A Taste of New Business in Lehigh Valley - Martini Continuing Family Legacy of Small Business in Small Town U.S.A.

Being successful with a new business is all about knowing what the customer wants. And Wind Gap, Pa. native Sam Martini has known how to keep customers in Lehigh Valley happy his entire life.

Martini’s passion for business is partly thanks to his experience with his family’s restaurant right here at home. His father, Don, has owned and operated the Doghouse Bagel & Deli on State Route 94 in Blairstown, N.J. for nearly 30 years. Starting Monday, Martini will put that small business experience to work when he opens his new insurance office, Brightway, The Lehigh Valley Agency, right in the heart of Small Town U.S.A.

Knowing exactly what the customer wants has been a part of his family’s lives since before Martini was born. “A Pork Roll, Egg and Cheese on an Everything Bagel,” Martini quickly responded when asked what’s the most popular dish at the Doghouse. “During a couple of summers in high school, I spent a lot of time working at the restaurant. I enjoyed the fast-paced environment. That’s where I got so much of my passion for customer service. I just loved getting people exactly what they wanted.”

Licensed to sell insurance in both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey sides of the Lehigh Valley, Martini is looking forward to the opportunity to continue to serve others. “My Brightway agency will allow me to put that passion to work in my own backyard,” Martini said. Raised in the world of small business, the 24-year-old graduated from Penn State University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Golf Management.

A 2017 graduate of Pen Argyl High School (Pa.), Martini was a medalist for the Green Knight’s Golf Team. “My dad has had a golf club in my hand since the first time I could stand on my own two feet,” Martini added. “I’ve learned a lot about how a business works from our time and our talks out on the golf course.”

Although he is standing on his own two feet in the world of business, he is definitely not on his own as he prepares to launch Brightway, The Lehigh Valley Agency next week. “My Brightway team, from my local owners making this venture possible to my customer experience team who will help me assist our neighbors, has been second to none,” Martini said.

Martini’s business will open remotely while the agency shops for potential office sites in Warren County, N.J. Brightway, The Lehigh Valley 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 online at BrightwayLehighValley.com or call 908-864-5100.

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 Martini, 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 over 300 franchises in 30 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.