Meet the Leaders: Jonathan Mayotte, LPCC Board Chairman

Welcome to our new Meet the Leaders series! We’re excited to introduce you to our board members whose insights, stories, and passion shape our chamber and community. Each board member brings unique experiences and perspectives that help make the LPCC a dynamic force for local businesses. Through this series, we’re excited to share their voices, their roles, and the invaluable contributions they make to strengthen Lincoln Park. First up, we’d like for you to meet our Board Chairman, Jonathan Mayotte!
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Jonathan Mayotte
Commercial Insurance Advisor
Thornton Powell Insurance

Briefly describe your professional background and current position.
I have been an Insurance Advisor for almost 12 years, 11 1/2 have been with my current agency, Thornton Powell. I work mostly with businesses to help them navigate the oftentimes complicated world of Property and Liability Insurance.

What motivated you to join the board of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce?
One of the things that was drilled in my head was, “You have to get involved with an organization, like a Chamber.” Our office is based in Oak Forest, but I have lived in Lincoln Park since moving to Chicago in 2013. I wanted to establish myself in the neighborhood and get involved locally. Joining the LPCC was the obvious thing to do.

What’s your favorite spot in Lincoln Park, and why?
Wow, so many places to choose from and so little space to type! My wife and I were married at St. Clement, our son was baptized there, and we are active parishioners so that place holds a special place in our hearts. Now that we have a kid, the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lakefront are fun places to explore.

How has your involvement with the LPCC benefited your business?
I always say that any of my networking efforts are all rooted in the Lincoln Park Chamber. I have met people at Chamber events who have introduced me to other groups that have helped me expand my network and connections in ways I never imagined. Chamber members have also been a great resource when referring my own clients, family, and friends.

How do you see the LPCC making a difference in the community?
We work on behalf of not only the businesses in Lincoln Park, but also residents, to try and make this a great place to both work and live. Some of the obvious physical signs are right in front of us every day, like the mural on the side of Lincoln Hall or the wayfinding signs. Others are through connections to businesses and elected officials.

What’s a fun or surprising fact about yourself that people might not know?
Prior to entering the Insurance industry, I was a radio disc jockey in Champaign. I started in high school working part-time, continued through college when I was at Illinois State (gas was a lot cheaper back then), and was eventually promoted to Program Director for two stations and did Afternoon Drive.

What is your favorite LPCC event and why?
The wine strolls are always a lot of fun, as is the Joint Networking Event at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness, but I think my favorite is Savor Lincoln Park. We get a chance to sample food from all of the fantastic establishments in the neighborhood and it is always well attended.

What are you most excited about for the future of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce?
The Chamber just celebrated our 75th anniversary last year and it seems like each year we continue to improve the organization. Whether it’s through new members, events, or programs, there is always something going on. I’m optimistic that the Chamber will be around to serve Lincoln Park for decades to come.