Established 1921

Our Story

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The Gee-Schussler Insurance agency team in front of the office under the Gee-Schussler Insurance sign

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The Beginning

A Family Promise, Since 1921

As a family-owned and operated insurance agency since 1921, Gee‑Schussler has never offered one-size-fits-all policies. With experienced and dedicated agents, our agency is small enough to provide you with individualized attention while being skilled and experienced enough to determine your best coverage options.

In business since 1921, we strive to provide the best protection for our customers. As an independent agency, we are able to choose from many carriers instead of just one. Licensed in 14 states, we provide a wide range of coverage. Our quote process involves extensive research of all possible options and weighing the pros and cons of value versus risk. We have a dedicated team that understands how to listen and provide solutions, ensuring that your specific needs are always met.

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Our Commitment

The Highest Level of Service

As a company, we are committed to providing the highest level of customer service to our clients. Our team will work with you to ensure you have the answers and solutions you need, so you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are properly protected.

1921

Founded

Generations

States Licensed

15+

Carriers

Get in Touch

The People Behind the Promise

Meet the Family

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Our agents are the heart of the agency - each one chosen for their expertise, their care, and their commitment to building relationships that span generations.

Joe Mikan

Family Leadership

Leadership · 3rd Generation

Joined:1975

Background: Bachelors Degree from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois and advanced Insurance studies at the University of Iowa.
Favorite Saying: “The harder you work, the luckier you get!”
Favorite Movie: Arnold Palmer Documentary
Outside of Work: Golf and the “Great Outdoors” occupy my free time. My wife and I enjoy traveling across our great country in our motor home. I serve on our local conservation foundation and I am a life member of Pheasants Forever. During the fall of the year you will find me in the corn fields of Iowa.

Julie Besse

Joined:2012

Background: Over 25 years experience as an account executive in Sales and Marketing for a Chicago-based agency.
Favorite Saying: “Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habit. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.”
Favorite Movie: Gone with the Wind
Outside of Work: Love to entertain and travel. Hobbies include interior design and home improvement.

Kelly Rizzie

Joined:2002

Background: 25 years in the insurance business including customer service, negotiating coverage for clients, agency accounting and bookkeeping.
Favorite Saying: “Get busy living or get busy dying.”
Favorite Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Outside of Work: Spend time with my family and friends, watch sporting events, play Bunco with friends.

Janice Burton

Joined:1999

Background: 10 years in various departments at the Chicago Board Options Exchange.
Favorite Saying: “Less is Best.”
Favorite Song: Shout
Outside of Work: Born and raised in Chicago, currently residing at Big Run Golf Club in Lockport, Illinois. Enjoy spending time with my son, daughter, and relatives when time permits.

Connie Trevarthan

Joined:2012

Background: 20 years of voice telecommunications on the service side for a major insurance company in Chicago, Illinois.
Favorite Saying: “I did the best job with the knowledge I had at that given time.”
Favorite Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Outside of Work: Born and raised in the Frankfort area. My husband and I enjoy spending time with our two boys watching all their sports and activities, or just spending time with friends and family by the pool in our backyard.

Lisa Tascone

Joined:2011

Background: Established an immense understanding of insurance since 1983. Handles all types of insurance, including both personal and commercial, with a focus on making clients' lives as easy as possible when finding effective coverage at the best price.
Favorite Saying: “If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten.”
Favorite Movie: Secretariat
Outside of Work: Trail ride my horse, Margie, and enjoy the outdoors.

Brian Mikan

Family Leadership

Leadership · 4th Generation

Joined:2001

Background: Graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2001. In 2002 completed the Hartford Commercial School of Insurance at Hartford's headquarters in Hartford, CT. 4th Generation in this family owned agency, with a focus on Commercial Lines insurance.
Favorite Saying: “There is no time like the present.”
Favorite Movie: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Outside of Work: Enjoy golfing, the outdoors, and spending time with my family, which includes my three children.

Tracy Schlinger

Joined:1997

Background: Excels in custom tailoring a policy to fit the needs of her clients and building long-lasting relationships. Her goal is to be your agent for life and generations to come.
Favorite Saying: “Pray about everything, worry about nothing.”
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
Outside of Work: Enjoys spending time with family and friends, travel, reading, and working out.

Julie Wasowicz

Joined:2013

Background: Structured her insurance sales over the past 17 years around excellent customer service - the same service that continues to bring new clients to the agency while retaining existing customers with her always-willing-to-help attitude.
Favorite Saying: “We all have to pay for insurance as it is a necessary evil - why pay more if you don't have to?”
Favorite Movie: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Outside of Work: Takes pride in her beautiful family consisting of her husband and 3 wonderful children. Enjoys volunteering with benefits, school functions, and helping those less fortunate. Also enjoys golf and singing when time permits.

Reach our team at (708) 349-6800 or bmikan@geeins.com