From watching his father work seven days a week to his mother making her way from an entry-level employee to management, Pat Kumparatana has learned the art of doing business. But in his New York City Thai community, the main business is family. He and his wife, Sirinun (Natty), will build on that legacy when they open Brightway, The Lotus Agency insurance office in Glen Cove Monday.
“Building on our family’s tradition of hard work is a Thai trait behind much of what we do,” Kumparatana said of their new franchise servicing New York and Connecticut.
Earning his associate and bachelor’s degrees in accounting and economics from Queensboro Community College and Queens College, respectively, Kumparatana sees this venture as an opportunity to honor the sacrifices so many families with a Thai background make with each generation. “My parents came here from Thailand with nothing,” Kumparatana said. “They literally gave their lives to make things better for my sister and me.” Pat’s mother passed away seven years ago after a hard-fought battle with cancer. A fatal illness that she wasn’t completely upfront about. “She didn’t want me to worry. She had stage four cancer and continued to put us first,” Kumparatana added.
Working more than 90 hours a week for several years as a real estate investor and a day trader, Pat knew that was not the kind of life his mother had hoped for him. “She wanted me to be successful. But she also wanted me to keep family first,” Kumparatana added. With the high cost of cancer treatment stateside, Kumparatana’s mother bought a one-way ticket home to Thailand for her final months of cancer treatment. In her attempt to avoid leaving the burden of her medical expenses behind, Pat’s mother, even in death, was able to help her son with a first-hand lesson in love and family.
“I actually met Natty in Thailand while tending to my mom’s affairs,” said the 33-year-old Long Island business owner. “Her dad passed away from cancer last year. We share so much in common. This new business is truly the culmination of decades of hard work and dedication by both of our families.” Natty, still learning the English language, has passed her insurance certifications. Fluent in Thai and Laotian, she will own and operate Brightway, The Lotus Agency when they open their doors next week.
“Although my family is from Thailand, I don’t speak Thai. I was born and raised in Flushing. And, since we work, live and play in a Thai section of Queens, knowing Thai comes in handy,” Kumparatana added. “So, she helps me with my Thai and I help her with her English.” Natty volunteers at Vajiradhammapadip Buddhist Temple in Centereach, while the couple continues to support temples back in Thailand, as well. The Kumparatana’s, currently living in Long Isalnd, have been married for three years.
Brightway, The Lotus 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. (EST) and Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Visit them at their office at 50 Glen Street, Suite 327, in Glen Cove, online at BrightwayLotus.com or call 516-320-8411.
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 Pat and Natty, 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.
