Kyle Corrigan

The honest answer? I followed a girl there—pun intended, given where my career eventually took me! But that’s another story.

What brought me to Parkside and what I ultimately gained from being there were very different things. I found a community that challenged me, an education that helped prepare me for my career, and experiences that shaped the direction of my life.

I was involved in Psychology Club and played intramural basketball. I also worked while attending school, including driving a school bus in Racine and handling charter routes for Case IH. Between classes, work, and basketball, I stayed busy.

Some of my favorite memories are the quietest ones. When most students went home for the weekend, I enjoyed walking through the nearly empty campus and the campus woods. That quiet time gave me room to think and recharge.

I also loved playing intramural basketball with the guys. And, of course, there were the “Thirsty Thursdays.” It was a good balance of friendships, competition, and time to myself.

State Public Defender attorney and lecturer Darryl Kastenson had a lasting influence on me. During one of his criminal procedure lectures, he explained the bright-line rule in law: a clear standard that reduces ambiguity and provides objective guidance.

That lesson stayed with me long after graduation. When I founded Bright Line Investigations, it became the inspiration for our name and our approach to the work: separating verified facts from assumptions and bringing clarity to uncertainty. One classroom discussion helped shape the identity of an entire company.

My dual degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology helped prepare me for a career that requires understanding both the legal system and human behavior. That combination gave me a foundation for evaluating evidence, interviewing people, and understanding the circumstances behind a case.

But what I thought was the finish line—earning my degrees—was really just the starting line.

Education never ends. Neither does professional development nor building relationships. Graduation gave me a foundation to build on, and I’ve continued learning through advanced education, professional training, mentors, colleagues, and the work itself.

Parkside also taught me to stay curious and open to people with different experiences and perspectives. Those lessons continue to shape how I investigate, lead, and mentor others.

Yes. In September of 2026, I gave a guest lecture for Dr. Keith Biddle’s Criminal Justice class. It was an opportunity to share practical experience from my investigative career and help students connect what they’re learning in the classroom with professional practice.

Through Bright Line’s internship and mentorship work, I’ve stayed committed to helping students gain practical investigative experience. I’d like to build on my connection with Parkside through additional guest lectures, mentorship, and opportunities for students to explore careers in professional investigations.

Protect your integrity. Work hard. Stay curious. Stay humble. Show up and build real relationships.

Don’t assume your career has to follow a straight line. Mine certainly hasn’t. Be a pioneer and blaze a trail where you’re called. Be willing to learn from people whose backgrounds are different from yours, and don’t overlook an opportunity because it doesn’t look exactly like the plan you had in mind.

Your degree is a starting point. Keep investing in your education, professional development, and relationships. Once you’ve gained knowledge and experience, share them. Success means more when you help someone else move forward.

Watching people I’ve mentored grow into professionals who are now teaching and leading others.

One example is Jordan Reed, a former Bright Line intern who now serves with Homeland Security Investigations and teaches surveillance techniques to other HSI personnel. Years ago, while we were conducting surveillance on a rural road in Iowa, I told him that someday he might be teaching those same techniques to his own investigators.

Jordan earned his success through his own ability, discipline, and work ethic. Knowing that we helped provide part of his foundation—and that he’s now passing those lessons on is incredibly rewarding.

My faith has had the greatest influence on how I understand my purpose and responsibilities. It reminds me that knowledge, experience, and opportunity come with an obligation to serve others.

Professionally, mentors Dean Gluth and Thomas Fischer invested in me and helped me grow. Dean’s advice, “Faces get cases,” taught me the importance of showing up, building relationships, and earning trust.

Valerie Gargas, our Operations and Intelligence Director, has also made an enormous difference. I prayed for someone who could handle the day-to-day responsibilities with the same care and dedication I would, and Valerie knocked at my door. She’s earned my trust through her judgment, commitment, and willingness to stand with us through thick and thin.

“If you can’t be on time, be early.” — Dick Bennett, Wisconsin Men’s Basketball Coach, 1995-2001

It’s a simple reminder that preparation and dependability matter. Showing up early means you’re ready, you respect other people’s time, and you’re taking your responsibilities seriously.

The last book I read was By Way of Deception by Victor Ostrovsky. It’s an account of his experiences with Mossad, including intelligence training and his allegations about its operations.

Given my profession, I’m interested in books that explore investigative methods, human behavior, and the ethical responsibilities that come with gathering and using information.

Golf, especially walking 18 holes while carrying my clubs. I enjoy being outdoors, getting some exercise, and having time to clear my head.

While studying Criminal Justice and Psychology at Parkside, I was also driving a school bus in Racine and transporting employees and visitors to the Case IH training center. I also worked as a day camp counselor in the summers for the Racine and Kenosha YMCAs. I also refereed Saturday morning basketball games at the YMCA in Racine…with a few blown calls, I’ll admit it!

People often picture an investigator’s background as a straight path through law enforcement. Mine wasn’t. Working my way through college taught me a great deal about people, responsibility, and earning trust. Those lessons were just as valuable as anything I’ve learned in a classroom.

This recognition means a great deal because Parkside is where an important part of my story began. A lesson from one of my classes eventually became the name and philosophy of my company.

My name may be on the award, but the recognition also reflects the contributions of our team, our mentors, our clients, and the young professionals who’ve trusted us to help them grow.

I hope my story reminds students that they don’t need to have everything figured out when they arrive. Stay open to learning, recognize the people who invest in you, and be willing to do the same for someone else.