For Patrick Varnum, insurance is about much more than policies, premiums, and paperwork. It’s about helping people understand the protection they have, making informed decisions, and knowing they have someone local to turn to when questions arise.

As the owner and agency principal of Brightside Insurance Agency, Patrick has built his business around education, transparency, and creating meaningful relationships with clients throughout Illinois and Missouri. Through partnerships with more than 40 national insurance companies, Brightside focuses on finding insurance solutions for home, auto, and small business coverage.

Born in Honduras, Patrick grew up in the Belleville/Freeburg area before his family moved to Smithton in 2001. After graduating from McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois, Patrick and his family decided Smithton was where they wanted to build their future. That connection to the area has shaped the way he approaches business today, with a strong focus on being a local resource for the people and professionals he serves.

“My motto has been ‘helping clients see the Brightside of their insurance, one day at a time!’” Patrick shares.

For Patrick, the most rewarding part of the business is helping people become more knowledgeable about their coverage. He believes understanding insurance is essential, especially when it comes to protecting major assets like homes and vehicles.

“Too many people don't read the fine print and protection for your home and vehicles (typically your biggest assets) can vary widely depending on how your policies are set up,” he explains. “We want our clients to feel at ease that their local experts are always a phone call or email away when they have questions!”

Patrick’s path into insurance was not one he planned from an early age. He first considered the industry after being approached by a recruiter for State Farm through LinkedIn. At the time, insurance was not something he had seriously considered, but the opportunity opened his eyes to the importance of coverage.

“As a homeowner, I could not be more grateful to have learned how important coverage can be,” Patrick says.

After spending time in the industry, Patrick recognized an opportunity to create something different. Brightside Insurance Agency operates as an independent agency, allowing the team to focus on finding the right solutions rather than simply meeting sales goals.

“As an independent agency, we do not have any quota or specific goal we have to hit in order to have success,” Patrick says. “We do not need to sell just to sell.”

That philosophy shapes how Patrick works with clients. If moving someone’s insurance does not make sense, he is comfortable offering guidance even if that person does not become a client.

“I love working with clients to find win-win solutions: where they can get the coverage they want at a great price relative to the current markets,” he shares.

Brightside specializes in personal lines, including homeowners and rental property owners. Patrick believes the goal is not simply finding the lowest price, but creating a customized plan that balances cost and quality protection.

“Any agent can make a policy cheaper by lowering the coverage or providing a higher deductible, but my job is to find custom solutions for each individual client,” he says.

Over the past five years, Brightside has grown through honesty, transparency, and a focus on customer service. The agency works closely with realtors and lenders who want their clients to have a local insurance resource instead of a call center experience.

Patrick believes those relationships can make a meaningful difference during important moments, especially when someone is purchasing a home.

“Don't send your clients to a 1-800 number,” Patrick says. “Find a local agent that you can work with, that will help educate your clients.”

Brightside’s team includes Patrick’s business partners Jaclyn Schmitz and Tara Dickson. Together, they bring more than 35 years of combined ownership experience. Account manager Andrea Gastreich has been with the agency for two years, helping clients with renewals and claims processes, while office manager Madeline Trinity focuses on new client experiences and educating customers through social media.

Patrick credits much of his success to accountability, continuous improvement, and investing in people.

“Constantly holding myself accountable and a commitment to always being willing to improve,” he says. “I put my energy into building people and just helping them however I can.”

For Patrick, success is not defined only by business growth. It is about enjoying the life he has built and making a positive impact.

“Going to bed on a Sunday and not dreading the week I have ahead of me,” he says. “Feeling like I make a positive difference in people's lives, even when they aren't thinking about insurance.”

Outside of work, Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife, Angela, whom he has been married to for almost 20 years, and their sons Mason (19) and Oliver (12). The family enjoys playing games together, including board games, bags, and Mario Kart. Their two dogs, Indiana Bones, a golden retriever, and Sushi, an Australian Shepherd, also keep the family busy.

Looking ahead, Patrick hopes to continue growing Brightside by adding new talent to the team while staying focused on providing local, personalized service.