Name: Jayshree Patel
Firm: New York Life
Location: Lincolnwood, IL
Total Value of Policies: $6.4 billion
Background: Jayshree Patel grew up in a small village in India with her widowed mother and four sisters, facing early hardships after her father passed away. She moved to the U.S. in 1993 after college and joined New York Life in 1997, building her career initially around life insurance—the foundation of financial planning. Over the years, her practice expanded to serve multiple generations, adding retirement planning, estate strategies, and long-term care. Today, she runs a $6 billion assets firm with her husband and two adult children, serving more than 3,000 families across 38 states.
Competitive Edge: Patel credits her family’s multi-generational team structure for its success. “It’s easier to work together because we’re family,” she says, adding that the close-knit dynamic helps foster deep trust with clients who value continuity and personalized attention.
Investment Philosophy/Strategy: Life insurance remains the cornerstone of Patel’s financial planning approach. She likens it to protecting the human value behind assets such as homes or investments, emphasizing that it should form the foundation of any financial strategy. “We customize policies based on what clients can afford and what fits their goals—whether that’s term life, universal, or permanent whole life insurance,” she explains. For Patel, insurance isn’t just about protecting the breadwinner; it’s about ensuring the whole family is covered and it is important to plan proactively. “You only live once—if you love someone, you need to make a plan now, because what if something happens tomorrow?” Beyond insurance, the firm also offers investments like mutual funds and retirement accounts, integrating them into clients’ financial plans.
Best Advice: Her advice to clients is to build a strong insurance foundation before pursuing other financial goals. “If you’re healthy and happy, you might as well plan for the future,” she says. “Nobody ever complains about buying too much insurance.”
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