About JBJ Insurance Group

The People Behind JBJ Insurance Group

Since 1999, JBJ Insurance Group has helped businesses and families navigate insurance decisions with greater confidence. Our agency combines local relationships, specialty-industry knowledge, and access to a broad network of insurance markets to help clients find coverage that fits their needs.

Built Around Real Insurance Challenges Businesses Face

JBJ Insurance Group was founded to provide clients with more options and more practical insurance guidance than a single carrier can typically offer. As businesses grew more specialized, many owners found themselves struggling to fit unique operations into standard insurance programs. JBJ Insurance Group developed strong capabilities in automotive, towing, dealership, commercial property, contractor, and restaurant risks while continuing to serve households. Today, clients benefit from access to more than 30 insurance companies and specialty programs designed to support a wide range of coverage needs.

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Mission Highlight

Our mission is to help businesses and families make informed insurance decisions with access to broader market options, specialized guidance, and local support they can trust.

What You Can Expect Every Time You Work With Us

  • Choice

    As an independent insurance brokerage, we compare options from multiple carriers rather than limiting recommendations to a single company. Clients gain more flexibility when evaluating coverage and pricing.

  • Industry Knowledge

    Many businesses operate in industries with risks that require specialized consideration. Our experience with automotive businesses, towing operations, dealerships, contractors, and commercial property owners helps create more relevant conversations.

  • Responsiveness

    Questions about insurance rarely arrive at convenient times. We work to provide timely answers and practical next steps when clients need assistance.

  • Long-Term Relationships

    Insurance needs change as businesses grow and households evolve. We focus on helping clients adapt coverage strategies over time rather than treating insurance as a one-time transaction.

  • Local Accountability

    Our team serves communities  and remains accessible when clients need guidance. Working with a local agency creates a direct connection that many national providers cannot replicate.

Experienced Professionals Focused on Your Success

Brandon Vercruysse

Brandon started in the insurance business in 2004 and has worked in the Bloomington area since then. He joined JBJ Insurance Group in 2021 to open the Bloomington Branch.


Brandon has specialized in commercial lines for over 18 years. Brandon is active in selling and servicing commercial lines with an emphasis on the automotive industry, contractors, restaurants, and the real estate market.


Current Board Member for the Bloomington Normal Baseball Association


Past Member of the Young Agents Committee with the Independent Insurance Agents of IL


Past Board Member for the YMCA in Bloomington, IL.


Graduate University of Mississippi, Bachelors of Education

Courtney Slattery

Courtney joined as an account executive at JBJ Insurance Group in 2021. She graduated from the Katie School of Risk Management Insurance at Illinois State University in 2019 with a double major in risk management insurance and small business entrepreneurship. While at Illinois State, she played for the Illinois State volleyball team.

Linda Russell

Linda joined JBJ as an account executive in 2013 and brings 40 years experience to her position.  Linda has handled national accounts, municipalities, contractors, large manufacturing trucking and all types of general commercial insurance. She currently works on transportation and auto/truck dealer accounts for JBJ Insurance Group. 

John Hutchings

As the owner and agency principal, John leads the team at JBJ Insurance since founding the agency in 1999. He started his career in insurance immediately after graduating from college with a degree in Business Management. He brings a varied background in specialty markets, unique coverages, and surplus lines to the agency.

Carrie Kieser

Carrie Kieser joined JBJ Insurance Group in 2021 and has worked in the insurance industry since 2019. She specializes in crop insurance, working with farming operations of all sizes and helping producers manage risk through Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) and Crop-Hail coverage.


Carrie provides personalized insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of each operation. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Elementary Education.

Lynette Stevens

Lynette brings more than 25 years of insurance experience and a passion for helping clients to JBJ Insurance Agency. She has proudly lived in the Bloomington-Normal area for over 30 years and is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University.

She looks forward to building lasting relationships and helping clients protect what matters most.

Serving Businesses and Families

JBJ Insurance Group works with clients throughout Normal, Bloomington, McLean County, Livingston County, and surrounding communities. Many of the businesses we serve are deeply connected to the local economy, including automotive operations, commercial property owners, contractors, restaurants, and family-owned companies. We understand the challenges local businesses face because we work with them every day. That local perspective helps us provide guidance that reflects the realities of operating and living in central Illinois.

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Team meeting around a conference table with laptops and documents in a bright office

Our team also values strong community relationships and ongoing involvement with the people and organizations that help local communities thrive.


Many clients come to us from McLean County, while others rely on our services throughout Livingston County and neighboring areas.

More Insurance Markets Mean More Possibilities

Many insurance challenges become easier to solve when you have access to multiple carrier relationships. JBJ Insurance Group works with more than 30 insurance companies and specialty programs, creating opportunities for businesses and households that may not fit standard underwriting models. This approach is particularly valuable for automotive businesses, towing operations, commercial property investors, and other specialized risks.

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Get Insurance Guidance From People Who Know Your Market

Whether you need protection for a growing business, a specialty operation, or your household, JBJ Insurance Group is ready to help you evaluate your options. Reach out to our team to discuss your goals, compare coverage strategies, and determine the next step that makes sense for your situation.

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