The Business Journey: From Venezuela to the U.S. - Orange County Business Pro Expands Insurance Enterprise

Born and raised along the coast of the Caribbean Sea, Orange County business pro Luis Neves is setting sail on his latest adventure stateside. Nearly 2,000 miles from the shores of his South American beach hometown, Kissimmee resident Luis Neves will open his new Brightway, The Neves Agency insurance office next week.

Following in the footsteps of his father who is a civil engineer back in Venezuela, Neves earned an engineering degree. With a passion for helping make things work out, the Universidad de Santa Maria (Venezuela) alum began to sell health insurance in 2020. Three years later, Neves is expanding his enterprise when he opens his Village Park Drive Brightway location on Monday.

Like his two siblings, the 33-year-old entrepreneur’s journey began when he immigrated from Venezuela. Like the more than seven million Venezuelans who have fled their homeland, Neves and his siblings made the decision mostly to avoid the ongoing economic and political turmoil. Venezuela ranks among the highest in the world in murder and human trafficking cases among its citizens.

“We wanted to do better for ourselves,” Neves said. “We needed something else for us, for our kids. Fortunately, we made the move and I was able to find an amazing way to still help people through the insurance industry.”

His brother, Eudomar, now lives in Spain, while his sister, Mairim, has called Canada home for the past 16 years.

Neves and his wife, Venecia Lamanna, first moved to the states in 2017. Six years later, Venecia is now a successful realtor in Central Florida. “Working with my current customers, as well helping the new homeowners Venecia works with, has helped led to this new venture with Brightway,” Neves said. Today, more than 100,000 Venezuelan Americans call the Sunshine State home.

Brightway, The Neves Agency habla español and 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 13538 Village Park Drive, Suite 215A in Orlando, online at BrightwayNeves.com or call 407-955-9100.

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 Luis, 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 35 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.