ROBERT A. JONES – PRESIDENT
Bob established The Jones Group in 2001 after spending more than 11 years at Aetna. His 27 years of industry experience include designing and managing employee benefit programs, benefit cost management and funding analysis. His roles have included key account management, new business sales development, broker sales management, and Medicare account management. His extensive experience has provided him an excellent understanding of the insurance industry, and a keen sense of what it takes to be an effective broker. Bob continues to successfully build the agency through consistent dedication to excellence, integrity and personalized service.
RICHARD G. WILLARD Jr.
Rick Willard has a long career of over 25 years as an agent and broker in the life and health business in CT. Rick began his career at the Christopher Gent Financial Agency in West Hartford and quickly became an expert in the Employer sponsored health benefits arena.
Rick continues to specialize in the small to medium sized group health insurance markets and is a valued advisor to business owners. Rick benefits from the full capabilities of the Jones Group including primary access carriers to customize the employee benefits which are appropriate for each employer’s unique situation. His leadership ability has been instrumental in the growth of the agency by providing strategic planning to create new opportunities and solutions for employers in every industry.
He is active in the community as well as in professional circles. In 2003 he testified in the CT Legislature as an early advocate for Health Savings Accounts which were passed that year. Rick is a founding member of The Healthcare Choice Coalition whose purpose is bringing together business owners, agents/brokers, and others who believe in protecting the freedom of citizens to choose and direct their own health care.
In the Community, Rick has been a director and/or member of the Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce, the Wethersfield Village Improvement Association, Chair of the CT NFIB Leadership Council, the Friends of Heublein Tower, and for several years he was Chair of the Connecticut River Assembly.
He and his wife, Linda ran the Old Wethersfield Craft Fair for over 33 years, which benefitted the Wethersfield Historical Society and is still an active event. Rick was also one of the originators of the Wethersfield CornFest sponsored by the Wethersfield Chamber for 35 years.
Rick is married to Linda and they have three children and three grandchildren. They live in Cromwell but their roots are firmly in Wethersfield. Rick’s family owned Comstock, Ferre & Co. for many years before he ventured into the insurance world. Gardening is still a keen interest of his and his wife.
Rick has a BA in Speech and Communication from Heidelberg University, ’72.
KARIN CHELLSTORP
Karin is the Account Manager at The Jones Group. Karin’s 25 plus years in the insurance and employee benefits industry began with The Aetna in 1991 where she managed over 500 accounts, earning her numerous service achievement awards. Karin continued her career at Aetna until she joined The Jones Group in 2001 where she is responsible for Account Servicing.
Karin’s community involvement includes past services to Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen and is currently active volunteering for the Town of Wethersfield Special Olympics Program.
Karin and her Husband Eric are lifelong residents of Wethersfield where they raised their two children.
LIZ IRACE
Liz is a resident of Wethersfield, graduated from Wethersfield High School and Southern Ct State University with a Bachelor of Social Work degree.
Liz worked at Travelers Insurance Company in the Financial Services Division for 11 years before leaving to raise her 2 children.
Liz has been with The Jones Group for 5 years ensuring complete, accurate and timely processing of applications, maintaining office records and assisting brokers as needed.
GARRETT R. HUGHES
Garrett is married with 3 grown, married children and one grandchild.
Homeowner in Wethersfield, CT
University of Hartford, BS degree in Business Administration, Marketing Major
Military tour in US Navy Submarine Service during the Cold War and The Cuban Conflict.
36 years in heavy equipment industry, including owner and presidency of large equipment dealer.
Responsibilities included Departmental Management, Operations Management, Sales and Sales Management.
20 years as Licensed Independent Registered Representative and Health and Life Insurance Agent associated with a Major Financial Broker Dealer.
Primary emphasis included Risk Management, Investments for Retirement Planning, and Senior Products such as Annuities, IRA’s, Distribution Plans, and Health Products for Long Term Care and Medicare Supplemental Policies.
Retired as Registered Representative and retained Health and Life License, joining the Jones Group LLC.