As the nation’s birthday approaches, a long-standing Trumbull County business has picked next week as an appropriate time to launch its latest “Freedom” venture.
Doug Thomas, Sr. and Doug Thomas, Jr. will unveil their new Brightway, The Freedom Agency insurance office on Monday. The founders and operators of the twenty-year-old Freedom Insurance Brokers firm will open the doors on their newest Niles venture just days before the July 4 weekend kicks off.
Doug Sr., 61, has owned and operated the family’s Medicare and life insurance coverage company for more than twenty years. And, with more than three decades in the industry, and a lifetime in Northeast Ohio, Doug Sr. saw the need to grow right here at home.
“My dad owned and operated Thomas Tile & Carpet for 40 years,” Doug Sr. said.
“It’s always been fun having a family business. But those days working for my dad so many years ago really helped me keep an eye on what people are looking for in a product. We heard the demand from our current customers and made the decision to make that happen.”
As a Buckeye State kid in the 1960s and 1970s, Doug Sr. knew his family’s business was where his heart was. “I always thought I’d end up going into business with my dad,” Doug Sr. added. “And with Doug Jr. being my partner in Brightway, I am truly looking forward to it.”
Mostly through the family-owned Freedom Insurance Brokers, Doug Sr. has been selling insurance in Northeast Ohio for more than 30 years. Doug Jr., 29, licensed since graduating from Girard High School in 2012, has more than a decade of insurance sales experience.
Born and raised in Liberty Township, Doug Sr. and his wife, Karen, reside in Girard. Doug Sr.’s brother, Dave, is now also training to join the agency this summer. The new Brightway, The Freedom Agency will service Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania.
Brightway, The Freedom 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 724 Youngstown Warren Road, Suite 11 in Niles, online at BrightwayFreedom.com or call 330-639-2575.
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 Doug and Doug, Jr., 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.
