OUR PEOPLE
New York Life | October 20, 2023
In 1973, Jaydev Patel walked into his local New York Life office with the intention of becoming a part-time agent until he “found a new job.” Fifty years later he stands as the most successful agent in New York Life’s history, and his business continues to thrive today.
“Thanks to his tireless work ethic, unwavering dedication, and commitment to his clients, Jay has delivered financial security and peace of mind to thousands of individuals and their loved ones. In doing so, he’s placed a staggering amount of life insurance coverage with clients that far exceeds the amount of any other agent in New York Life’s 178-year history,” said Craig DeSanto, New York Life Chair, President & CEO.
Mr. Patel has qualified for New York Life’s Chairman’s Cabinet, a group of New York Life’s top 50 agents based on sales excellence, every year since its inception. A decade into his career, he earned the title of New York Life Council President in 1983 – the highest honor the company can bestow to an agent. He’s also a Qualifying Life member of the Million Dollar Round Table, one of the most distinguished groups in the life insurance industry globally as the standard of excellence for sales performance, having qualified for 50 years.
Despite his many achievements over the course of his distinguished and ongoing career, Mr. Patel measures success by the number of lives he has protected and the impact he’s had on his clients and their families.
“I personally think there is no other profession, if practiced with integrity and compassion, that provides as much personal satisfaction,” explained Mr. Patel. “I truly enjoy my work. No matter how many hours I’ve put in over the years, they’ve never been the same as hours spent working for someone else. The greatest blessings of this business are the opportunities to serve and make meaningful impact, while also controlling one’s own destiny.”
The greatest blessings of this business are the opportunities to serve and make meaningful impact.
Jaydev Patel
New York Life Agent
Mr. Patel’s personal success played a pivotal role in inspiring many others to become agents and in New York Life’s commitment to continuously invest in the career agency model by building a significant presence in the cultural markets, a growth area for New York Life today.
Over the years, Mr. Patel has committed to philanthropic work as well. In particular, he spearheaded and oversaw the renovation of three schools in his hometown, including two high schools and a primary school in Sojitra, India.
In honor of Mr. Patel’s decades of service to his clients – and for being the most successful agent in the history of New York Life – the company is recognizing him in a way that will endure well into the future. The soon-to-open, state-of-the-art collaboration space in New York Life’s landmark Home Office building will be dedicated as the Jaydev R. Patel Conference Center, with a statue and plaque recognizing his many accomplishments.
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Kevin Maher
New York Life Insurance Company
(212) 576-7937
Kevin_B_Maher@newyorklife.com