After one of the largest hurricanes in our nation’s history made landfall three weeks ago, a Volusia County entrepreneur is helping her neighbors prepare for the next “Ian.” As Volusia County faces nearly $300 million in damages after Hurricane Ian carved its way across Florida, Brightway, The Krus Agency insurance office opens to the public Monday to offer a wide range of coverage options through multiple carriers.
“My home in New Smyrna Beach was one of thousands in our county to feel the impact of Ian,” said Liz Krus, owner of Brightway, The Krus Agency.
“Thousands of buildings and businesses across Volusia are trying to pick up the pieces right now. We are one business that was slightly more fortunate than others. We are ready to get to work and help out when we open Monday.”
The Category Four storm which made landfall in Southwest Florida Sept. 28 is responsible for an estimated $70 billion in damage nationwide. More than $10 billion of the destruction is due to uninsured flood loss as a result of Ian. “Our office in Edgewater even saw flood waters come right up to the doors, but no further,” Krus added. “Most weren’t that lucky. People here were being rescued from rising waters as Ian came through.” More than 5,400 homes and more than 600 commercial properties have been reported to have damage in Volusia County, totaling more than $260 million.
Krus recently made the decision to open her new insurance franchise after working for more than twenty years in leadership roles in the corporate world. “I love being able to please the customer. It’s even more pleasing when it’s the people you work, live and play with,” Krus said. “After working for corporations on the national and international levels most of my career, I really feel good about this opportunity to work within my community. Getting to put my name on the door and helping the people here at home, when they need it the most, is so important to me.”
The 49-year-old New Smyrna Beach resident holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Florida State University and a master of business administration degree in Entrepreneurship from Saint Louis University. “This business has been a family decision for us,” Krus said. “We love where we are and are honored to get to do what I love right here at home.”
Brightway, The Krus 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 602 Indian River Boulevard in Edgewater, online at BrightwayKrus.com or call 386-401-4278. Plus, stop by and visit them at the City of Edgewater’s Trunk-or-Treat event on Oct. 22.
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 Liz Krus, 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 31 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.