For more than a decade, U.S. Navy First Class Petty Officer Chris Hundley has helped protect our freedoms both here and abroad. And next week, days before America celebrates its independence, Hundley will open his very own American Dream in St. Augustine.
A Virginia native and current St. Augustinian, Hundley will launch Brightway, The Hollis Hundley Agency insurance office on West Town Place on Monday.
Enlisted out of high school in 2012, Hundley had plans to retire from the Navy. He met his wife Mayra in the Navy. Soon after, they would have their first child. With multiple deployments overseas already under his belt, his personal and professional life appeared to be going as planned.
However, a medical check would uncover a heart defect which led to a career-altering surgery. The Navy would allow Hundley to stay in the service. But, with his newfound condition and a young family depending on him here at home, his days of being sent to other lands to serve were now behind him.
“I always saw myself in the Navy,” Hundley said. “When I was six, the events of September 11, 2001 took place here at home. I remember my parents picking me up from school, seeing people everywhere crying and all of the sudden seeing the barrage of commercials encouraging military enlistment. And with grandparents who served at times of conflict, patriotism has always been close to my heart.”
A fan of the movie, “Men of Honor,” Hundley distinctly remembers what his dreams were as a young child. “I told my dad I wanted to be a husband, a father and a Master Chief in the U.S. Navy,” Hundley remembers.
Today, his duties involve training and evaluating naval personnel who are preparing to serve overseas.
“Being able to prepare people to protect themselves is a passion of mine,” Hundley added. “I guess that’s why insurance has truly become a passion of mine. I’m so excited about the future of the agency.”
With Hundley still on active duty at Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax), Hunter Hollis and James Prosser have been brought on staff to manage the office during his service hours each week.
Hundley and Mayra’s son is now two years old, and they are expecting a second child this October.
In partnership with Northeast Florida businessman Austin Hollis, Brightway, The Hollis Hundley Agency will offer 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 319 W. Town Place, Suite 21, Office 1 in St. Augustine, online at BrightwayHollisHundley.com or call 904-456-8774.
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 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.
