As the boys of summer begin heating things up on the baseball diamonds across the country, it’s one former umpire who is taking his swing at the big leagues of Tallahassee business. After six years of life behind the umpire’s mask earlier in his career, this Tallahassee professional is now on deck preparing to open his new Brightway, The Renegade Agency insurance office on Monday.
Robert Daly has spent his career making sure everyone follows the rules. From stints with law enforcement, hospital administration and even enforcing the rules of America’s Pastime. And next week, it will be the insurance industry that will give this 53-year-old Floridian his American Dream of business ownership.
“I spent several years of my life chasing my ambition to become a professional baseball umpire. However, that career didn’t allow for much flexibility in my life. I lived out of my suitcase about 300 days of the year trying to make it happen,” Daly recalls.
“I needed a career that would allow me to step back from the game. The realty world started me down this path seven years ago. But then, I saw the benefit of helping my realty customers by providing insurance options, as well. That’s where the new agency comes in.”
Daly is still doing realty, as well as owns his own commercial cleaning company in the Sunshine State.
As a kid from Wayne, New Jersey, this son of a Garden State fire captain has been training for this dream his entire life. From making the roster of one of history’s most talented high school basketball rosters in the 1980s at the highly-touted St. Anthony’s High School (NJ) to umpiring many of the biggest names in baseball umpiring minor leagues baseball games coast-to-coast, Daly would eventually earn a bachelor’s degree in sports marketing. Today, the St. Leo’s University (FL) alum lives in Tallahassee with his daughter, Morgan.
“We are really excited about what comes next for us. It’s taken a little luck and a lot of hard work leading to the agency’s opening next week,” Daly said. “It’s something that’s been a long time coming, but worth every step I’ve had to take to get here.” Brightway, The Renegade Agency offers customized Home, Flood, Auto, Boat, Condo, Renters, Personal Articles, RV, Motorcycle, Umbrella, 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 2040 Delta Way in Tallahassee, online at BrightwayRenegade.com or call 850-201-0066.
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 Robert, 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.
