Barry Richter February 16, 2021 3 min read

Jay Zahn Joins Hausmann-Johnson Insurance | The Benefit Services Group, Inc.

Hausmann-Johnson Insurance | The Benefit Services Group, Inc. (HJI|BSG) is pleased to announce Jay Zahn has joined our team as a Surety Consultant.

Jay Zahn Jay brings 30+ years of bonding and insurance experience to his new role. He is dedicated to helping contractors navigate the bonding process so they can continuously grow and win. To Jay, nothing is more rewarding than providing a small start-up contractor with a bond program and helping them build a road map to success.

"I'm excited to join an organization dedicated to Surety whose professional values of character, integrity and trust align with my own personal values," says Jay. "I am passionate about building relationships and helping my clients grow, and I'm looking forward to strengthening their bond programs as part of the HJI|BSG team."

Jay is active in several construction trade associations, particularly Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC) where he’s participated in committees, sat on the board, and was elected chairman. In 2020, he was awarded the prestigious Wes Meilahn Award by ABC of Wisconsin. This award is presented to an ABC member who best exemplifies tenacity, understanding, love and service toward ABC of Wisconsin. Jay is also involved with Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin and Milwaukee (AGC), Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and Wisconsin Underground Contractors Association (WUCA), to name a few.

"I have known Jay for over 15 years and always thought highly of him," says Pat McKenna, Vice President - Surety. "It is obvious he is of high character and always has his clients' interests top of mind. He builds solid relationships that are near impossible to shake. I am excited to have Jay as a part of our team and look forward to working with him!"

Jay has a Bachelor of Business Administration - Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. When he’s not working, he’s usually tackling household projects, watching a game, or hiking and biking with his family. Jay and his wife love to visit waterfalls, whether in Wisconsin or on road trips out of state.

Please join us in welcoming Jay to the team!

Barry Richter

Barry joined Hausmann Group in 2010 and was appointed President in 2014. Under his leadership, the agency has earned numerous accolades, including being named among the 50 Best Workplaces for Giving Back (2016) and Best Small Workplaces (2016-2020) by Fortune and Top 100 Property/Casualty Agencies (2023-2024) by Insurance Journal. Additionally, Hausmann Group was recognized as an Executive Choice Winner and Business of the Year by In Business Madison. Barry is committed to integrating emotional intelligence as a fundamental principle at Hausmann Group. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Business, Barry holds a BBA in Marketing. During his university years, he played hockey for the Badgers, represented Team USA in the 1994 Olympic Games, and followed that with a distinguished 15-year career in professional hockey. Barry is actively involved in his community, having served on several boards, including the American Family Children’s Hospital, the Benefit Advisors Network, and Easter Seals. He currently volunteers as a youth hockey coach across Wisconsin. In his free time, Barry enjoys fishing, golfing, and family trips up north. He and his wife, Kim, have four children and reside in Verona, WI.