Fast Forward: Helping Vets Through New Business - Military Family Opens Brightway, Supporting Vet Biking Alliance

This spring marks the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War. For many military families throughout Colorado Springs, it’s a time to reflect.

However, for one war vet and his wife, next week presents an opportunity to “Fast” forward and see how one new venture will help fellow vets face the future.

After careers focused on protecting fellow Americans, Vance and Wendy Fast are putting their strengths to work as they launch Brightway, The Fast Agency this Monday.

Vance, a former combat engineer in the U.S. Army, and his wife, Wendy, a long-time insurance pro, are teaming up on a new mission, involving their brand-new South Tejon Street insurance agency. Serving in the U.S. Army for 13 years, Vance would go on three tours to the Middle East, one of which was part of the first missions into Iraq during the Iraq War in 2003. For the 40-year-old father of three, it’s a memory that still plays a part in what motivates him today.

“We wanted to do something that would truly make a difference for veterans here at home,” Vance said. The brand-new business will serve the people of Colorado Springs. But also, it will play a role in keeping the wheels turning on a charity that they helped build to help our veterans rebuild their lives.

As President and Treasurer of the Rogue Veterans Mountain Bike Alliance, the Fasts are among the founding members of the Centennial State-based veterans’ non-profit organization. “So many vets come home with mental or physical issues that will change their lives long after their days of combat,” Vance said. “We formed this group to use our love of mountain biking to help other vets deal with any challenges they are now facing.” The nationally recognized support group is only three years old, but is starting to form chapters around the nation to help enhance the lives of prior and current service members through the popular outdoor sport.

“We plan to use our Brightway agency as a way to not only help provide a service to all families in the Springs, but to assist in funding the bike alliance, as well,” Wendy added. Both Wendy and Vance’s fathers served in the military, as well as worked in the mining industry in Colorado and Arizona, respectively. The Colorado Springs residents both hold degrees from Purdue University; Wendy earning a master’s degree in government accounting and Auditing and Vance earning a bachelor’s degree in project management.

The Fasts live in Colorado Springs with their three children Nicholas, 23, Joseph, 21 and Sara, 11. Joseph is currently stationed stateside while serving in the U.S. Army.

Brightway, The Fast 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. (MDT) and Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Visit them at their office at 102 South Tejon Street, Suite 1148 in Colorado Springs, online at BrightwayFast.com or call 719-895-1222.

For more information about the Rogue Veteran Mountain Bike Alliance, visit them online at RogueVeteransMountainBikeAlliance.com.

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 Vance and Wendy, 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 36 states and more than $1 billion 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.