Joe Plascencia enjoys helping people. That’s why he loves working at Bradish. As an agent/producer at the agency, he is happy to practice serving others daily.
Joe’s core responsibilities include researching and providing quotes for clients with either (or both) commercial-insurance and personal-insurance policies. “I consider myself to be a kind of utility player, helping out in a variety of areas, both in commercial and personal lines.” Along the commercial lines, he also conducts market research and reaches out to potential commercial clients. For personal lines, he assists with servicing current customers with personal home and auto insurance, which includes such things as making client changes or additions and handling questions or concerns. He holds a license for property and casualty insurance and is always learning.
Joe appreciates the many ways he can assist clients and learn at the same time. “Being able to listen to, and help our clients, is so important — they are our number one responsibility. Being able to serve their needs and answer their questions helps me learn to solve any problems that occur.” He also loves the positive feedback he hears when interacting with clients. “It’s always great to hear from our customers about how our agency prioritizes them and how quickly we are able to help them with any need.”
Continual learning and growing
Joe began working at Bradish in May 2025 and has been learning and growing ever since. He is a recent graduate of Judson University (located in Elgin, IL), with a bachelor’s degree in business management and a minor in marketing. In contemplating his career path, Joe cites one particular conversation he had with agency founder Bill Bradish that inspired him to pursue working in the insurance industry.
“I connected with Bill Bradish through an expo I was hosting at Judson University. Hearing him describe how Bradish Associates provides help and expertise to people so they can get the best protection and coverage was inspiring. At that point, I knew I wanted to work and gain experience through him and the agency.”
The first thing Joe did as a Bradish employee was to take on an internship in partnership with The Cincinnati Insurance Companies, one of the companies Bradish represents. “I got to work closely with all departments, including claims, underwriting, operations and sales. This experience helped me achieve a clearer understanding of the insurance industry.” He continues to apply and expand on what he learned in this internship in his work at Bradish.
Joe also builds on skills he learned while in college. During his time at Judson University, he gained experience in market research and sales, working for a local tax-advisory firm for six months. He also worked at Deerfield Golf Club throughout his four years in college, where he picked up valuable skills in operations, customer service and teaching.
All important: Helping people
Joe appreciates the supportive and collegial environment at Bradish. “I love working alongside my co-workers; they are simply great people to talk to. We are a tight-knit group, with each person looking out for each other and providing help whenever there is a need.”
He also values the top priority the agency places on helping people. “We simply want to provide the best service to our clients. By this, I mean we listen, gather information, and move swiftly to provide answers. Whenever I meet someone new or am helping another client, I hear about how nice and friendly our agency is. I’ve gotten to see how Bradish has been able to serve the community by providing coverage to many businesses here in the Chicagoland area but also around the United States! We are not bound to just Illinois, but we can help people who live in other states. So, we want to help as many people as possible.”
Outside the agency, you will most likely find Joe at the golf course, whether playing or practicing. “I love being outside, and golf provides that outlet when I need time to relax and have some fun.” Getting out to the movie theater and seeing the latest release is another fun hobby. Another top priority is spending time with his dog, Ranger.
For Joe, his work at Bradish all comes down to helping people to the best of his abilities. His passion for doing his best is something he learned from his father. “Growing up, my father implemented this Bible verse in our daily life: ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might’ (Ecclesiastes 9:10), all to glorify God.”
by Kris A. Mainellis
