A dream that has been a lifetime in the making grows bigger Monday when Dora Sanchez and her family open Brightway, The Sanchez Family Agency insurance office in Central Islip.
The long-time New York businesswoman who opened Independence Multi Services in 2007 is launching her second venture next week. This time, she’s opening the city’s first franchise with the national insurance powerhouse. Sanchez has made her mark in the Empire State as a tax preparation pro, growing her book of business to more than 2,000 customers over the past two decades. Additionally, Sanchez has several years of real estate and previous insurance industry experience.
When Sanchez first came to the United States with her family 44 years ago, she already knew what she was going to do with her life.
“I’ve always wanted to run my own business,” Sanchez said. “After we moved here from Guatemala in the 70’s, my mother ran her own business selling clothing. Wanting to have my own thing that my family could be a part of has always been my plan.”
The 57-year-old entrepreneur often hires additional staff for her current business during the tax season. As her business portfolio grows with the addition of her new Brightway Insurance location, she is looking at what options are yet to come. “We are feeling out just how much business we will need to be ready to handle in the first few months,” Sanchez added. “When we open the doors Monday morning, my family and I will be handling the initial business. However, more employees are a very real possibility in the near future.”
Dora and her son, Juan Carlos, will be running the new Brightway, The Sanchez Family Agency on East Suffolk Avenue. “He (Juan Carlos) is working on getting his insurance license right now. My family has been so supportive,” Sanchez added. “My plan will be to turn it over to him and our family whenever I decide to retire.” Currently, her daughters Vanessa, 35, and Yanira, 34, are currently working in nursing and civil engineering, respectively. Sanchez is a graduate of John Bowne High School in Flushing, N.Y. and enrolled in the Business Administration program at Queensborough Community College.
Brightway, The Sanchez Family 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 BrightwaySanchezFamily.com or call 631-575-5517.
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 Sanchez, 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.
Juan Carlos and Dora Sanchez are opening Brightway, The Sanchez Family Agency August 15.