John Z began his career in March of 1983. Z mainly works in the commercial insurance area. Born and raised in Richmond, he attended Harry Ells High School, Contra Costa College and graduated from U. C. Berkeley. Married Monique in 2011 and have three children. He enjoys watching the Giants and Cal Bears and playing bocce or golf.

A graduate from San Francisco State University in International Relations and in International Business. She is a Financial Services Professional with 15 years of Banking, Management and Financial Services. She specializes in commercial, life and health insurance. She seeks to empower individuals, professionals, families and business owners while aligning their financial goals and dreams. She strives to provide an experience that all her clients value while building a lasting relationship. She is fluent in Spanish.

Maria attended Contra Costa College and has over 10 years experience in personal lines. She quotes homes, auto, renters, personal umbrella and one day events. She provides excellent customer service to clients and is fluent in Spanish. She likes the Giants, 49ers, and the Warriors.

After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, Computer Information Systems Nico came to M. A. Hays. He is the personal lines manager and has been with the agency for over 20 years. He is a board member of The East Bay Independent Insurance Agents Association, EBIIAA,  and past  president of the former Oakland Association of Insurance Agents, OAIA.   Besides underwriting insurance, Nico likes bike riding, playing a little golf, and traveling. Nico habla español.

After graduating from Cal State Hayward in 1968, Russ taught sixth grade and was vice principal in Murray School District in Dublin, California. In 1971 he joined his grandfather in-law in creating Bench & Honeyman Insurance Agency in El Cerrito. Then in 1993, Russ joined M. .A. Hays Co. In his free time he plays a little golf, dotes on his grandchildren and, with his wife Linda, spends as much time as he can traveling the world.

Joel came from New York City and has been in the insurance business since 1978, handling both Commercial and Personal clients mostly on the agency/brokerage area. He welcomes the opportunity to help, work, and educate clients on needed important coverage. When not at work, he enjoys swimming, playing poker, and watching movies.

After graduating from the City College of New York, Ken moved out to California and joined the insurance industry in 1980. He believes that personalized service is essential when matching clients with the right financial security products and services. When he is not taking care of business, he enjoys the great outdoors, especially relaxing at the beach, riding his bike or back packing in the mountains. He especially enjoys supporting the local arts community and enjoying the rich cultural life the Bay Area provides.