Brightway Insurance congratulates our agencies celebrating milestone anniversaries this month. Thanks to these agency owners and their agents, residents in their communities have been experiencing a better way to protect their homes, vehicles and other important assets.
Several agency owners shared inspiring thoughts about their successful careers, why they chose Brightway and advice for others considering a similar path.
Benjamin Young—celebrating 5 years with Brightway Insurance
Brightway, The Young Agency – Abilene, TX
What has been the most rewarding part of owning a Brightway agency over the past five years?
The most rewarding part of owning this agency has been our ability to be continuously competitive for our clients. It has been such a blessing to be able to serve their needs during difficult times like the damage caused from hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and freezes, but equally as rewarding to keep their premiums competitive and provide them with more choice and options for their individual insurance needs. We love that we can be an agency that is reimagined around the needs of our clients, serving them not only in our agency, but focusing on continuous community involvement and community service as well.
Amy Briley—celebrating 1 year with Brightway Insurance
Brightway, The Briley Family Agency – Fuquay-Varina, NC
What inspired you to start a Brightway agency, and what has been the most rewarding part thus far?
I grew up in a family business where my dad built and restored homes in the Midwest. I saw many families’ lives shattered by losing their homes when disaster struck, often caused by tornados. I also witnessed what good insurance can do for people going through a crisis—it allowed them to rebuild their homes and protect their future dreams. They had a new roof over their heads and their family could feel safe again. I feel this connection every time I discuss insurance with a customer. I always advise them to plan for the worst but hope for the best. I never want them to be caught off guard or find themselves in a compromising position.
Relationships are very important to my husband and me. We know that helping someone make wise choices to protect their property and assets is ultimately helping them care for their greatest treasure: their family. That's why we love this business. We love helping people and businesses in our local community protect what they have worked so hard to build. It doesn't get much better than that!
By partnering with Brightway, we have so many avenues and options available to us to help our customers. This only makes our ability to help others that much stronger. We are excited for the years ahead, as we grow and make a mark on our local area of North Carolina!
Brad Bourque—celebrating 1 year with Brightway Insurance
Brightway, The Brad Bourque Agency – Gonzales, LA
What inspired you to open a Brightway agency?
I love talking with people and I had the opportunity of retirement with my previous career. I have a passion for sales, and I already knew the insurance business. I guess in the back of my mind, I always wanted to try and open an insurance agency. I am constantly learning something every day in this business.
Brandon Lester—celebrating 1 year with Brightway Insurance
Brightway, The Lester Agency – Ormond Beach, FL
What inspired you to open a Brightway agency, and what advice do you have for others interested in franchising?
Brightway offered the tools and training to allow me to hit the ground running upon opening my agency. The brand power and reputation of Brightway is a huge advantage when starting an agency from the ground up.
Cary Hafer—celebrating 1 year with Brightway Insurance
Brightway, The Hafer Agency – Missouri City, TX
What inspired you to start a Brightway agency, and what advice do you have for others interested in franchising?
Opening a Brightway franchise was the result of a dream coming to reality of becoming a small business owner. Having never worked in the insurance industry prior to opening my office, I have been able to rely on my customer service expertise as a way to gain loyal customers and build a sustainable business plan going forward.
My advice to anyone considering opening an office would be to do your research and know that with a little patience and a lot of hard work, Brightway truly offers an amazing business model with competitive product options. One year later, and I feel like I’m just getting started!
Jared Hill—celebrating 1 year with Brightway Insurance
Brightway, The Hill Agency – Davenport, FL
What inspired you to start a Brightway agency, and what advice do you have for others interested in franchising?
What inspired me to start an agency with Brightway was the access to carriers and the “you sell, we service” business model. As a salesman, I like to produce the highest numbers possible. With eliminating most of my servicing, it allows me to focus on growing new business.
To those interested in franchising, I would recommend having a business plan and doing research on locations. I personally chose a location in the middle of two high volume areas with no other insurance agents for a few miles every way of me. Also, my location is pending to become one of the biggest new build territories. With my location, I have done zero marketing personally and average at a minimum 10 quote calls a week, I have had upwards of 40 quote calls in a week. Location is a huge factor in growing a successful agency.
Curtis Caldwell—celebrating 1 year with Brightway Insurance
Brightway, The Caldwell Agency – Cumming, GA
What inspired you to start a Brightway agency, and what advice do you have for others interested in franchising?
I was inspired to start an insurance agency with Brightway, as it allows me to have appointments with carriers that would have been challenging to obtain on my own. Having a Brightway agency gives me the ability to be an insurance expert in my community, while building relationships with clients and customizing insurance to best fit their lifestyle and needs.
For new franchise owners, I would suggest following Brightway's business plan to build a successful agency, as well as utilizing the experts and resources they have in place for you to ensure your success.
If you’re interested in becoming a resource in your community and being your own boss, click here to request more information about starting a Brightway agency. We have multiple franchise models available to fit your goals.