First State Insurance in Mendota is in its 24th year of existence as an independent insurance agency. Our Earlville office has been operational for 21 years.
First State continues to represent numerous companies and provides insurance for many different needs. While the agency serves the agricultural community well with farm policies, crop hail and multi-peril insurance, it also provides property, auto, home, health, life, and commercial insurance outlets.
First State Insurance’s Goal
Ten fully licensed insurance agents are available to assist your every need. Among the companies represented are Auto-Owners, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Bradford Victor Adams Mutual Insurance, Farmer’s Mutual Hail, Foremost, Great America, Grinnell Mutual, IMT, Kemper, LaPrairie Mutual, Mendota Mutual, MetLife, NAU, Ohio Casualty, Progressive, Rockford Mutual, Safeco, and Travelers.
Our goal is to assist you in finding the most affordable coverage for your particular needs, let’s get started today.
Contact us at our branch offices below or email us at [email protected].
Meet First State Insurance’s Agents
Mike Wasmer became a licensed insurance producer in March of 2000, the very month in which First State Insurance began its business.
Mike graduated from the University of Illinois and, prior to his commitment to insurance, he worked for the Illinois Department of Public Aid, taught school, sold real estate, served as Mendota City Clerk, and worked in the marketing department at First State Bank. From a farm background and upbringing, he’s experienced several perspectives in life.
Mike is a member of the Mendota Lions Club, Mendota Elks Club, Mendota Moose Club, and is a 3rd degree Knights of Columbus member. Mike has been a Mendota Township Trustee since 1998. Among his favorite athletic teams, the Fighting Illini, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears rank among the top. Mike has been married to Catherine since 2012.
Jackie Near began her career in the insurance industry in 2002, when she was hired at First State Insurance Agency located in Mendota, IL.
She is licensed in both Property/Casualty and Life/Health but is primarily focused on the Property/Casualty side. Jackie enjoys meeting customers’ insurance needs and helping them through the claims process.
Jackie has been a lifetime Mendota resident and is a past member of the Mendota Chamber Board. Currently Jackie is a volunteer for the Mendota Township High School Trojanette program. Jackie and her husband Brian are the proud parents of two daughters. Jackie enjoys spending time with family and friends but mostly her grandchildren, Gianluca and Mila.
Mary Ann is a lifelong resident of Mendota. She obtained her insurance license in 1998 after earning her Bachelor’s Degree in French from North Central College.
She earned the designation of Certified Insurance Service Representative in 2001 and CISR Elite in 2016. Mary Ann was very happy to join the team at First State Insurance in 2010.
Mary Ann serves as the Treasurer for the Starved Rock Kennel Club and is a lead investigator for The Joliet Paranormal Society. She is an avid NASCAR fan. In her spare time she enjoys reading and spending time with her dogs.
Tyler Full became a licensed insurance producer in 2007 after graduating from Illinois State University with a Bachelors degree in Ag Business. He has been with First State Insurance throughout his career in the insurance industry, where he specializes in multi-peril and crop hail insurance.
Tyler was born and raised in Mendota where he is involved on his family’s grain farm. He also works at a local ag retailer as a seed salesmen. Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife Lacey, and their four children. He loves to golf, be with friends and family, and cheer on the Cubs and Bears.
Jennie Smith began her insurance career in 1994 with Miller-Rowe Insurance under the direction of Al Fane. In 2003 Miller-Rowe sold to First State Insurance in Mendota, IL. Jennie is licensed in Property/Casualty/Life/Health, and manages the Earlville branch. She can help you with any of your insurance needs.
Jennie has lived in Earlville and been involved in the community her entire life. She is currently a Board Member for Earlville District #9, member of the Foundation of Excellence and Education, and secretary for the Earlville Business Association. In her free time she enjoys golfing and being around friends.
Tony Ayala graduated from Illinois State University in 2008. He worked as a counselor at a juvenile detention center before starting his insurance career with First State Insurance in 2014. He is licensed in Property/Casualty and Life/Health.
Tony grew up in Earlville and has been involved with the community for most of his life. Tony is an avid sports fan. His favorite teams are the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears, and to the dismay of his family…the Chicago White Sox. What Tony enjoys most, is spending time with his family.
Erica Escatel is a lifelong resident of Mendota and a part-time employee of First State Insurance. She started her career in Insurance in 1999. She was employed by First State Insurance in 2007. After having her 3rd child she took a few years off to raise her family. She returned to our office located in Earlville in 2016. Erica is licensed in Property and Casualty Insurance.
In her free time she enjoys woodworking, shopping, and spending time with her family. Erica and her husband Carlos were married in 2006 and have 3 children.
Gary Safranek became a licensed insurance producer in 1984. He graduated from Illinois State University and went into the family grocery store business. In 1987 Gary started his own agency which he managed until joining First State Insurance in 2011.
Gary is a member of the Paw Paw Lions Club, Mendota Elks Club, and the Paw Paw United Methodist Church. Gary enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially with his grandchildren, Elijah, Hannah, and Joey. Gary and Lori are the proud parents of four sons. He enjoys playing golf and his favorite athletic teams are the Chicago Bears, Illinois State Redbirds, and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Jenny Hendren started working in the insurance business in January 2000. She is licensed in property and casualty. She enjoys working in this industry and helping people with their insurance needs. Previously, Jenny sold real estate, giving her a background which helps tremendously in locating the best possible coverage for a customer.
Jenny is married with three children and one granddaughter, Lorene. She is involved in the community, serving as an election judge and helping with different charities. She enjoys crafts, sports, hiking, gardening, her dogs, and spending time with family and friends.