About Jim Surace & Marcus Smith Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio State General Agent, James Surace, was in real estate before joining American Income Life Insurance Company. When the real estate market softened, James seized the AIL opportunity. He was attracted to American Income Life because of leads made available, giving Agents places to go and reasons to be there. His first year with AIL, James was runner up for Agent of the Year. He was promoted to State General Agent his second year with the Company and was so successful he built his own 12,000 square foot office building. He was the SGA of the Year in 2006 and 2008 and is proud that 10 other State General Agents have been promoted from his office.