Marcus Barbee introduces Bloomington-Normal to a better insurance-buying experience

BLOOMINGTON, ILL. — Brightway Insurance remains committed to customers and to people who want to build their own business with the holistic support Brightway offers even during these uncertain times. More residents in the Heart of Illinois now can experience a better way to buy insurance for their homes, vehicles and much more as an industry veteran and now Brightway Agency Owner, Marcus Barbee, will open Brightway Insurance, The Barbee Agency in Bloomington, Monday, Sept. 14. While Barbee is currently working from home, he will open an office location in the coming months, which will be announced once operational.

“I have wanted to open my own Insurance Agency for quite some time so when I learned about Brightway, I knew it was the right time and business to start here in my hometown, helping my family, friends and neighbors protect their homes, vehicles and ultimately their financial futures,” said Barbee. “As a Brightway Agency, we have relationships with dozens of insurance brands so we can shop the market to find the best coverage at the right price to fit your needs.”

Barbee has lived in Bloomington for the past 18 years and recently retired from State Farm, where he worked on the Information Technology team for 18 years. Prior to that, he was a Mail Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 8.5 years and served Honorably in the U.S. Army for nearly seven years. Barbee graduated from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Systems. He and wife, Shirley, of 28 years have three children and three grandchildren. Barbee is a member of and the Past Chapter President of the Black Data Processing Associates and is actively involved as a Minister in a local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. For fun, he enjoys golfing, boating, fishing, traveling and spending time with his family and friends. Barbee looks forward to helping his friends and neighbors in Central Illinois with their insurance needs and being involved in the community where he lives and works.

“Marcus comes to Brightway with a solid understanding of the industry and the customer-centric mindset we look for in our business partners, and we look forward to seeing him grow his business with the support we offer,” said Brightway President and CEO Michael Miller. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Brightway family and to expand our brand into the Bloomington-Normal market. With the holistic business support we provide, Marcus can focus on his customers’ needs and providing expert counsel to his customers.”

Brightway Insurance, The Barbee Agency offers customized Home, Condo, Renters, Personal Articles, Flood, Auto, RV, Motorcycle, Boat, Life and Umbrella insurance policies from numerous insurance brands including Appalachian Underwriters, Bankers, Bristol West, Foremost, Hagerty, Hippo, Johnson & Johnson, Progressive, Tower Hill and many more. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CDT).

Brightway’s corporate office staff provides expertise and support in areas including Customer Service, Accounting, Marketing, Distribution, Business Analytics, Carrier Appointments, Licensing, Onboarding, Training, Hiring and Retaining personnel. The company’s signature after-the-sale service empowers Agency Owners, like Barbee, to focus on new business sales and provides customers the personalized service they deserve.

About Brightway Insurance Brightway Insurance is a national property/casualty insurance distribution company with more than $705 million in annualized written premium, making it one of the largest Personal Lines agencies in the U.S.

Brightway’s focus is on producing Win, Win, Win outcomes for consumers by offering customized insurance solutions and for people wishing to sell insurance by providing business opportunities that span from single Agent to multi-unit enterprises. Regardless of the path taken, Brightway provides the support necessary to consistently outsell other insurance agents.

Brightway got its start in 2008 and has since grown to more than 900 people in 236 offices across 22 states serving customers in all 50 states.

For more information about Brightway Insurance, The Barbee Agency, visit BrightwayBarbee.com or call 309-215-9383. Learn more about franchise opportunities with Brightway at our franchise page.