Marine turned agency owner uses
military skillset to lead his team
By Christopher W. Cook
Somehow, we were blown off course earlier this year. Apologies to all the Rough Notes readers who looked for a “Salute to Service” article in our May issue and couldn’t find one. Intentions were there; the piece didn’t materialize. But we’re back, with another chance to thank all our veterans who served and to share the story of one individual’s journey from the military to the insurance industry.
Patrick McBride, owner of The McBride Agency in Dixon, Illinois, served in the United States Marine Corps with the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Pendleton.
“I started out as a scout before moving to the Anti-Tank Platoon, where I was part of a crew that operated the TOW missile system providing overwatch,” McBride says. “I was also assigned to MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain), where I trained and operated in close-quarters battle and urban tactics. The combination of reconnaissance, heavy weapons systems, and urban operations gave me a wide range of experience and reinforced the importance of adaptability, precision, and teamwork in every mission.”
After being discharged, McBride relocated to Texas, where his passion for bicycles led him down a career path in that field, starting out with basic work—cleaning floors, answering phones, etc.—at a bicycle shop. “I just wanted to be around bikes and learn everything I could,” he says. “Before long, I was building bikes straight from the factory and learning how every part fit together. Once I got the hang of it, I moved into sales, where I found a knack for solving tough mechanical and fit issues. That curiosity led me to become a certified mechanic.”
After acquiring a combination of skills as a mechanic, McBride became a manager of multiple bike shop locations. “I spent a lot of time fitting riders to their bikes and building custom wheels; those were the two parts of the job I enjoyed the most,” he says.
“Over the years, I worked with several shops and brands, primarily those representing Trek, Giant, and Cannondale. I stayed active in mountain bike racing and triathlons, winning a state championship in 2007, serving on the steering committee for the Hotter’N Hell Hundred race in Wichita Falls, Texas, and founding Exodus Cycling, an organization dedicated to bringing cycling opportunities to underprivileged riders.”
But then something slowly began to change. “Bikes had always been a passion of mine, but eventually it started to feel like a job instead of something I loved,” he
“Insurance isn’t easy, but veterans are wired for work
that has a bigger purpose and demands consistent effort.
If you bring the same mindset you had in uniform,
you can build a meaningful and rewarding career in this industry.”
—Patrick McBride
Owner
The McBride Agency
In 2009, Patrick and his wife, Misty, suffered a tragic and painful loss when their daughter passed away. “It was our first experience going through an insurance claim,” he says. “That process showed me how insurance is designed to work when it matters most. After a meeting with our agent, I told my wife that I would only ever change careers if it was to go into insurance. I kept that promise.
“I wanted cycling to go back to being a hobby, and I knew it was the right time to make a transition.”
McBride started his insurance career as a producer at a local agent’s office. “He took me under his wing and taught me the business,” he says. “Early on I knew I wanted to own an agency so that I could give others the same level of care and guidance my family had received in our time of need. Two years later I opened my own office. I spent almost five years with a national captive carrier before opening my independent agency.
“Along the way, I made a small acquisition at the end of my first year and I continue to look for opportunities to grow and expand. Today I serve as the principal agent of The McBride Agency. My goal is to build a modern insurance experience while keeping the personal connection that matters most.”
A career for veterans
Through his experiences in the Marines, McBride feels that he was well prepared to be an agency owner. “The Marines taught me first and foremost that nobody is coming to save me,” he says. “Tomorrow will always be accountable to the choices I make today. My decisions impact me, my clients, and my team. That sense of accountability drives how I lead. And just like in the service, I’ve found that working side by side with people I trust makes every challenge easier.
“Uncertainty is a certainty. My time in the infantry showed me that you always have to be ready for change. The tactics may shift, but the mission stays the same. In insurance, the same principle applies. Claims, renewals, and client needs can change overnight. Our job is to adapt without ever losing focus on the mission of protecting our clients.”
McBride claims that even his leadership style is influenced by his days in the Marines. “I believe in being a ‘fighter leader,’ the kind of leader who works right alongside the team. When I ask people to step into this business with me, they know I’m in the fight, too. That builds trust and shared purpose.
“I also put a heavy emphasis on structure and accountability,” he continues. “Systems are built for success, and one of my favorite sayings is, ‘Execution without evaluation is just entertainment.’ We have to create a plan, execute it, evaluate what worked and what didn’t, and then reengage for better results. Without that process, you’re just passing time.”
His view on risk also changed from his time in the Marines. “Risk is everywhere, and it’s my responsibility to make sure clients are aware of it and to show them how to manage it,” he says. “We can’t remove risk, and we can’t prevent every claim, but we can prepare for how we’ll respond. People don’t rise to the occasion; they fall to the level of their training. That perspective is the same in combat and in business.”
When it comes to the insurance industry, McBride absolutely recommends it for veterans.
“This industry rewards the same traits that military service builds in you: discipline, accountability, adaptability, and a focus on service,” he says. “Veterans already know how to put the mission first, work as a team, and stay steady under pressure. That translates directly to helping clients manage risk and navigate challenges with confidence.
“What I love about this career, and what I think resonates with veterans, is the sense of purpose. You’re protecting families, businesses, and communities. It matters. And much like the service, you don’t do it alone. You rely on a team, you follow systems, and you constantly evaluate and improve.
“I always tell people, ‘It’s never as hard as it looks, but it’s not ever as easy as it seems.’ That line applies perfectly here. Insurance isn’t easy, but veterans are wired for work that has a bigger purpose and demands consistent effort. If you bring the same mindset you had in uniform, you can build a meaningful and rewarding career in this industry,” McBride concludes.
Do you know a veteran working in the insurance industry we should feature? If so, please email details about them as well as contact information to Chris Cook (chrisc@roughnotes.com).
