Honoring His Hero with Vet-Focused Business - Lakeway’s Zissler Opens Brightway Insurance

Lakeway businessman Matthew Zissler is not a military veteran. However, when he opens his brand new Brightway, The Zissler Family insurance agency Monday, he’ll be giving back to the hero in his family’s lives.

A combat vet of the U.S. Army’s Fourth Infantry Division, Zissler’s father, Mark, served for three years during the Vietnam War. However, it would be the life he lived after his days in uniform that showed Matthew how important it is to care for our vets.

So, when he opens the doors on his Falcon Head Boulevard location next week, he’ll be committing part of his American Dream to help our military veterans in Lakeway and beyond.

Four dollars of every home and auto quote Zissler writes in 2023, in honor of his father’s Fourth Infantry Division, will be donated to the We Defy Foundation. The McKinney, Texas-based group provides long-term solutions to help vets coping with challenges after they return home to the states.

“We Defy gives scholarships to vets battling military-connected disabilities to help them receive training in Jiu Jitsu and fitness regimens,” Zissler said. “It’s conditioning for their bodies and minds that can help them cope with their years beyond the battlefield.” Zissler has been a student of the martial arts discipline himself for the past five years.

Making things ideal for our military heroes is something Austin is known for. A 2020 study showed the Texas capital is one of the 10 best cities in America for veterans to live, due in part to the availability of military skill-related careers, a favorable housing market and the close proximity residents have to Veteran’s Administration (VA) facilities in the region.

“I saw how tough some things were for my dad years after his Army days,” Zissler said. “Our vets are one of our most precious resources and we need to care for them however we can.”

With more than 1.5 military vets in the Lone Star State, more than 35,000 live in the Greater Austin area.

A collegiate track standout during his days at Northwood (’01) and Central Michigan University (’03), Zissler is the only son of four children. Today, Zissler, 42, and his wife, Josie, have five sons ranging in ages 11 to 18 months.

Brightway, The Zissler 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. (CST) and Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Visit them at their office at 14425 Falcon Head Boulevard, Building E, Suite 153 in Austin, online at BrightwayZisslerFamily.com or call 512-436-0770.

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 Matthew, 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 34 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.