Risk & Business Magazine JGS Insurance Magazine Spring 2019 | Page 28

EVERYTHING
TO BEGIN WITH,
EVERYTHING
Q
: So, what do you love about
music?
A: To begin with, everything.
This is the last line of the
iconic 2000 rock ’n’ roll
film Almost Famous. It sums up how
passionate Russell Hammond, the main
protagonist guitar player, was of his
chosen career path and of the fictitious
band Stillwater.
Growing up on the Jersey Shore in the
’60s and ’70s, it was ingrained in our
heads at an early age to keep family,
faith, and career first and foremost.
Fortunately, as kids we had an early
introduction to the music of Bruce
Springsteen. Springsteen, a person
who grew up just like us, knew what he
wanted to do and devoted his life to it.
That dedication became an inspiration
to me, not only in my personal life but
also throughout my career. I developed
a natural affinity for “The Boss” and
the E Street Band early on. And then
it happened. My buddy Bags and I sent
away for tickets for a show, and guess
what? We got them! So, one summer
night at age 15, we boarded an Academy
bus in Hazlet, New Jersey, and set off to
this foreign land called New York City.
We arrived at Madison Square Garden,
showed our tickets, and were continually
ushered upwards until we found
BY: BERNIE COSENTINO
VICE PRESIDENT, JGS INSURANCE
28
ourselves in what appeared to be the
highest and very last seats in the house.
We giggled and agreed these seats were
horrible. The lights went out, the band
came on, and we looked at one another
and just said, “Yeah, I get it!”
That concert was the first of over 100
Springsteen shows I have attended, and
Bruce’s music has seemed to evolve and
mature in synchronization with my
life and has become, in a way, my own
personal soundtrack.
The pinnacle of my lifelong journey with
Bruce happened when I scored tickets
for his Broadway show at the Walter Kerr
Theatre for Friday, November 24, 2017!
Yep, the day after Thanksgiving! Wow, if
there was ever something to be thankful
for.
Then the day came and, fortunately, my
true love Shelly and I did not have to
travel in by Academy bus. We walked 10
feet to the theater after dinner and this
time were ushered to the first two seats
in the house. The show began and it was
like Shelly and I had a private audience
with The Boss.
Every emotional button was pressed
during that show for me that explored
family, religion, friendships, and
relationships. At one point, Shelly leaned
over and whispered, “It looks like you and
Bruce are forming a connection.” I sure
Bernie Cosentino is celebrating his 33rd year in the insurance
industry. Born, bred, and educated in NJ he is a proud father to
his adult children Joseph and Maria. Bernie is currently in his 17th
year at JGS Insurance as A Vice President and broker/producer
diligently pursuing the most competitive and comprehensive
insurance program to a wide range of customer base.
was! From crying during “Thunder Road”
to laughing and dancing in my seat during
“Dancing in the Dark,” it was the perfect
culmination to my life’s soundtrack.
The show ended with The Bossman
reciting “The Lord’s Prayer” and finishing
with a beautiful rendition of “Born to
Run.” Patti Scialfa, his wife and E Street
Band singer, came back out to take the
final bow with her husband, and as
Bruce was exiting stage left, he beelined
it to us with his hand extended to offer
me the guitar pick he just finished the
show with. We exchanged pleasantries
and I went on to spend the rest of the
Thanksgiving weekend in a glorious haze
of wonderment.
In reflecting back on these experiences, it
became very clear to me that no matter
what career path we choose, doing it
with passion is the key to a happy and
successful life.
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I hope EVERYTHING!