Gary Fitzpatrick opens a Brightway Insurance Agency in his hometown of Marietta, Ga.

MARIETTA, Ga. — More homeowners, renters and drivers in Marietta, Ga., and surrounding communities are about to realize there is a better way to shop insurance. U.S. Navy veteran, businessman and now Brightway Store Owner, Gary Fitzpatrick, has opened Brightway, The Fitzpatrick Agency in Marietta. While relatively new to the Peach State, Brightway is one of the largest property/casualty independent insurance agencies in the country.

“I’m thrilled to bring a better way to shop insurance to my hometown,” said Fitzpatrick. “As a Brightway Store Owner, I can offer more choice in insurance brands than you’ll find anywhere else. And, because of the support I receive from Brightway, my team will focus on finding the best coverage to protect each customer’s home, car and much more.”

Born and raised in Marietta, Fitzpatrick is a graduate of Marietta High School and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He went on to pursue a 25-year career in the healthcare industry as a senior manager and technology expert, where he obtained Six Sigma Green Belt certification. He has served as National Information Technology Director for Quest Diagnostics Laboratory and other hospital based laboratory organizations across the country, focused on operational improvements through the use of technology. Most recently, Fitzpatrick owned an independent consulting company specializing in hospital laboratory outreach services improvements.

When he’s not in the office, Fitzpatrick enjoys volunteering in the community and coaching youth baseball. He is especially impassioned to help the homeless, underprivileged high school students and veterans. An avid ultra-runner, he has completed many marathon races throughout the country including two 50-mile Ultra Marathons and several 200+ mile relays. He also enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting and hiking.

Also joining Fitzpatrick are his son, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Christina Rudes. Ryan is a graduate of Allatoona High School in Acworth, Ga. With experience in customer relations, sales and training, Ryan will support the business as a Personal Lines Agent. An active motorcycle enthusiast and seasoned professional in the service industry, he will add depth to the team.

Christina brings 25 years of experience in customer service, management and sales from both the service and healthcare industry. A mother of two, she earned bachelor’s degrees in Political Science from San Diego State University and Marketing from the University of Phoenix. Rudes shares Fitzpatrick’s commitment to the community. As a Brightway Agent, she can’t wait to help people find the best coverage to protect their assets at a price they can afford.

As Brightway Agents, The Fitzpatrick Agency looks forward to building a family business where friends and neighbors in Marietta and the surrounding counties know they can turn for expert counsel and choices from top insurance brands and giving back to the community.

“We’re extremely pleased to partner with Gary Fitzpatrick to open the newest Brightway store in Georgia, just outside Atlanta,” said Brightway President, Talman Howard. “We have hundreds of insurance professionals at our headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla., who will help his team deliver a customer experience that exceeds expectations.”

Brightway Store Owners enjoy support in customer service, carrier relationships, marketing, accounting and technology, which frees up their time to focus on leveraging the broadest possible selection of insurance companies to meet each customer’s unique needs. As a result, Brightway agencies consistently outsell other agencies three-to-one.*

Brightway, The Fitzpatrick Agency is located at 840 Kennesaw Ave., in Unit 6 in Marietta (in the Oakton Park II office park).The Agency offers customized Home, Condo, Renters, Auto, Flood, RV, Motorcycle, Boat, ATV and Umbrella insurance policies from numerous insurance brands including Bankers, Progressive and Safeco.

About Brightway Insurance Brightway Insurance is a national property/casualty insurance retailer selling through a network of franchised independent stores throughout the country. With more than $479 million in annualized written premium, the company is one of the largest Personal Lines insurance agencies in the United States. Brightway provides its franchise owners with access to more insurance companies than any other agency, along with a comprehensive system of support that frees them up to focus on customizing policies that meet their customers’ needs.

Brightway began franchising operations in 2008 and has since grown to more than 700 people in 17 states serving customers in all 50 states. Forbes has recognized the company as America’s No. 1 Franchise to Buy. Additionally, the company was named a top franchise three years in a row by Entrepreneur magazine and one of the fastest-growing private companies in America nine consecutive years by Inc. 5000.

For more information about Brightway, The Fitzpatrick Agency, visit BrightwayFitzpatrick.com or call 770-884-2201. Learn more about franchise opportunities with Brightway at our franchise page.