For a farm girl from West Tennessee, a lot of things have changed in the past three decades. However, from dreams of becoming a star on the stage to keeping her Naval family afloat as they moved from town to town, April Dunning wouldn’t change a thing.
It’s all led to the debut of her own American Dream next week as she unlocks the doors on her family’s latest mission. Brightway, The April Dunning Agency insurance office will open for business Monday.
The former Gibson County School District teacher and local business pro brings seven years of insurance industry experience and a solid West Tennessee raising into this new venture.
“My family is West Tennessee through and through,” Dunning said. “My mom cut hair and my dad was a farmer for life,” Dunning added. “Their hard work is something that sticks with me and is making the agency possible.”
Dunning, 50, is more than thirty years removed from her pursuit of country music stardom. But it’s hard to forget the importance the farm life and the music world played in the launch of her new Jackson venture.
“I was just a country girl singing in a house band at an old stop on Route 54 called Ted’s Place,” Dunning recalled about the day she met her husband. “That’s when David walked in on shore leave from the U.S. Navy. I mean, we were just practicing at the time. But I guess he was ready to sign me from day one.”
After a military career filled with stops in Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Florida and Tennessee, David retired in 2005 and the family settled down back in the Volunteer State. April would serve as a substitute teacher in the Gibson County Special School District for a decade, followed by her move to the insurance industry for the past eight years.
Dunning currently holds a bachelor of science in business management from Columbia Southern University (AL).
The Westview High School Class of 1990 alum still owns the family farm just outside of Martin.
Brightway, The April Dunning 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. (CST) and Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Visit them at their office at 50 Stonebridge Boulevard, Suite 2 in Jackson, online at BrightwayDunning.com or call 731-595-4974.
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 April, 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.
