For more than 20 years, Gilbert Salinas made a fruitful living training and leading employees with a focus on safety, reducing costs and providing a quality product. And now, it’s those benefits that Salinas, and his wife, Angelica, will be focused on when they open their new business in the Valley July 5.
Brightway, The Salinas Agency Insurance officially opens its doors on the first Tuesday in July. Located on the 16th floor of the Chase Tower, McAllen’s tallest building, Salinas is quite literally moving upward and onward from his previous life.
“I’ve worked for a good employer in the citrus growing industry for a long time. Saving and making them lots of money over the years. I’ve truly had a good career right here at home. But I wanted more,” Salinas said. So, after a long talk with his wife about her finance management experience in the auto sales industry, it was made clear what step the couple would be taking next.
“She said that nothing happens in her industry without insurance being in place,” Gilbert added. “Well, after working so long in a line of work where you learn how to take care of people and save money in the process, it felt like a natural fit to make this move.” Next month, the South Texas couple opens their new Brightway Insurance agency; a business that was ripe for the picking.
A graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, Salinas holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a focus on Organizational Leadership. With previous insurance sales experience in his past, Salinas is excited about the opportunity to help look after those from the Valley he considers his friends and family.
“In my management role, I was able to gain the trust of the teams I helped build. And now, so many of those have been excited to reach out to me and say they’d follow me anywhere,” Salinas proudly added. “I like knowing I have the chance to continue to help protect the hundreds of good men and women I’ve been proud to call co-workers over the years. I’m flattered they feel this way about me. I hope I make them proud in the years to come.”
His wife, Angelica, holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Finance from the University of Texas-Pan American, now known as the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. "We are thrilled to be opening a business here in the Valley which truly helps protect our friends and the families right here at home,” she said. “As a Brightway Agency, we are armed with choices and options no one else can offer. We are very excited about having this opportunity.”
With customer service experience in both of their careers, Salinas says the combination of their background, the options Brightway offers and the people of the Valley make this a win-win-win scenario. The couple has four children and currently resides in McAllen.
Brightway, The Salinas 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. and Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Visit them online at BrightwaySalinas.com or call 956-462-2090.
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 Gilbert and Angelica, 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 business.