Hugh Donegan Circa 1936
Barnard Donegan Insurance (BDI) isn’t just an insurance agency—it’s a part of Seguin’s fabric, woven into the community for over 100 years. Its history is full of personal stories, local involvement, and deep roots that trace back to the early 20th century. Here’s the story of BDI, told through the memories of Bruce Barnard, who has been a part of this journey since 1973.
The Early Days: Donegan Insurance is Born
The story begins in 1911 when Hugh Donegan founded Donegan Insurance. The Donegan family was well-established in Seguin, with their hands in various industries, including banking, title work, and insurance. Hugh Donegan himself had a broad vision for the future, creating an agency that would serve the growing needs of the Seguin community.
As Bruce Barnard recalls, Emmett Donegan, Hugh’s nephew, didn’t initially plan to work in insurance. Emmett had his heart set on banking, working at Nolte Bank with his father. However, when Hugh was ready to retire from the insurance business, Emmett’s father convinced him to take over the agency. And so, in the late 1950s, Emmett Donegan became the leader of Donegan Insurance.
Downtown Seguin Texas Circa 1920s
Bruce Barnard Joins the Story
In 1973, Bruce Barnard, fresh out of college and just 21 years old, started his journey with Donegan Insurance. He remembers the opportunity as a pivotal moment in his life, working for a family that was deeply involved in Seguin’s community life.
“I actually came to work here in 1973 as a youngster,” Bruce recalls. “Mr. Emmett Donegan owned Donegan Insurance at that time. Hugh, his uncle, had started the agency in 1911, and the Donegan family had deep roots here. Emmett’s dad was in banking, and his uncles had a title company, a law firm, and banks. Seguin was a small town, and everyone knew everyone.”
Bruce speaks fondly of the family and community culture that surrounded the agency. In the 1970s, Donegan Insurance was located in the Chamber of Commerce building, and they later moved down the street, establishing their long-term home on Camp Street.
A Community-Oriented Legacy
Seguin in the 1970s and 80s was a place where community involvement was everything. The Donegans were deeply tied to Seguin’s growth, serving not only in insurance but also in banking, law, and more. Bruce highlights how Donegan Insurance was the agency that local entities trusted. “We handled the city, the county, the schools, and the hospital. In fact, in the early days, we didn’t fight over clients with other local agents; we’d service the accounts and share commissions, keeping everything local,” Bruce says.
The Donegan brothers—Benton, Henry, Emmett, and John—were pillars of Seguin. Together, they operated businesses such as Nolte Bank, First National Bank, Seguin Savings and Loan, Donegan Abstract, and of course, Donegan Insurance. As Bruce tells it, “The Donnegans were involved in every aspect of Seguin’s community life.”
Becoming Barnard Donegan Insurance
In 1993, Bruce Barnard took over the business from Emmett Donegan, marking a new chapter in the company’s long history. “I got the chance to buy the agency from Emmett, and it became Barnard Donegan Insurance. It’s been a long ride since then, and we’ve grown and merged with several other agencies over the years.”
One of the things Bruce is most proud of is BDI’s ability to evolve while staying true to its local roots. “We’ve always had a deep connection to the community, whether it was ensuring businesses, local government, or families. As we grew, we expanded outside of Seguin, and now we serve clients across the country, but we’ve never forgotten where we came from.”
A New Era: David Pope Takes the Helm
Five years ago, Bruce made a pivotal decision for the agency’s future by bringing on David Pope, the current CEO of BDI. David merged his own insurance agency with Barnard Donegan Insurance, and together, they forged a new chapter for the company. Since then, David has run the company, building on its long-standing reputation while expanding its reach and influence.
Under David’s leadership, BDI has continued to thrive, further establishing its niche expertise in areas like hotel insurance, trucking, and non-profits. The partnership between Bruce and David has allowed the agency to evolve while maintaining the deep-rooted values that have sustained it for over a century.
Pictured Here: David Pope, CEO, Craig Donegan, Emmett Donegan, Bruce Barnard, and Scott Barnard.
An Evolving Future, Rooted in History
Today, BDI is more than just a local agency. It has evolved into a specialty insurance provider, with niches in hotel insurance, trucking, and non-profits. However, Bruce and David never lose sight of the agency’s humble beginnings. “We started as a generalist agency, but now we’re known for our expertise in key industries. But we still hold onto the values that made us successful—a commitment to community and a focus on doing what’s right for our clients,” says Bruce.
As Seguin continues to grow, Barnard Donegan Insurance is positioned to grow with it. “Seguin has changed so much since I started,” Bruce reflects. “But we’ve been here through all the changes, and we plan to be here for many more.”
Where Barnard Donegan Insurance is Today
From its founding in 1911 to today, Barnard Donegan Insurance has been a cornerstone in Seguin’s history. With over a century of service, the agency’s legacy is one of growth, community involvement, and a commitment to protecting what matters most to its clients. As Bruce puts it, “We’ve been here through the ups and downs of Seguin, and we’re proud to continue our journey alongside this great community.”
Contact us today to learn how Barnard Donegan Insurance can help protect what matters most to you.
