Harnist Insurance Agency Inc

Bios

• Joseph E. Harnist II

  President

  Having grown up in the insurance business, Joe Harnist has been involved with all aspects of the agency. A graduate of Wentworth Military Academy, he continued his education at the University of Kansas and Southern Illinois University until joining the family business in 1975. He attended the agents school at the home office of CGU Insurance in Boston, MA. As a scholarship recipient, he attended the Professional Insurance Agents school for agents in Oberlin, OH. Committed to the community, Mr. Harnist has served as president of the Belleville Jaycees and was honored with a life membership with that organization. He is also a member of the Ainad Temple Shriners, and Masonic Lodge #24. He served as the outdoor coordinator for Boy Scout Troop 40 for 5 years. Joe is also a charter committe member with Art on the Square and continues his involvement today. He currently serves as a board member of the St. Clair County Historical Society. A lifelong resident of Belleville, Joe and his wife reside in the east end of town. Their son Joe III has joined the agency and also resides in Belleville.

  Education:

• Joe Harnist III

  Agent

  We welcome the newest member and third generation to the team. Joe graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia with a degree in banking and finance. He spent 10 years in the mortgage business in both Kansas City and San Diego before joining the family business. Joe enjoyed sports growing up including hockey in high school. In his Scouting career, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He still enjoys hockey and plays weekly in a men’s league. He also coaches youth hockey in St Louis with a college buddy of his. Joe is licensed in Illinois and recently completed a commercial training class at the home office of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance.

  Education:

  Link: Joe Harnist III

• Phillip G. Elmore

  Agent

  Born and raised in Belleville, Phil has been in the insurance business since 1986. In 1990 he earned the “Life Underwriters Training Council Fellowship” (LUTCF). Phil joined the Harnist Agency in 1994 as a sales representative. He continues his education with various courses throughout the year. Phil has been active in the community in the past, chairing the Jaycees Deutschfest on the square and as a vice president of that organization. He was previously a member of the Optimists and East Side Life Underwriters. He enjoys sports and was formerly an IHSA umpire. He founded and chaired the Tour De’Belleville night time bike riding event. Phil ran and was elected alderman for the City of Belleville in 2009 and again in 2014. Phil continues his roll as a city alderman today. Phil and his wife Barb reside in Belleville. His oldest son Brock lives in Edwardsville with his wife and two children. The twins, Stephen and Nicole, both recently married live in Arkansas and Illinois respectively.

  Certifications:

  Link: Phillip G. Elmore