Meet the team
We're focused on Small Businesses and Individuals
Southern California's Trusted "One-Stop Shop" Insurance Agents
Jonathan Edewards
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Jonathan is a second-generation insurance expert; he learned the the family business from his uncle Vaughn Edewards, who was the founder of ACI Commercial Insurance in Tustin. (Back in the day, Uncle Vaughn managed those Allstate Insurance booths under the escalators in Sears stores!)
Jonathan learned the insurance business from the ground up; starting off issuing certificates of insurance for commercial policy holders to moving towards policy expertise in small and midsize businesses, and Health & Medicare.
In addition to being an Insurance Broker, Jonathan co-founded the Downtown Pasadena Neighborhood Association, an organization that advocates for sustainability, walkability, livable streets, and quality of life through progressive urban policy.
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Jonathan also enjoys the arts, theatre, opera, and photography.
"Great customer service by Jonathan Edewards! Makes me feel like I am the most important client in his portfolio. Highly responsive and always helpful in solving my business problems."
Nandini B., customer since 2016
Edsel Dsouza
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Edsel immigrated from India to study at the prestigious Johnson & Wales University's hospitality program, and moved into the Executive Food & Beverage positions in Pasadena, Boston, and Century City before becoming Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at the flagship Park Hyatt in New York City. In 2017, a life-changing auto collision brought an end to Edsel's ability to hustle up the stairs and in-and-out of kitchens and dining rooms, so he brings his passionate commitment to the finest customer experience to ensuring that his clients are safe, secure, and fully protected through their insurance.
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Edsel is also committed to helping small businesses grow. Currently, at his local Business Chamber, i.e LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce which has a membership of more that 650 members, Edsel hosts and chairs a networking event every month with a goal to create a platform for businesses of all sizes to connect with each other. The theme is Inform, Involve and Inspire.
In addition, Edsel also serve as the Secretary on the Executive Board.
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In his free time, Edsel loves cooking Indian food (and persuading everyone to eat it since it’s healthy and tantalizing.) Edsel also enjoy's riding his weekly 25 mile ride on his bike along the beach while listening to a podcast which helps to to grow his understanding and empathy for others.
During the pandemic, Edsel created ‘Garden to Garden,’ a fun challenge for himself where he would grow vegetables and fruit in his garden and then whip up fun meals and desserts to give to his family and neighbors.
"Edsel is an absolutely amazing health insurance agent and I highly recommend him to anyone. I was entirely new to the world of health insurance and Edsel patiently answered all my questions and helped guide me through the options based on my personal circumstances. If you are looking for an agent that genuinely cares about finding you the right plan, speak to Edsel."
Paul A., customer since 2020
Community Engagement
We strive to support and to play an active role in our local community.
LAX COASTAL CONNECTIONS
2023 LAX Coastal Connections: As a board member, Edsel stepped up his commitment to small business. Along with his co-chair, Mimi Donaldson, TED Speaker Coach of MimiSpeaks created a monthly breakfast meeting with the theme of "Inform, Involve & Inspire"
The LAX Chamber membership has a diverse group of businesses ranging from large companies that support the LAX airport, the surrounding hotels in the area and the tech and medical companies. However, the large portion of the membership is small businesses. Edsel saw an opportunity and a need to bring the businesses together in one room where everyone can showcase their expertise and commitment to their work in a professional setting.
This year we had a full range of businesses ranging from corporations to small and mid size businesses, non profits and independent business owners presenting. This included, Los Angeles World Airports, Hollywood Park Casino, Westin LAX and YMCA.
The meeting is conducted at Hampton Inn & Suites in El Segundo on the third Tuesday of every month. It includes free breakfast and parking.
More images from Coastal Connections on LAX Coastal Chamber's website HERE.
You can be a speaker or attend as a guest. Contact Edsel to learn more.
Photographs courtesy of Robert Higgins Photography
In June 2023, Jonathan and Edsel conducted an informative Medicare presentation at Being Alive LA which is a nonprofit organization focusing on the mental health and wellness of people living with HIV and AIDS. Learn more about this amazing organization here.
