Every year, nearly one million people from around the world set out on a journey for a better life and find it here in the United States. Thanks to the life-changing decisions made by the families of George Haddad and Ruth Hart years ago, a new endeavor will launch Monday helping those who have taken similar adventures and now find themselves in the Sunshine State.
These two Central Florida insurance professionals are opening Brightway, The Haddad Agency in Avalon Park Monday. “This is exactly what our families had in mind when it came to having a great opportunity for their kids one day,” Haddad said.
Haddad’s family traveled from Syria before he was born, while Hart’s family came to the USA from Puerto Rico when she was only five years old. “We first moved to New York City, then to Florida when I was nine. My dad brought us here for work in the tech industry,” Hart said. “Being a first-generation American has its challenges. But mostly, it has provided opportunities that have made our new business possible.”
Hart first got into the insurance industry at 21. Being bilingual allowed her to be able to help translate Spanish into English, as well as insurance code into information a customer can understand. “Imagine coming to a strange new world and not even being able to speak the language,” Hart commented. “So many families, ours included, came here with hope for a better life. As a young girl, I remember writing over and over again that I would be the first Hispanic President of the United States. We all have dreams and it comes down to finding the right opportunities. However, if you aren’t able to speak the language, it’s a real challenge for those brave enough to make the jump.”
Haddad’s family moved from Damascus, Syria to Detroit, Michigan. “Dad worked in the auto industry there until I was in high school. He never wanted me to work in the automotive industry. I did help him swap a transmission once, but that was enough for me,” Haddad said. “Working in insurance these past few years has been something where I can really help others. Speaking Arabic is a great tool to have. However, regardless of information lost in translation, insurance can be tough to explain. Knowing how much it helps customers, though, I love getting to work in this industry. It’s the right fit.”
Working in insurance for more than six years, Hart met Haddad while working for another coverage provider and knew he was special. “We learned each other’s story and quickly learned just how much we were capable of,” Hart said of her former employee. “He was my best producer and I knew right away that he could make a difference if given the right opportunity.” A resident of Avalon Park for more than 15 years, Haddad is a former student-athlete who graduated from Timber Creek High School. Hart is completing her last year of her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern Florida State College.
Haddad and Hart are co-owners of Brightway, The Haddad Agency offering 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. (EST) and Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Visit them at their office at 3801 Avalon Park East Boulevard, Suite 221, in Orlando, online at BrightwayHaddad.com or call 689-204-2100. Visit them Dec. 3 from 3 – 9 p.m. at the “Avalon-A-Glow” event in Downtown Avalon Park. More than 100 vendors, food trucks and kid activities will be on hand. It all kicks off with a Christmas Parade and wraps up with a Holiday Fireworks Show at 9 p.m.
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 Ruth and George, 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 30 states and over $900 million 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.
