Houston business owner Chris Perkins knows a thing or two about keeping his eyes open for the traps that could hurt you, your loved ones or your friends. The former U.S. Navy specialist whose operation time was spent at sea aboard the USS Guardian and the USS Warrior locating mines will now help protect his fellow Houstonians with a new mission. Perkins is launching Brightway, The StarTex Agency insurance office on Monday.
After spending more than 25 years working in manufacturing management and sales in the Greater Houston area, the 48-year-old entrepreneur is expanding his enterprise to include insurance.
“After more than a couple of decades working with Fortune 500 companies, I really feel like it is time to do what I’m best at here in my hometown,” Perkins said. A 2000 alum of the University of Houston – Clear Lake, Perkins served two years of active duty with Mine Counter Measures (MCM) Rotational Crew Delta.
“I spent time in operations looking for mines in the waters near Korea and Japan, as well as participating in minesweeping exercises with the South Korean and Japanese Navy,” Perkins said. “Of course, after spending the last two years of my life working in real estate closings and running my notary signing business, I learned that I’m more than capable to handle any of the surprises that come our way in everyday life. Being able to see the obstacles before others can often helps me excel in insurance.”
Pekrins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He and his wife, Brenda, have two children and will be married 20 years this April.
Brightway, The StarTex 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 3334 Richmond Avenue, Suite 123 in Houston, online at BrightwayStarTex.com or call 713-234-0080.
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, 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 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.