20 Years Later: Iraq War Vet Opens His American Dream - South Florida Business Pro Unveils Brightway Agency

With more than a quarter of a million post-9/11 military vets living in the Sunshine State, this Spring marks an anniversary they won’t soon forget: The Iraq War beginning in Spring of 2003. And for one Coral Springs businessman, it’s a part of his life that has helped him shape an American Dream becoming a reality next week.

This Monday, Jamaica-born Andrei Byfield will open his very own business as he unlocks the doors on Brightway, The Byfield Agency. And two decades removed from his first of five tours into the Middle East, Byfield couldn’t be more thankful for his newest mission on Highland Center Way.

“We moved to the U.S. from Jamaica in 1995. Two years later, I enlisted in the U.S. Army,” Byfield said.

“I was 29 years old when I started my eight years of active duty, followed by 13 years in the reserves. When the first troops went into Iraq at the onset of the Iraq War, it would end up being my first of five tours to the region.”

Over the next decade, Byfield would serve in Iraq and Afghanistan as an aircraft powerplant repairer (helicopter repair) and military intelligence agent during his time in active duty and in the reserves, respectively. He would retire as a Sergeant from active duty in 2005, rising to Sergeant First Class after stepping down from the reserves in 2018.

Today, the 56-year-old business pro from Delray Beach is leaning on his strong family roots to help shape this new direction as he spends his retirement years building a second life most can only dream of.

“My mom worked in insurance as an analyst and my dad was a police officer in Jamaica for more than 30 years,” Byfield shared. “Protecting people has always been in my DNA, I guess.” That upbringing, combined with a very serious accident in which another motorist crashed into his mother’s car, definitely turned his attention to the industry. “She fractured a couple of vertebrae in her back as a result. Now she had coverage which helped. However, it turned out we were fortunate since my insurance provided additional coverage since she lived with me at the time. Learning all the background of the business really caught my attention.”

Brightway, The Byfield Agency offers customized Home, Flood, Auto, Boat, Condo, Renters, Personal Articles, RV, Motorcycle, Umbrella, and Life insurance policies from numerous insurance companies. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EDT) and Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Visit them at their office at 11555 Heron Bay Boulevard, Suite 228 in Coral Springs, online at BrightwayByfield.com or call 954-715-7273.

Brightway’s corporate office staff provides expertise and support in areas including customer service, technology, accounting, marketing, distribution and business analytics. In addition, Brightway handles carrier relations and appointments, as well as support with personnel hiring, licensing, onboarding, training and retention. The company’s signature after-the-sale service empowers Agency Owners, like Andrei, to focus on new business sales and provide customers the personalized service they deserve.

About Brightway Insurance

Established in 2008, Brightway grew to become one of the largest privately-owned property/casualty insurance distribution companies in the U.S. with more than 300 franchises in 36 states and more than $1 billion in annual premiums. Recently, Brightway’s success led to a private equity investment that has infused the company with financial and human capital, and data and analytics access, to accelerate growth and deliver new and exciting market opportunities.

Brightway produces winning outcomes for franchisees and their customers by offering access to customized coverage solutions from a range of insurers paired with full back office and marketing support. This winning model allows agents and producers to focus on addressing the needs of their customers to become trusted advisors and grow their businesses.