The Legacy

Every investigator has a story. This is mine.

The Work Ethic

Before founding Northeastern Investigative Services in Springfield, Massachusetts, and later A1A Investigators in Jacksonville, Florida, my career was built on hard work, determination, and a commitment to earning every opportunity.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice while working 40+ hours per week—providing private security during the day and working as a nightclub bouncer at night. Balancing college with a demanding work schedule taught me discipline, responsibility, perseverance, and the importance of earning success through hard work.

The First Opportunity

Shortly after graduation, I joined an Orlando investigative firm specializing in insurance-claim and workers’ compensation investigations. I was selected as one of four new investigators for an intensive two-week field program in Boston. I was the only recruit to complete the program and consistently produce the results the company expected.

That opportunity led to responsibility for field investigations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, and Maine.

1980s–1990s

Early inspiration while watching Kojak with Papou, whose family came from Sparta, Greece.

2000

Began conducting professional investigations.

Springfield, Massachusetts

Founded and operated Northeastern Investigative Services.

2014

Founded A1A Investigators in Jacksonville, Florida.

2016

Closed the Massachusetts agency to focus on growing demand throughout Florida.

Today

Leading A1A Investigators with integrity, honor, common sense, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

The Investigator’s Creed

I believe every investigation deserves honesty before assumptions. I believe every client deserves confidentiality, commitment, and common sense. I believe a reputation is earned one investigation at a time. Above all, integrity is who we are.

— James Wojnar

Everything you’ve read on this page explains how I became an investigator. What comes next explains why.

A Letter to Papou

Some of the greatest lessons I ever learned weren’t taught in a classroom or during an investigation. They were learned sitting beside my grandfather, Papou, whose family came from Sparta, Greece, watching Kojak together.

As a kid, I didn’t realize those evenings would shape the course of my life.

You taught me that honor isn’t something you talk about—it is something you live. You taught me that integrity is earned, never demanded. You taught me to pay attention, trust common sense, treat everyone with respect, and understand that the smallest details often matter most.

While everyone else was simply watching a television show, I was unknowingly discovering the profession that would become my life’s work.

More than twenty-five years later, every investigation I conduct still carries those lessons with me. Every client who places their trust in A1A Investigators benefits from the values you quietly instilled all those years ago.

I hope I’ve made you proud.

Who Loves Ya, Baby?

Thank you, Papou.

James Wojnar

Founder & President, A1A Investigators

A Letter to Papou parchment tribute with Greek key border and Spartan helmet