age: 33
Occupation: Co-owner, SB Insurance & Co.
Email: jbyington@sbinsco.com
Education: Bachelor of Science, history and psychology, Illinois College
Family: Daughter, Kenzie
Affiliations/community activities: President, Virden Chamber of Commerce; American Business Club of Springfield; volunteer wrestling coach, North Mac High School; Big I of Illinois
What is your guiding principle in life?
I try to follow the Golden Rule, treat others as you wish to be treated. Now, that’s not always the case but true for the most part.
What is your greatest hope for Springfield?
I hope Springfield can become a case study of what happens when multiple views come together and solve problems. Too often, we dig our heels into the ground and don’t understand compromise.
What obstacles have you overcome in your career path?
Buying an existing book of business during an incredibly difficult financial time. My business partner and I had many hoops to jump through, but we got through them and became 100 percent owners in 2023.
What do you wish your younger self had known when you started on this path?
I wish I knew what the grind is — just that, a grind. Too often when someone describes to you what it takes, we all underplay the work it truly takes.
What would you like to give back to your community?
While I do give back to my communities in various capacities, I would like to be able to help mentor kids. I would like to see myself as a positive role model as that can drastically change the trajectory of kids’ lives.
This article appears in July SBJ 2026.