Hughes Brennan & Wirtz, Inc., a full-line insurance agency, was founded in 1928 by J.G. Fogarty in Mallard, Iowa to service the growing need for auto insurance in Palo Alto County.  The agency was purchased in 1954 by Clifford Hughes, who moved the agency to Emmetsburg in 1962. 

Growth and perpetuation resulted in Jim Wirtz joining the agency in 1965 as a life and health producer and subsequesntly becoming a full-line licensed agent.  In 1966, HBW merged with Bill Brennan Agency and further expanded its ability to service the area.  In 1973, the Beryl Rupp agency was purchased and a substantial book of property casualty business was merged in the HBW agency.

In 1978, Phillip Andreasen, a graduate of the University of Iowa, joined the agency, bringing with him six years of broad insurance background from the St. Paul and INA insurance companies.

In 1999, Scott Wirtz, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, joined the agency with five year of experience with Allied Insurance in Iowa and Minnesota. Scott then became a full-lined licensed agent.

The diversified ages of the agency personnel gives Hughes Brennan & Wirtz a broad mix of experience, background, and community involvement. 

Some of our community and business involvements:

Two Chamber of Commerce Presidents

Rotary Club President

Education Foundation President

Church Board President

Two Country Club Presidents

Member of County Conservation Federation Board

Former Iowa House of Representatives Board

Former President of Iowa Independent Insurance Agents

H.H "Red" Nelsen Insurance Agent of the Year Award

Technical, Young Agent and Government Affairs Committee Members of the Independent Insurance Agents

United Security Life President's Club Member

National Traveler's Life President's Club Member

These are just a few of the activities that help the agency remain premiere in the area. 

Hughes Brennan & Wirtz was founded and continues to bring good service to the clients in our community, as well as an active role in the insurance community.