Dreams of becoming a professional surfer are a dime a dozen along the First Coast. For one Duval County business pro, his ability to ride out the waves of the business world has landed him atop a new business set to open next week. Atlantic Beach resident Chris Tanner is setting sail on his new Brightway, The Tanner Agency insurance office on Monday.
The new Levy Road venture is one the Australian-born entrepreneur has been working toward his entire career. “I moved to the States in 1988 to go to college to pursue a theology degree,” Tanner said. “Little did I know what a role having faith would play in my career path.”
A contact from his college days at Ambassador University (TX) led him into the mortgage industry in 2002. “It was a great career that almost folded with the housing crash in 2008,” Tanner recalled. However, from selling homes to photocopiers, Tanner has been able to envision what was next every step of the way.
Capturing an image of his future became much clearer the next year, though, as he and his wife launched, “Beach Frames.” The online custom framing company has been painting the perfect picture for customers worldwide since 2009.
“My wife (Michele) and her team continue to run the business today. It was a Godsend that truly led me to our new Brightway business,” Tanner said.
Although the 55-year-old insurance franchisee is leaving his part of the framing business behind, he will continue working with family as his sons Blake and Luke join the agency. “Blake will be there on day one, Luke is studying for his license right now,” Tanner said. The son of a sales pro himself, Tanner is excited about the opportunity to go into business with his sons as they start their careers. “My dad is also a minister. I was sure that I was headed in that direction at their age,” Tanner said of his days pursuing a theology degree.
Tanner and his wife, Michele, live with their two sons and daughter, Brooke, in Atlantic Beach. Tanner’s parents still live in Australia.
Brightway, The Tanner Agency offers customized Home, Flood, Auto, Boat, Condo, Renters, Personal Articles, RV, Motorcycle, Umbrella, Commercial 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 155 Levy Road, Suite A-1, in Atlantic Beach, online at BrightwayTanner.com or call 904-903-4441.
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 Chris, 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 37 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.
