PBN Leaders & Achievers Awards 2026
GREG AGNONE
Chestnut Hill Insurance Group CEO and president
After his dad passed away in 1987, Greg Agnone realized his mom, a stay-at-home parent, was dealing with financial matters without any real training.
“After helping her navigate matters from selling my dad’s CPA business to writing a check, I decided there was a real need for an honest person of integrity helping people in similar situations,” said Agnone, CEO and president of Chestnut Hill Insurance Group in Glocester.
Today, Agnone leads what he calls a “crusade” to keep local, smaller insurance agencies a viable alternative to the national agencies now prevalent in the state.
“We are acquiring these smaller agencies, retaining staff and location whenever possible, and giving clients the kind of attention that existed before call centers,” Agnone said. “We truly enjoy bringing a little brightness into the lives of our customers.”
Customers who arrive for an appointment at a Chestnut Hill location are met by a welcome sign with their name and greeted by staff who know their beverage of choice from previous visits.
“In effect,” Agnone said, “they realize they are not just a number with Chestnut Hill – they are our friends and neighbors. Our tag line of ‘Helping the community, one person at a time’ is something we take very seriously.”
Besides being a certified financial planner and insurance professional, Agnone is also a radio talk show panelist on WOON’s “Coffee An’ ” every Thursday, taking an educational approach to financial and insurance topics.
“We do not sell anything on the show and merely provide information,” Agnone said. “Feedback has been outstanding since we use a plain English method of conveying important information.”
Inspired by great achievers like Cornelius Vanderbuilt, John Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan and Andrew Carnegie, Agnone says keeping the passion for his work is easy.
“These guys all took calculated risks, acted on them in a deliberate and courageous manner, and really loved the journey,” Agnone said. “I realize that our time on this earth is limited. I love the journey as well and am driven to make a difference and build a legacy.”
