Jack Fessler and Sheri Fessler Make the Most of Lemons

When life gives you lemons, it’s essential that you know how to turn them into opportunities – something Jeffrey Fessler, an accomplished New York attorney with a high net worth has done effectively.

He was an enthusiastic bocce player and enjoyed going on rock-and-roll music cruises. Furthermore, he was actively engaged in Plymouth Township government, serving as fire marshal for 26 years.

Early Life and Education

Fessler was closing a storm sewer pipe in Naperville, Illinois when a bulldozer released a chunk of clay that fractured his spine in three places and forced Fessler into hospital for surgery.

Fessler was living his best life. Growing up in Silverton, Oregon and starting a family while building his career. But everything changed for him when his car crashed while traveling between jobs in Seattle.

He rejected bitterness and handouts, forging instead a life based on hard work that he can reward himself with. At Fessler Agency Inc. in Plymouth Township he mentors employees while remaining silent; known for both kindness and mental toughness, once disciplining two agents who made excuses by walking them outside saying they should be working instead of making excuses.

Professional Career

Jack Fessler is president of The Fessler Agency. His company offers property and casualty insurance as well as life and health coverage. Furthermore, plans include expanding bonding and inland marine divisions while diversifying to cover specialty risks like tech risks.

He has over four decades of experience in the insurance industry and was previously President of the Delaware Insurance Association. Additionally, he served as board member and Trustee of Mount Carmel School District.

He and his wife Connie have two children, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Together they enjoy playing bocce in both Mount Carmel and East Norriton Township leagues; gardening; taking rock-and-roll music cruises; attending car shows.

Achievement and Honors

Jack Fessler was an enthusiastic supporter of EWP and its community of writers, receiving the John and Carol Fessler Award of Excellence in recognition of his years of service to EWP and community of writers. He was the proud grandfather of Mickelle Cabrera, Jacqueline Fessler Meany (now Meany), Mickaelyn Saylor Brielle Meany as well as Grant Ireland Scout Sevening; great grandfather to Mickaelyn Saylor Brielle Meany Meany as well. His sister Margaret A “Peggy” Franks survives him along with several nieces & nephews; cremated and interred at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery Millsboro after cremation.

Personal Life

As a hobby, he enjoyed participating in Mount Carmel and East Norriton Township bocce leagues as well as fishing, gardening and listening to bluegrass music. Additionally, he was an active member of Plymouth Lions Club and St. Titus Roman Catholic Church.

Fessler was working construction in Naperville when, one winter day in 1962, a chunk of clay fell from a bulldozer and crushed his back. At that time, attitudes regarding disability were far less progressive.

After his accident, he and high school sweetheart Elaine Schmelzel decided to escape the cold winter climate of northern Illinois for sunny Florida, where life proved far simpler for wheelchair users. They married the following year and settled down in Clearwater.

Net Worth

Sheri Fessler is the CEO of direct-to-consumer shoe company F Major. Their first collection launched in 2022. Prior to this she worked as a recruiter with Pivotal Search Group and Polo Ralph Lauren.

Sheri also serves as an advisor to several companies. At Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, Sheri practices corporate and securities law specializing in public/private mergers/acquisitions/joint ventures/proxy fights/restructuring. Her experience includes representing public firms (both large and small), investment banks and investment advisers in matters ranging from mergers/acquisitions/joint ventures/proxy fights to restructuring.

Her husband, Jeffrey Fessler, is a partner at Sheppard Mullin and boasts years of experience representing companies and investment banks in public and private offerings as well as handling a range of corporate transactions such as proxy fights and reorganizations processes.