sponsor of the month By: Maria Smietana
JOHN
COLE
INSURANCE AGENCY-
STATE FARM
24 Special Needs Living • September 2021
This year, John Cole will celebrate 15 years as an insurance agent with State Farm. The Anderson, IN, native graduated from Wabash College, and started working for State Farm in 2006. A year later, he opened his own agency in Pendleton. “I help people with their insurance and financial services needs but more importantly, I educate them on how to best protect their family and assets, so their financial future is secure,” he said. That’s especially important for families who have children with physical or developmental disabilities and need help with estate planning and funding of special needs trusts. John understands special needs families very well; he grew up in one. His older brother Tom has exhibited traits of being on the higher-functioning end of the autism spectrum his entire life. “Almost everything I do was impacted somewhat by having Tom in my life,” John said. That includes his dedication to making the world a better place, one action at a time. “My staff and I try to give back to the community as much as possible. Every month, my agency donates money to a local cause based on how many new customers we add. In 2020, we gave over $10,000 to charity.” Tom started participating in Madison County Special Olympics when he was 11 years old, according to John. His sports are swimming and basketball. John started
