps even more so. I am passionate about providing assurances against longevity risk, market risk, and the greatest financial fear of all: running out of resources. 

At the core of our business is a love for people. That’s what fuels my passion. There is no greater feeling than being there for someone during one of their darkest moments and being able to provide a reassuring “yes” to the question: “Are we going to be okay?” 

This is my why. It’s also why we choose to focus solely on insurance while building relationships with the best accountants, estate planning attorneys, and investment advisors—partners whose values align with mine and enable me to provide holistic solutions for the families and businesses we are privileged to serve. 

There are moments in life that shape who were and the work we choose to do.

For me, that moment came when my family made the decision to sell our business, Axelrod Buick GMC, after 43 incredible years. Working alongside my father, I saw firsthand what it takes to build something meaningful — years of dedication, smart decisions, and a commitment to serving others. I also saw how easily poor planning or reactive decision-making can undermine someone’s hard work. That experience shaped my perspective and ultimately led me to a career focused on helping others build financial security for the future.

I started my career as a paint manufacturing process engineer at Sherwin-Williams after earning a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from The Ohio State University. My passion for business and working directly with people brought me back to my family’s dealership, where I helped lead its growth before we made the decision to sell. That transition sparked my search for a career that combined my love for helping others, my drive to give back to the community, and the flexibility to spend more time with my young family. That’s when Elaine Eisner and Scott Gohn—former clients and trusted advisors—introduced me to the world of insurance and financial services.

Now, I get to help individuals, families, and businesses take control of their financial futures, ensuring that their hard work and dedication translate into long-term security and peace of mind.

Outside of work, I love traveling, enjoying live music, and making memories with my family. My wife, Melissa, and I are proud parents to two amazing children, Emma and Benjamin, and we share our home with two lovable dogs, Finn and Moo (yes, I have a dog named Moo!).

Believe it or not, I have been working with a member of the Eisner family since 1968.  My first job out of high school was working for Fred Eisner, and I have been with the family’s business ever since. It has been a great journey as I witnessed so many clients and their families grow up.  I would often watch Elaine and her brother when they were young kids, never thinking we would work together 25 years later.  We are truly family.

Most clients know me so well – and have known me for so long – that they call me by my nickname, JoJo. I have stayed so long because I believe in excellent customer service and have built strong personal relationships with our clients over the years. We often exchange pictures of kids and grandkids and talk about gardening and the joys of holidays spent with family. I guess I have earned the title Client Experience Officer!

There is a lot of personal touch in what I do. Whatever a client requires, they know they can call and get assistance.  Although, I am now working three days a week, I am always available to our team and clients thanks to modern technology.  I have come a long way from typing proposals, calculating illustration from rate books, and taking dictation.

I am a proud lifelong Clevelander. I was born in a big Cleveland snowstorm in 1950. I was married for 29 years and am now widowed with two grown children and five grandchildren.  My passion includes volunteering at my church as a baker, chef (Friday fish fries) and parish board member. I follow all Cleveland sports and every so often enjoy an evening out at the casino.  My love of cooking results in many creations being shared with the office.