Before franchising with Brightway, Tommy Bailey worked in pharmaceutical sales but always wanted to build something that he could call his own.
“Brightway was the best opportunity to do just that,” said Tommy. “I knew I wanted to own my own insurance franchise, but I was undecided on who I wanted to partner with until I attended Brightway's Day of Discovery.”
Discovering a bright future
Brightway’s Day of Discovery, or DOD, allows potential franchisees to learn more about the company, the franchising process and the support provided by interacting with company leaders in an immersive presentation, currently held virtually. Attendees also have the ability to ask questions and share feedback throughout the presentation.
“DOD not only answered any lingering questions or concerns I had, but it left me really excited and wanting to start with Brightway immediately,” said Tommy. “The company culture was clearly portrayed that day, and all of Brightway’s leaders on the call wanted to get to know each of us personally. It was clear to me that, though I was opening my own business, I had the resources and support from everyone at Brightway to help me along my journey. If I wasn’t sold before that day, there was no question that I was sold after. It’s a very positive experience, and I haven’t felt that before with another company. None of it felt fabricated—it felt genuine.”
Learning from experts
Tommy started the onboarding and training process with Brightway in the summer of 2021. Because he had no prior experience in insurance, he knew learning the industry would be challenging at first. Therefore, he made sure to lean on Brightway’s Agency Development Consultants, or ADCs, for support. During the onboarding process, each Brightway agency owner is assigned an ADC to connect with on a one-on-one basis, giving them direct access to an expert when questions arise.
“I consider it a privilege to be a part of the ADC team,” said Brightway ADC Drew Arnold. “My peers are some of the most knowledgeable individuals I have worked with, and Brightway did a fantastic job ensuring their agency network has access to such a tremendous resource. We all take great pride in providing holistic business support to increase efficiency and profitability. Our jobs are made easier when we can work with goal-oriented agency owners, and Tommy is no exception. Tommy's success is a testament to his professionalism and drive. I look forward to continuing to help support new agency owners like Tommy and watch their businesses grow.”
Tommy has found the support from Brightway’s ADCs, especially from his assigned consultant Drew, to be invaluable in his journey to success as a business owner.
“By far one of the most valuable resources to me are the Brightway ADCs, who all provide decades of experience in the insurance industry,” expressed Tommy. “Drew’s support has significantly helped flatten my learning curve. Whenever I had questions about the quoting process or any other situation, he would willingly work on it together with me no matter how long it took. I could tell he truly wanted me to be successful and to help me as much as possible.”
Engaging all resources and connecting with the community
Tommy’s advice to prospective franchisees is to take advantage of all the resources Brightway offers.
“You should feel confident that Brightway offers all the support you need to be successful,” Tommy emphasized. “I don’t know where I’d be right now if I hadn’t used all the resources offered.”
His willingness to learn and dedication to success has led Tommy to build a prominent agency presence in Jacksonville. Tommy opened Brightway, The Bailey Agency in December 2021 and has been growing ever since.
Along with offering customers customized insurance coverage, Tommy also prioritizes supporting his community and meaningful causes. This past April, he was proud to participate as a sponsor at the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville’s Charity Golf Classic.
“It was great to raise money for kids with Down Syndrome and their families,” said Tommy. “This cause is personal to me, as one of my best friends has a child with Down Syndrome. I was proud to take part in supporting this special event.”
Tommy also sponsored a fishing tournament event in partnership with American Integrity Insurance Group on Friday, August 5, pictured above. He shared resources and information about boat owners insurance with local residents.
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