While cleanup efforts continue three weeks after one of the state’s most powerful storms to date, a South Florida business family is launching a venture to help Floridians prepare for the future.
Hurricane Ian is responsible for an estimated $70 billion in damage since its devastating landfall on September 28. More than $10 billion of the destruction is due to uninsured flood loss as a result of Ian, the fourth-largest hurricane to ever strike the U.S. mainland. This Monday, Brightway, The Mavic Agency insurance office will open to the public to offer a wide range of coverage options through multiple carriers.
“I was just 10 years old when Hurricane Andrew changed our lives forever,” said Diana Lee, Brightway, The Mavic Agency franchisee. “Our family was without power for two weeks. I remember we had all kinds of leaks in our roof. However, we had family who lived south of us who lost everything. Hurricanes not only impact lives the day they strike. They change those lives forever.”
Lee’s family also knows quite a bit about shaping lives through the work being done in the Broward County business community. With more than 15 years of sales, administrative and realty experience on her resume keeping her connected across South Florida, it’s also her family’s work in assisted living that has served as an important piece in the Miami and Pembroke Pines communities. That’s where her parents own and operate two franchises of Petals Care, an assisted living facility for individuals with disabilities.
Lee’s parents first moved stateside in the 1970s from Jamaica. “They still own a nursing and retirement home in Ocho Rios. Their entrepreneurial spirit really has been a motivating factor for me in opening this new business,” Lee said. “Plus, it’s work that is so close to my heart. Especially after what so many across the state have gone through these past couple of weeks.” Valleygrove Nursing and Retirement Home in Jamaica is the island country’s longest-operating facility of its kind.
A founding contributor for the Broward Mom Collective, a local resource for families, and a volunteer who sits on several Broward County Public School Advisory Boards, Lee is always looking for ways to make a lasting impact that helps her family, friends and neighbors. Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in health administration from the University of Phoenix.
The 40-year-old franchisee and her husband, Guyanese-native Robin Baptiste, both North Miami Senior High School alums, will operate the business at 1500 Weston Road in Weston. “Robin is an amazing sales professional with a strong customer service background,” Lee said. “We are a great sales and service team that knows the area, as well as what’s important to our neighbors in the good times and the not-so-good times.”
Brightway, The Mavic 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 online at BrightwayMavic.com or call 754-946-5040. Brightway, The Mavic Agency serves South Florida, including Weston, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood and Sunrise.
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 Lee, to focus on new business sales and provide customers with 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 31 states and more than $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.