Mercury General Corp., Chairman

Joseph, who turned 100 on Sept. 11, founded Mercury in 1961. He is the firm’s largest shareholder with 34% of Mercury’s stock. Mercury, a public company with a market value approaching $2.9 billion, markets personal, auto and homeowners’ insurance through independent agents. The Mid-Wilshire-based company reported $3.74 billion in premiums last year and has more than 9,400 agents in 11 states. Joseph navigated a B-17 bomber during World War II and earned math and physics degrees from Harvard University. Favored philanthropic causes for Joseph and his wife, Vicky, include Cal State Fullerton, USC, Harvard, Cedars-Sinai and Good Samaritan Hospital.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 5