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Twin Powers Launch Brightway - Nastoff Brothers Grow Family Business Legacy in U.P.

Sep 23, 2022

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A family known for doing business off of Lake Michigan will see its legacy continue Monday as two of Delta County’s most well-known brothers open Brightway, The Nastoff Agency insurance office.

The 33-year-old twin brothers, Nathan and Nicolas Nastoff, have been exposed to the business world in Delta County their entire lives. “Ever since we were running our own lemonade stand when we were five, business has been in our blood,” Nathan said.

While other kids in the 1990s were dreaming of being professional athletes, doctors and lawyers, the Nastoff brothers were busy with dreams of their own.

“Nick (Nicolas), our cousin and I would draw what our store would look like, think about what kind of business we’d have and make plans to make it happen. We would imagine owning everything from pet stores to restaurants.”

Their business careers which began with selling cool summer drinks during the Escanaba summers, grew as they worked in their family’s old restaurant in Gladstone. Their stepdad, Michael Pouliot owned and operated the Terrace Bay Inn Restaurant on the P Road off of Lake Michigan. “I worked different areas as I learned how to do everything from preparing dishes to serving customers at the front desk.”

The self-proclaimed “Twin Powers” have worked together well through the years. With nearly 25 years of combined sales and mortgage experience, the Nastoff brothers agreed that one piece of the mortgage puzzle that could be improved was insurance.

“It is always one of the most difficult parts of the home buying process for our clients,” Nathan added. “I have some insurance background on my resume. So, we talked about it and decided to get licensed and do it ourselves. Opening our Brightway agency is all about helping our customers and their families any way we know how.”

That customer service mentality is having an impact on their own family as Nicolas’ kids are now running the latest franchise in the Nastoff lemonade industry in Delta County.

“It started as exclusively a lemonade stand last year,” Nicolas said. “But, I guess they were forecasting the needs of our neighbors and they added slushies and fidget spinners to the Summer 2022 menu. So they call it, ‘Lemonade and More! They know their customers. Maybe our Brightway business will be staying in the family when we are ready to retire.”

Nicolas holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Lake Superior State University, while Nathan attended culinary school and studied within the Applied Science program at Bay De Noc Community College.

Brightway, The Nastoff 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. (CDT) and Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Visit them online at BrightwayNastoff.com, at their office at 2015 1st Avenue North, Suite C in Escanaba or call 906-767-0020.

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 Nathan and Nicolas, 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.