It’s been 35 years since one Brevard County business pro left his Haitian homeland to live in the States. Now nearly four decades removed from his first stateside job washing dishes in a restaurant, Etony Eliphar is opening his own business in Melbourne Monday.
The long-time insurance and realty specialist will open the doors on his brand new Brightway, The Eliphar Family Agency insurance office next week.
The 53-year-old Palm Bay resident first came to the United States in 1987 for a better life.
“My family has always worked hard, both in Haiti and the U.S.,” Etony said. “I worked in that restaurant job for 10 years. I’m not afraid of hard work. But, I knew there was more to life and it was a dream I’m making come true now.”
Both of Eliphar’s parents moved to the U.S. in 2000. His father worked his entire life in the construction industry in both Haiti and the U.S. Although he passed away due to COVID in 2021, his legacy lives on through Eliphar’s new commercial venture.
“Building something special is part of my D.N.A.,” Eliphar added. “My youngest son works in construction like my dad did. However, I’m hoping he and my three other children will have the opportunity to carry on my legacy and grow this business that’s been built especially for our community.”
Married for more than 30 years, the Eliphar family is also very much a part of the area’s healthcare industry. “My wife is a registered nurse, one daughter is a travel nurse and my oldest son in healthcare administration,” Eliphar said. “We care about our neighbors here. Opening this new agency is something I wanted to do to make a difference.”
As a small child in Haiti, Eliphar had plans to be a musician one day. “Like so many experience, things happen in life where you have other responsibilities that take you down another path,” Eliphar said. “In the end, it’s all just part of God’s plan and he made the decisions for us every step of the way.” The Indian River State College graduate is a member of the First Pentecostal Church of Palm Bay. Today, Eliphar and his wife, Rose, call the Space Coast home.
Brightway, The Eliphar Family 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 2100 West New Haven Avenue in Melbourne, online at BrightwayEliphar.com or call 321-462-3483.
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 Etony, 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.
