Four decades ago and half a world away, a Worcester County business pro first learned how to dream in the darkest of times. Surviving as a young girl in Liberia, a war-torn region of West Africa in the 1980s and 1990s, Cheryl Isaac recalls receiving a book of fairytales from her teacher. And even though battles across her homeland separated her family and thousands of others throughout the crisis, she held tight to that book and her hope for better days.
In the end, the efforts of many made her family’s relocation to the U.S. possible nearly 30 years ago. But it’s the latest chapter of her story that is among her proudest to write. Next week, Isaac will see her own American Dream come true when she opens the doors of Brightway, The Collins Isaac Agency insurance office in Worcester.
With more than 20 years of financial industry and customer relationship experience, it’s this new story of seeing her fairytale come to life in the Northeast that keeps her inspired to write new and exciting chapters.
“The stories I’ve shared about my experiences growing up in the midst of war have kept me motivated, pushing hard to achieve things that may have never been,” Isaac said. “No electricity, plumbing or communication of any kind for years as a child and I knew it would be the stories that made the difference in the end. Even today, books are my decoration. They are everywhere at home. Whenever I move, I always safely pack away my books and move them first.”
Currently an Edith Wharton Writer-In-Residency, Isaac continues to practice her passion of crafting the best story possible in hopes of a brighter future.
“After working in banking, investing and fundraising throughout my career, I feel my Brightway agency will give me the best chance to help others write their own future,” Isaac added about her Grove Street venture launching next week.
Isaac holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Capital University (OH). Cheryl and her husband, Kendall, currently reside in Massachusetts.
Brightway, The Collins Isaac 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 324 Grove Street in Worcester, online at BrightwayIsaac.com or call 508-964-8188.
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 Cheryl, 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.