One of the attendees said "Your info session at Being Alive was so informative and fun. You're a great communicator and you made the subject of insurance enjoyable, witty and engaging. That rarely happens and was so wonderfully unexpected."
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Feel free to contact us if you'd like us to present on a variety of insurance related topics for your team.
In March 2022, Edsel participated in a 5K charity fundraiser walk at the Dodger Stadium for Valley Village.
Valley Village is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect, foster, develop and advance the rights and interests of people with developmental disabilities.
Together, they were able to raise $2,800!
The American Cancer Society held a “Healthy Cook Off Competition” earlier in the Spring of 2022.
Edsel submitted a recipe that I created last summer after I grew more cherry tomatoes than I could handle.
He raised more than a thousand dollars from friends, colleagues and clients, and was able to make it to the Top 4- where his recipe was then created by Top Chef finalist Chef Derrick Fox.
Jonathan and Edsel are both involved with the Rotary Club of Pasadena, which puts on a charity drive called "Bikes for Christmas"
Bikes for Christmas is a program designed to give bikes and safety helmets to children whose families would otherwise never be able to afford one. The purpose is to promote exercise and freedom of movement for children in the community.
Jonathan and Edsel, along with other Rotarians and their families, came together to assemble the bikes. Working with the Salvation Army and the Pasadena Unified School District, the bikes, helmets and gear are then dispersed in mid-December to families!
Organizations we are a part of:
The Rotary Club of Pasadena- an organization constantly helping the local community within Pasadena.
In 2019, Edsel was a proud co-chair of the Centennial Committee which organized the Centennial Ball and raised over $125,000.
Edsel is a committee member of ONEgeneration: a volunteer-based organization committed to providing programs and services to older adults and their caregivers that help keep them safe and protected. They promote physical health and mental well-being, provide socialization, nutrition and access to food and resources.
Here we see Edsel and Edsel's husband Eric at the ONEgeneration “Enriching Lives” Gala of 2022.
The Los Angeles LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce (LAGLCC) is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and gay-allied businesses, professionals, and individuals, who have joined together to effect positive growth in ourselves, our work, our community and our future.
in 2022, Edsel just got elected this summer to the Board at LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce, and won the LAX Coastal Chamber Award that night!
The Chamber supports businesses in and around LAX airport.
In 2023, Edsel was recognized again and his meeting, Coastal Connections was recognized as Best Program of the year
Both Jonathan and Edsel are members of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals. (Formerly "NAHU", the National Association of Health Underwriters)
Through NAHU, we work to ensure all Americans have access to high quality affordable Healthcare and related services.
The Exchange LA is a networking organization comprised of growth-stage professionals based in the Los Angeles area.
They aim to provide a service where like-minded, ambitious, social driven, diverse professionals can find one another to explore synergy, promote commerce, and enrich their surrounding communities. The mission is to help members achieve success by building meaningful relationships. This is also where they both met one of their close friends, Jenna!
Jonathan is a co-founder of the Downtown Pasadena Neighborhood Association, an organization that advocates for sustainability, walkability, livable streets, and quality of life through progressive urban policy.
Jonathan is a member of the University Club of Pasadena- a historic membership club for professionals to network.
This was a UClub Summer BBQ, featuring the cooking of a local businessowner Robin Salzer of Robin's Woodfire BBQ.
More about us and what we love!
After 19 years, Edsel celebrates officially becoming a US Citizen!
Jonathan has two beautiful, lovable cats- Brody and Duffy- who keep him company while he works from home.
Edsel has his own garden, full of delicious vegetables and fruits. With what he has, he loves baking desserts and cooking Indian food (then sharing it with everyone since it’s healthy, tantalizing and nutritious.)
Edsel's better half, Eric, received an award upon retiring and recognizing his efforts while serving in the Air Force for 21 years
Edsel enjoys riding a weekly 20-25 mile ride on his bike along the beach while he listens to podcasts that help him expand his mind and his understanding and empathy for others.
