An Effingham County family with a rich history embedded in the highways of South Georgia is expanding its business footprint in the Peach State next week. After two decades as half of the father-son duo that owned and operated a homegrown transportation company, a lifelong business pro will open the doors on Brightway Insurance, The Ashley Agency on Monday.
Roy Ashley will unveil the new South Laurel Street venture on October 2. “Through the trucking industry, our family has been a part of our region’s small business world since the 90s,” Ashley said. “But after losing my dad, then selling the company, I still had a passion for providing service and doing business with our neighbors here at home. And the one aspect that has always been appealing to me was handling the insurance of everyone and everything within our company.”
A 1993 graduate of Georgia Southern University (GSU) and a 1989 graduate of Effingham County High School, Ashley is a homegrown entrepreneur who feels he has found a way to put his passion to work in a way that will help most right here at home.
“Protecting families and the small businesses that provide for them just hits home for us,” said the 52-year-old South Guyton resident.
“From dozens of drivers to hundreds of trailers, we took great pride in helping families thrive here in Effingham. The new agency is now an extension of that passion we feel for others who also call our county, home.”
With two children who also are products of the Effingham County School System, Ashley and his family currently reside in South Guyton. The former transportation administrator is currently re-enrolled at GSU pursuing a degree in accounting.
Brightway, The Roy Ashley 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 807 South Laurel Street, Suite 1 in Springfield, online at BrightwayRoyAshley.com or call 912-267-9988.
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 Roy, 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 340 franchises in 35 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 agency owners 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.
