Smith improves the business scene in Greater NO

Wilson Smith, 53, made his first claim to fame as a student in the Big Easy and has always had a heart for business. This Monday, this Louisiana native will wear his on his sleeve as he launches Brightway, The Smith Family Agency’s insurance agency in Tangipahoa Parish.

Smith first made headlines as a high school student at New Orleans De La Salle High School in the 1980s, where he displayed his early passion for medicine. It was one of those science fairs that schools hold every year. Well, at a younger age it was all about medicine and I managed to arrange a real human heart as part of my exhibit, Smith recalls. One of the New Orleans newspapers had a picture of me with my exhibit. I wanted to be a doctor and care about people. Well, things changed over the years. But I can still pay attention to people.

Four decades later, the 1992 University of Mississippi alum will continue to provide specialized care to his neighbors when he opens the doors of his new office on Pine Street in Ponchatoula. Just a 45 minute drive around Lake Ponchatrain brings you to where Smith’s father managed a bank and his mother worked in real estate in New Orleans.

It makes sense that I would be in an area like insurance, Smith added. I myself have been in the mortgage industry for over 30 years. I think my parents really played a part in my future. The Power Mortgage career long associate is also licensed to underwrite mortgages in Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida.

This new addition to the business world of Ponchatoula is a true reflection of America’s ancient city. Wherever you look, everything just has a way of showing those who came before us and what is yet to come, Smith said. I’m just glad I got the chance to make this passion work where my heart has always been.

Smith and his wife, Michelle, live in Destrehan in St. Charles Parish. The couple raised their three daughters in LaPlace before moving from St. John the Baptist Parish six years ago.

Brightway, The Smith Family Agency offers Custom House, Flood, Car, Boat, Apartment, Renters, Personal Items, RV, Motorcycle, Umbrella and Life Insurance policies of many insurance companies. Hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (CST) and Saturday/Sunday by appointment. Visit them at their office at 122 W. Pine Street, Suite G in Ponchatoula, online at BrightwaySmithFamily.com or call 985-322-1177.

Brightways office staff provide expertise and support in areas such as customer service, technology, accounting, marketing, distribution and business analysis. In addition, Brightway handles the relationships and agreements with carriers, as well as support with hiring, licensing, onboarding, training and retention. The company’s signature after-the-sales service allows agency owners, like Wilson, to focus on selling new businesses and providing clients with the personalized service they deserve.

About Brightway Insurance

Founded in 2008, Brightway has grown to become one of the largest privately held property and casualty insurance distribution companies in the US with more than 300 franchises in 34 states and more than $900 million in annual premiums. Recently, Brightways’ success led to a private equity investment that has provided the company with financial and human capital, as well as access to data and analytics, to accelerate growth and open up new and exciting market opportunities.

Brightway delivers winning results for franchisees and their customers by providing access to tailored coverage solutions from a range of insurers combined with full back-office and marketing support. This winning model allows agents and manufacturers to focus on meeting their clients’ needs to become trusted advisors and grow their business.