Meet Our Staff | Janecka Insurance Agency

We are a professional agency offering personal service for over thirty years.

Russell Janecka, CIC, LUTCF, FMDC

In 1986, Russell took the reins of his father's then ten-year-old agency. With over thirty years of experience, he has come to understand how insurance meets varied budgets and situations.

After obtaining a diploma in Russian from the Defense Language Institute, Russell received his business education through Victoria College and the University of Maryland while serving in the US Air Force. During his service, he was stationed overseas in Berlin, Germany. He is licensed as a Multi-line and a Life insurance Agent. In 1990, he attained the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow designation. In 1996, he obtained the Certified Insurance Counselor designation, which he updates annually through continuing education seminars each year.

He is also proud to serve as an elected member of the Board of Directors for Germania Farm Mutual and serves on their subsidiary boards for many years. He has attained the Farm Mutual Director’s Certification and maintains certification as a Leadership Fellow with the National Association of Corporate Directors.

Jill Friedel, Agent

jill@jiavic.com

Jill has been with the agency since 1986. Her years of experience have helped her develop a depth in understanding for the needs people present to her in their insurance matters. She is always willing to assist clients with their questions and concerns. Along with assisting clients Jill is also the Agency Manager - maintaining the agency records, files, and bookkeeping.

JIll is currently serving as the president of Germania Local Chapter 240 (Victoria office). She also serves on numerous committees & groups within her church at First United Methodist. She likes to travel to visit and spend time with her boy's families in Arkansas and is a proud "Yaya" of five granddaughters.

Leticia Gonzales, Agent

letie@jiavic.com

"Letie" has been with JIA since 1992. As an insurance agent, she works hard at obtaining the best value for her customers when she underwrites their insurance. Si es necessario se Habla Español!

Letie is focusing on Commercial Lines Ins. Currently Letie serves as an Associate Pastor and Worship leader of praise team at City Harvest Church. She is an avid follower of her Favorite football teams the Green Bay Packers and LSU Tigers. On her time off Letie enjoys spending time with family. She also enjoys reading biographies, political and religious books.

Haily Lara, Agent

haily@jiavic.com

Haily has been with our agency Since 2018. She has over 9 years of insurance experience, specializing in home, auto, motorcycle, renters, and mobile home insurance. She enjoys helping customers understand what insurance can do in protecting their assets in the unexpected moments life throws our way. Haily is originally from Houston, she moved to Victoria in 2017. On her time away from the office she enjoys paper crafting & spending time with her 3 beautiful daughters Jakelyn, Jenessa and Elliana.

William Herring, Agent

william@jiavic.com

William Herring joined our agency in 2025 after spending more than 20 years in construction management. His background has given him a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing honest, dependable service to every client.

Outside of the office, William enjoys wildlife photography, spending time outdoors, landscaping, gardening, and taking on do-it-yourself projects. He is always looking for opportunities to learn new skills and enjoys creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.

Fred Kubesch, CIC, LUTCF – Life Specialist

fred@jiavic.com

Fred joined our agency after retiring as a full time P&C agent with Swantner & Gordon in Victoria. Fred received his B.S. in Education in 1968; and his Masters in Guidance Counseling in 1973. He has coached and taught for 7 ½ years

He brings over 40 years of experience as a district manager and agent representing several carriers. He maintains the industry’s LUTCF and CIC designations. Rather than retire, Fred decided to focus on offering life insurance and long-term care. He enjoys being able to assist people in all walks of life addressing their concern of dying to soon or living too long. His major emphasis is now to focus on assisting people from 35 to 80 by educating them on long-term care needs and ways to address them.

When not in the office, Fred is very busy with volunteering for his church and organizations and preparing his renowned barbecue for his friends. For his efforts, he was acknowledged as Knight of the year for 2019 with the Knights of Columbus.

Achievements include

Past President of Sunrise Rotary Club with 30 years of perfect attendance.
Past President of the Gulf Coast Assn. of Life Underwriters
Served on the board of Victoria Christian Assistance Ministry
Received the Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 2009
Member of the Victoria Serra Club
Knight of the Year – Victoria KC’s of 9088 Holy Family Catholic Church