January 25, 2018 // Franchising.com // JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Brightway Insurance, one of the largest property/casualty agencies in the U.S., named Multi-unit Owners, Chris Cole and Billy Wagner, as its 2017 Agency Owners of the Year. Brightway’s leadership team presented the awards during the company’s annual awards celebration held Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Fla.
Cole won the award for earning the highest revenue in the Brightway system, while Wagner won the award for selling the most policies. The two own the top-producing stores in the Brightway system. Today, there are 151 Brightway stores across 19 states.
“We’re extremely proud of Chris Cole, Billy Wagner and all of our award winners and look forward to this time each year when we recognize our top Agents,” said Brightway Co-Founder and Chairman, Michael Miller. “Brightway is a proven franchise system that provides an unparalleled, comprehensive system of support empowering Store Owners to outsell the competition three-to-one, grow their business and build an asset for their family.”
Brightway, The Cole Agency with stores in Palm Springs, Fla. and Boynton Beach, Fla., added another 3,384 policies to their book in 2017, driving the stores’ annualized written premium to nearly $25 million by year-end 2017.
Wagner’s stores, Brightway, Ponte Vedra Beach and Brightway, Deland, added 3,890 policies, driving annualized written premium to nearly $18 million by year-end 2017.
Not only did Cole and Wagner earn the top awards of the night, but also they each received other awards. A complete list of outstanding performers in 2017 who received awards at Brightway’s annual awards ceremony is provided below.
Agency Owner of the Year, Revenue
Agency Owner of the Year, Units
$2 Million Producer
$1 Million Producers
New Agency Owner of the Year
Rookie of the Year
Mover and Shaker
Multi-Line Award
90-day Retention Award
Homes Sales Award
Auto Sales Award
Flood Sales Award
Commercial Sales Award
Life Sales Award
Quality Award
Referral Rock Star
Employees of the Year
“Congratulations to all of our award winners on their 2017 achievements,” said Brightway President, Talman Howard. “Brightway franchisees focus on selling new business, which helps them achieve high production. We’re thrilled to see our Store Owners, Producers and employees reach their potential with Brightway.”
Brightway Store Owners enjoy support in customer service, carrier relationships, marketing, accounting and technology. As a result, Brightway stores consistently outsell other insurance agencies three-to-one.*
Brightway Insurance is a national property/casualty insurance retailer selling through a network of franchised independent stores throughout the country. With $500 million in annualized written premium, the company is one of the largest property and casualty agencies in the United States.
Brightway began franchising operations in 2008 and has since grown to more than 700 people in 19 states serving customers in all 50 states. Forbes has recognized the company as America’s No. 1 Franchise to Buy. Additionally, the company was named a top franchise three years in a row by Entrepreneur magazine and one of the fastest-growing private companies in America nine consecutive years by Inc. 5000. People wishing to learn more about franchise ownership with Brightway may visit BrightwayDifference.com and find us on LinkedIn. Consumers seeking a better insurance buying experience may visit Brightway.com and find us on Facebook.
Courtney Heidelberg
904-405-1883
courtney.heidelberg@brightway.com
SOURCE Brightway Insurance
Founded in 2003, Brightway Insurance an independent insurance retailer.