Serving You Since 1953

by Madison Maniaci

Janasko Insurance Agency, at the corner of Sixth Street and Broadway, has been providing services in the downtown Lorain area for over six decades.

Jim Janasko, current owner and president of the agency, started in the family business in 1980. His father, M. James Janasko, started the agency in 1953 in the Broadway Building. As the business continued to grow, Mr. Janasko felt it was important to remain on Broadway. He purchased their current location in 1972 and did extensive renovations.

Both generations were born and raised in Lorain and grew up prideful of what the downtown area had to offer. Jim attended Lorain Catholic High School and later graduated from The College of Wooster, earning his bachelor's degree in organic chemistry.

Jim had begun a competitive swimming career at the age of eight. He continued to swim throughout high school and college. He qualified for the Division III National Championship and finished in the top 15 percent. After graduation, Jim continued to swim competitively and joined Ohio Masters Swimming. In 2006 Jim won the 1 mile open water national championship and was named an All American. His greatest achievement is being inducted into the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame as the first swimmer.

Rita Ramirez, Allie Engle, Jim Janasko, Michelle Elwer, and Patricia Garrett

After graduating college, Jim felt it was important to continue the family business. He returned to Lorain and decided to follow in his father's footsteps.

I was compelled to start selling insurance because of my father and the long-term relationship we have with the city of Lorain," Jim shared.

In addition to growing the business, Jim felt that it is essential to give back to the Lorain community. In the late 80s through early 90s, he was active with the YMCA, coaching swimming, and serving on the board of directors. He was awarded as Outstanding Board Member in 1991 and served as Board President in 1996 and 1997. Recently, Jim was Board President for the South Shore Community Development Corporation. He completed the demolition of Building D and the eventual sale of the property.

Currently, Jim is an active member of Main Street Lorain.

I'm excited for what Main Street Lorain is doing post-COVID. We're all just hoping to return to normal with Rockin' on the River returning in May and finally being able to enjoy the new restaurants and bars on Broadway that have recently opened back up," Jim says.

Jim plans to keep the family business alive for many years to come. His son Mark recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in business management. Mark has joined the agency, making him the third generation in this downtown business.

Janasko Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency. This means they have some of the best insurance companies available to protect you and your family. They offer personal insurance coverage for your home, auto, motorcycle, and watercraft, and Jim and his staff also can insure your business. They have select markets for child care centers, craft breweries and distilleries, machine shops, and main street retail.

A team member is always prepared to answer any insurance questions through their convenient online form at www.janaskoinsurance.com. The office can also be contacted by text or phone.

Jim says, "The best thing about Janasko Insurance is that you are able to talk to a live person whenever you call our office. We don't have voice mail or a phone tree. Just live people ready to service all of your insurance needs.

These personal touches have enhanced the way Janasko Insurance performs and make their agency extremely approachable. While they do not need a storefront for their business, it adds to their success and approachability while offering a friendly, inviting atmosphere.

For years, Jim marketed their insurance business through direct mail pieces, cold calling, and word of mouth. Society has changed how we communicate, and Janasko Insurance has adapted to these changes. The agency communicates through email, texting, and social media. They also can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

They have a five-star rating on Google with countless compliments from satisfied customers.

When we are rewarded with a great review, the entire staff takes pride in the service they provide," Jim says.

Since taking over, improvements to business flow are not the only changes Jim has made. This past year during the pandemic, he also renovated the building façade to the original building's style from the late 1800s.

After meeting with an architect and researching the building s former appearance through photos provided by the Lorain Historical Society, the exterior now brings a vintage feel to the downtown area. Improvements include:

New floor to ceiling windows

A new brick exterior

Signage resembling that of the original building

The building is the oldest brick building in Downtown Lorain, originally constructed in 1882 as a rare example of Italianate design. It may well be the oldest brick building in the city of Lorain, and now it has been restored to its original glory. Through these renovations, Jim hopes his passion and pride for our historic city will inspire others to revert to the 1800s style he managed to recapture.

Jim says, "The layout for Broadway works perfectly for businesses, restaurants, shops, and other offices too, and it will continue to grow and get better as they continue to renovate. I'm proud to be a part of a company that is into its third generation. We look forward to being a part of downtown Lorain for many years and decades to come.

For the past 68 years that they have had their business on Broadway, the Janasko family has been lucky to keep themselves grounded and alive through all of the city's ups and downs. But with the recent revitalization in Lorain, they are keeping a clear mindset for the future of their business.

We're exited for all that's to come from the recent revitalization in Lorain because I always look forward to buildings being maintained and restored as opposed to being torn down, Jim says.

Offering advice to any small business owner, Jim says:

Do your due diligence and have a plan. Understand that businesses don't become successful overnight. It takes time, perseverance, and a lot of effort.

If you need insurance, stop by 562 Broadway Avenue. Jim and his associates are happily waiting to serve you

Be sure to follow Janasko Insurance on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter: @JanaskoInsurance