50 years at work, millions of dollars distributed, and he still won't retire

For 50 years, Harold Jacobsen has given out millions of dollars to Northern Nevada families.

He isn't a millionaire, and he isn't the host of a reality TV show.

Jacobsen, 86, is a life insurance salesman and estates planner for New York Life. This month marks his 50th year with New York Life.

He's lived in the same Carson City house for 40 years and gone to the same office on 307 W. Winnie Lane every workday.

"I've slowed down a bit," he said this week. "I go to the office three or four hours a day, but sometimes up to eight."

Despite his accomplishment, it's all in a day's work for Jacobsen.

"I get tired sometimes, but I'm not going to retire. I don't have anything to retire from. What I do is what I love. My clients are also my really, really good friends."

He also served two terms as city mayor from 1974 to 1982. During his time as mayor, Jacobsen added six water tanks - the city only had one prior to that - and activated a sewer system that is still is use today. He raised five daughters in Carson City.

Jacobsen said one bright moment of his career was helping a widowed mother keep her home. He had set up a life insurance plan for her husband, who was killed 60 days later. Saving her home meant saving her life in Battle Mountain.

"Because of that she was able to stay in Battle Mountain and raise her family. One son became a dentist, and all three kids are highly successful."

Jacobsen began his career with New York Life on Feb. 16, 1955. His field of expertise is life insurance for business and family protection needs. New York Life has operated in Northern Nevada since 1859.

Local school adopted by bank

Business Bank of Nevada expanded its At-Risk School Adoption Program to Carson City. The bank adopted John C. Fremont Elementary as its first at-risk school in Northern Nevada. The new at-risk school adoption program is one of several educational programs the bank supports with monetary, in-kind and volunteer services.

"We are extremely excited to have Business Bank partner with Fremont Elementary in their new educational outreach program," said Dr. Mary Pierczynski, school district superintendent. "This is a wonderful and much needed program that the bank is bringing to our area."

Dayton nursery expanded

Dayton Valley Floral and Nursery recently expanded its pavilion to 3,500 square feet and added a service area, a gift shop and flower shop.

"The nursery is growing," said owner Mike Walker. "We have a gift shop, a flower shop in there and landscaping services. Now we're going to take the east corner of that lot and start developing that."

The 90,000 square-foot Como Park retail center broke ground this week.

Alie's Flowers will relocate

Becky Gossett, manager of Alie's Flowers, said the business will move to the Carson Mall in early April.

She said business at the 222 E. Washington St. location slowed since the post office and neighboring retail moved. The shop will stay open until the last weekend in March.

Alie's new space is between Gotchy Shoe Outlet and RadioShack. The space is 3,000 square feet.

"We're trying to gain foot traffic and exposure," Gossett said.

n Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.