After spending most of the past two decades as a successful insurance pro in the Smoky Mountain region of East Tennessee, Ruskin, Florida’s Kevin Yates plans on putting his talents to work in the Tampa Metro next week.
Brightway, The Yates Agency insurance office opens in Brandon Monday. A former owner and operator of his own insurance agency back in his hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee, Yates recently made the decision to move south and take his shot in Hillsborough County.
“My wife (Cari) and I have wanted to move to Florida for some time,” Yates said. “That was all dependent on finding a way to make it all work. I thrive in a setting where I can play a part, my whole family does. I had a buddy in the industry who recently moved to Fort Meyers and asked if I’d be willing to relocate.” Yates is following in the footsteps of his father who raised his family on an insurance industry salary for more than 35 years.
Through the years, Yates has helped coach all his children in youth athletic programs. Now, although his days of amateur athletics ended before attending Walters State C.C. (TN) in Morristown, Tennessee and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, his most recent move mimics one of the biggest names in sports today.
“I guess you could say I’m taking my talents to Tampa,” Yates quipped in reference to his new venture. NBA standout LeBron James made his own career move to Florida years ago with the memorable phrase, “Taking my talents to South Beach.” His move led to an NBA World Championship for the Miami Heat. Although Yates may not end up in the Hall of Fame, he’s sure to make his goals count for his friends and neighbors in Hillsborough County.
Today, the Yates family has their eyes on scoring big in many ways across the Southeast. Their oldest child attends college on a basketball scholarship back in the Volunteer State, while their younger daughter and son are very active in youth athletics in Central Florida. And, although Cari will be working closely with Kevin on making their Brightway agency a slam dunk, she also has her eyes on a business plan of her own. “She’s considering either building a nutrition business or building on her experience producing youth athletics uniforms. So much of what we’ve done over the years revolves around our kids’ athletics,” Yates added. “It just makes sense to do what we know to help try and make an impact here in Central Florida.”
Brightway, The Yates 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. (EDT) and Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Visit them at their office at 522 Oakfield Drive in Brandon, Florida. You can also visit them online at BrightwayYates.com or call 813-822-3090.
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 Yates, 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 businesses.