Family Insurance Business Expands in St. Pete - Brady to Lead Brightway, The Craig Agency’s Newest Location

A familiar name in St. Petersburg business is leading the way as the nation’s largest insurance franchise grows in Pinellas County in 2023. Chris Craig and his father, Dr. Joe Craig, are growing their Brightway Insurance enterprise as they launch their second Brightway, The Craig Agency franchise in The Sunshine City Monday.

Current Brightway, The Craig Agency producer Sydney Brady will manage the new location opening on 1st Avenue North on January 9. A leader in the Brightway, The Craig Agency insurance enterprise, Brady will serve as the Designated Agency Principal of the family’s second location.

“Sydney has shown tremendous capability for handling customer concerns,” Chris Craig said. “She has many years of insurance industry experience and has proven to be very knowledgeable and adaptable. My father and I have great faith in her ability to run our new location.”

Chris and his father, long-time family dentist, Dr. Joe Craig, opened the first Brightway, The Craig Agency location three years ago on 4th Street North in St. Petersburg. Brightway, The Craig Agency is an annual donor to the St. Petersburg Free Clinic which offers dental services year-round. Dr. Craig regularly volunteers his services to the facility which provides dental care five days a week.

“This is the neighborhood our family grew up in. It’s where my dad has cared for the families of St. Pete for more than 40 years,” Chris added. “Being able to grow our Brightway business to this next level just three years after opening our first location here in St. Pete is a true testament to the service we are able to provide.”

Brightway, The Craig 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 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EDT) and Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Visit them at their office at 600 1st Avenue North, Suite 303A in St. Petersburg, online at BrightwayCraig.com or call 727-228-3111.

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 Chris and Joe, 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 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.