A Single Mom’s Life: “Insuring” Her Future - South Florida Woman Honoring Mother with Brightway Launch

When it comes to the numbers, West Palm Beach business owner Sujei Sanchez is defying the odds. A U.S. Census Bureau report shows that 80 percent of single-parent families in America are led by single mothers. A similar study reveals that more than 80 percent of those mothers are considered “economically insecure.” But thanks to the determination of her own mother, and a dream to give her children everything they would need, Sanchez is “insuring” her family’s future with the launch of Brightway, The Isabel Alexander insurance agency Monday.

As her mother would work hard through the years to help her young family get everything her children would need, Sanchez remembers it was their insurance agent who played a pivotal role; in helping her mother succeed and playing a small part in her pursuit of her own American Dream one day.

“He became a part of our family from day one in South Florida,” Sanchez said. “I was only six when mom moved us from New York to South Florida in hopes of something better for us. Originally from Colombia, my mom had to work hard to do all she could to raise five kids.” Sanchez vividly remembers that first small Florida apartment they shared nearly forty years ago, with all of the children sharing one bedroom.

Years later, when her mother would suffer the first of two strokes requiring lengthy rehabilitation, it was their insurance agent who helped in an unexpected way. “I didn’t know how to drive and didn’t have a driver’s license,” Sanchez recalls. “He worked with me and helped me learn how. Eventually, I got my driver’s license and was able to get my mom to and from her therapy sessions. It made a difference.”

It was that powerful impact, combined with the needs of her family, that turned Sanchez down a new path. Originally accepted into a Pre-Law path at Boston University, her mother’s health led to Sanchez making a different decision. “She took care of us all on her own. It was our time to return that gift. I didn’t want to leave my mom,” Sanchez said. After taking two jobs, as well as night school classes at Florida International University, then Palm Beach State College, Sanchez was able to help transport her mom to therapy for nearly four years. Her mom, Isabel Alexander, would live another 20 years before succumbing to a ruptured aneurysm and a second stroke at the age of 69.

Monday morning, Sanchez will officially open the doors on her Brightway Insurance office named in her mother’s honor.

“I’m now a single mother, too. I want my kids to see in me what I so loved about my mother,” Sanchez said. “She made this all possible by making me who I am today. This is just a legacy I’m continuing.” Brightway’s Isabel Alexander Agency insurance office will serve West Palm Beach and the surrounding areas.

Watching closely is Sanchez’ daughter who is studying nursing at Florida International University. Her son, a student at Palm Beach Central High School, says he plans to be a commercial airline pilot one day. “I’ve always said I wanted to travel to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates,” Sanchez added. “Ever since he learned of that, he’s had a dream to become a pilot and promises me he is going to fly me there.” Sanchez currently serves as the high school’s School Advisory Council President.

Brightway, The Isabel Alexander 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. (EST) and Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Visit them at their office at 6500 South Dixie Highway, Suite E, in West Palm Beach, online at BrightwayIsabelAlexander.com or call 561-461-0101.

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 Sujei, 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 34 states and over $900 million 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.