An East Tennessee staple in the automotive industry is launching a new venture next week. Long-time auto dealer Marty Fugate will expand his longstanding enterprise in Loudon County when he launches Brightway, the Lenoir City Agency insurance office on Monday.
After 25 years of owning and operating Marty’s Auto Sales in Lenoir City, the 56-year-old Lenoir City entrepreneur will open his new franchise on Highway 11; a venture inspired by mother nature herself.
Just five years ago, Fugate’s dealership, along with many other businesses throughout the city, suffered major losses when flood waters rushed through their buildings and properties. “We really needed to look at what was important when it came to protecting our investments,” Fugate said.
“That really inspired me to look into the best option to invest in that would truly help businesses and families across the county.”
After launching his second dealership, Lenoir City Auto Sales in 2019, Fugate has made the decision to open his new Brightway agency covering all of Loudon County and East Tennessee.
“Family is important to me. However, so is doing good business and doing right by your neighbors,” Fugate added. Originally from LaFollette, Tennessee, Fugate is a 1985 alum of Campbell County (TN) High School. Fugate, his wife, Missy, and his daughter Mandi currently reside in Lenoir City.
Fugate’s entrepreneurial spirit first came to light in elementary school in LaFollette. “I used to sneak out of school during recess to a store about two blocks away and buy bubble gum for 25 cents a pack,” Fugate recalled. “Then, I’d come back to school and sell my friends individual pieces of bubble gum for 25 cents each.”
Brightway, The Lenoir City 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 2771 Highway 11 East, Suite 9 in Lenoir City, online at BrightwayLenoirCity.com or call 865-562-3400.
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 Marty, 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 36 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.
