Our History

On December 6, 1941 - one day before the bombing of Pearl Harbor - a young entrepreneur named Howard Esser, Sr. opened the door of a new insurance agency in Naperville, Illinois. Starting with modest clientele of local farmers and retailers and a deep commitment to client service, Esser's small business grew over three generations to become one of Chicagoland's most trusted and knowledgeable property/casualty agencies.

Fifty years later, another entrepreneur named Ray Hayes embarked on a similar path. His young firm combined an expertise in property/casualty, benefits products and retirement planning with a commitment to technology and creativity. It quickly gained a reputation as a forward-looking, ingenious financial provider devoted to protecting and growing its clients' assets.

Today, those two storied agencies are joined as one - the Esser Hayes Insurance Group. For our clients, that combination of traditional values and innovative thinking makes us a powerful and valuable partner for the long haul - one uncommonly committed to its clients' security...and their success.