Paul Russel graduated from Purdue University in 1968. He gained extensive experience for his current career while working with insurance and benefits in the steel industry. He began his work in life insurance with the Aid Association for Lutherans in 1992, and in 2000 joined L.R. Hitzeman Roberts (which later changed its name to Hitzeman-Langen-Russel, or HLR). During his years with HLR, the business acquired U.S. Agency and Bekan Insurance, both in Schererville, IN. In 2005, Paul decided to venture away from HLR and begin a start-up agency in St. John, thus, Lighthouse Insurance Agency was born.

Paul has lived most of his life in Lowell with his wife Ruthann. He has two kids, Tim and Peter, and a dog, Ripley. He is a member of the St. John Chamber of Commerce and attends Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell. He is also a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, an honor given only to those who show exemplary sales in life insurance.