(Katy, Texas) – What began as a way to see the world and the hope for a better life in the New World will result in an American Dream fulfilled in the Lone Star State Monday. Katy, Texas business pro Rair Barraez opens the doors on his Brightway, The Mighty Shield insurance agency next week.
Two decades ago, Barraez was beginning to make his way in the oil and gas industry in his home country of Venezuela. In 2008, the South American nation’s main was oil and gas, and their national economy took a turn impacting his industry.
“Working in that field was a way for me to help at that time,” Barraez said. “However, it ended up being the perfect time for me to use my skill sets and experience to help me venture into the world.”
So in early 2009, Barraez and his new bride, Gaby, made the decision to leave their Venezuelan home and move to North America. First moving to Canada in 2009, then to Texas in 2012 to grow his career as a service engineer in his field.
However, in 2018, Barraez’ family debuted an insurance venture that would lead to his new Brightway agency today. The company his family in South Florida began five years ago to provide health and Medicare coverage to more than 4,000 customers will now expand to provide property and casualty insurance as Brightway, the Mighty Shield Agency in Greater Houston. Although the new Provincial Boulevard location is ready for new business in West Houston, Barraez is also licensed to sell insurance to customers in Florida, as well.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the Universite de Oriente in Venezuela, Barraez has always kept education a mainstay in his life. “My mother was an English teacher and my father was a philosophy professor,” Barraez recalled.
“Being able to teach someone something to make their life better is important to me. I guess that’s why the insurance industry has really struck a chord with me.”
Now married for 15 years, Barraez and his wife are now raising their two sons in Katy. His mother recently relocated with him and his family from Venezuela two years ago, one year after his father passed away.
Brightway, The Mighty Shield 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. (CDT) and Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Visit them at their office at 21732 Provincial Boulevard, Suite 160A in Katy, online at BrightwayMightyShield.com or call 832-476-9966.
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 Rair, 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.
