Behnke & Company ("Behnke") can trace its roots in the insurance industry back to the early 1900s, based on previous contractual ties with the Hartford Insurance Company. Behnke had its beginnings in the late 1950s when David Behnke formed a partnership with the Irish Agency to form Irish-Behnke & Co., Inc. In 1983 the partnership became wholly owned by David Behnke and assumed its current name. Since 1991, W. Christopher Behnke has controlled and managed the agency.

Initially, Behnke & Company operated in Central Illinois, principally serving the Decatur area, writing primarily personal lines, small commercial businesses property and casualty, bonds, employee benefits and various other commercial insurance products. Beginning in 1992, the focus of Behnke's business activity expanded to larger, regional and national property & casualty and employee benefit accounts. This evolution was due to Chris Behnke's previous insurance experience along with the addition of other new key personnel to the firm. Since then, Behnke has continually expanded its insurance and risk management expertise and service capabilities. Behnke & Company has a broad range of customers which includes small to national commercial accounts; some being prominent nationally recognized entities. Behnke also acts as the exclusive broker for several national associations and buying groups.