Just blocks away from NAS Jacksonville, a United States Air Force vet is launching a new agency during the most patriotic days on our nation’s calendar. Jacksonville native John Calvin is making an American Dream come true in Lakeshore next week.
Just 30 minutes away from the front steps of his alma mater, the 1981 Paxon High School alum will be opening the doors on his new Brightway, The Calco Agency insurance office on Monday.
After first serving the country everywhere from Montana to Okinawa in the 1980s, the 60-year-old business pro served more than 25 years as a specialist within the mortgage and insurance industry. “Working in life and health supplement insurance gave me a real look at the industry from the inside, out.” Calvin said. “Combined with working with financial services, securities and consumer mortgage and insurance, my career has perfectly led to this moment. Putting my experience and skill sets to work right here at home in Duval County.”
The son of a father who was a tile contractor and a mother who as an environmental services manager, Calvin always had plans to raise a family and build something special right here along the First Coast.
“When I was a young kid, I always imagined myself being an architect or a draftsman,” Calvin recalled. “I even took classes along the way. However, this business has been the dream I’ve been waiting for since day one. I can’t think of a better place or time to unveil this mission that’s been decades in the making.”
The Merrimac Avenue venture is located near the west bank of the St. John’s River. A 1990 graduate of Western Dakota Tech (S.D.), Calvin enjoys baking, taking photographs and spending time with his two children and five grandchildren.
Brightway, The Calco 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 4440 Merrimac Avenue, Suite 4 in Jacksonville, online at BrightwayCalco.com or call 904-578-7722.
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 John, 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.
