I graduated from Southern Illinois University with a teaching degree. I had decided I would prefer to be involved in business rather than teaching. So, I followed up on a chance meeting from 1971, which occurred when I was driving a taxi on a Sunday evening in Chicago. I had picked up a passenger at Midway Airport, and his destination was Northfiedl in the north suburbs of Chicago. During the trip, the man and I were chatting quite a bit, and after taking him to his home, he gave me the $25 fare, a $50 tip, and his business card. He said, "Steve, if you would ever like to consider a career in insurance, please give me a call." I was quite impressed. The passenger was Warren Woody, one of the most successful general agents for The Equitable. I saved his card, and during the month after I graduated from SIU (more than 2 years after our meeting), I called him, and he vaguely remembered me. He arranged an interview with one of his district managers. I took an aptitude test and had a few interviews. I became an insurance agent with The Equitable in September 1974. The next two years were filled with insurance training, joint calls with my manager and cold calls to attorneys and doctors, business owners, and CPAs. I thought it would be a good thing if I could create a situation that would provide a more predictable income. This thinking led me to my next position, which I will identify below.

I was hired by William M. Mercer, a Marsh & McLennan company, as an employee benefits consultant. At the time, Marsh was the world's largest insurance broker. I was involved with assisting employers with designing, administering, and communicating group insurance plans. During my time at Mercer, I was able to connect with and learn from many of the actuaries and consultants. In addition, I was an individual life insurance specialist. In this role, I had the responsibility to give advice to corporate clients. There were many interesting situations in which I participated. Some of our clients would offer insurance-related financial planning advice to their executives. Over a 6-year period, I had recurring meetings with a wide range of clients for whom I became a trusted adviser. I enjoyed my work at Mercer. However, I had confidence in a vision that would allow me to establish my own insurance brokerage firm, which had the possibility of allowing me to become more independent, and I was hopeful I could improve my income.

President, owner, and insurance broker, Steven Persky & Associates, Ltd. During these past years, I have enjoyed assisting many clients with a wide range of insurance matters. I assist interested individuals in recognizing the unique and important role that insurance can play in a reasonable and sound financial plan. In regards to employee benefits, I advise employers on all aspects of their group insurance plans. When the situation is conducive

I help the employer recognize how modified self-insurance can play a role in reducing costs. Also, I act as an advocate for the employees. I am active in educating and explaining the benefit choices for the employees. I help the plan participants understand and maximize the value of the plans offered by the employer. Whatever the situation, I strive to give the right advice. Sometimes the solution is easy, and sometimes it is more complicated. Either way, my experience and knowledge can help create the best solutions possible.