Downtown Avalon Park Business of the Week:
Brightway Insurance-The Haddad Agency
It’s a Central Florida venture built on hopes and dreams which have traveled around the world. From the mountains of Asia to the shores Puerto Rico, two families have connected in the Sunshine State to see their American Dream come to life through Brightway, The Haddad Agency.
Working in insurance for more than six years, Ruth Hart met George Haddad while working for another coverage provider and knew he was special. “We learned each other’s story and quickly learned just how much we were capable of,” Hart said of her former employee. “He was my best producer, and I knew right away that he could make a difference if given the right opportunity.” A resident of Avalon Park for more than 15 years, Haddad is a former student-athlete who graduated from Timber Creek High School. Hart is completing her last year of her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern Florida State College.
Hart first got into the insurance industry at 21. Being bilingual allowed her to be able to help translate Spanish into English, as well as insurance code into information a customer can understand. “Imagine coming to a strange new world and not even being able to speak the language,” Hart commented. “So many families, ours included, came here with hope for a better life. As a young girl, I remember writing over and over again that I would be the first Hispanic President of the United States. We all have dreams and it comes down to finding the right opportunities. However, if you aren’t able to speak the language, it’s a real challenge for those brave enough to make the jump.”
Haddad’s family traveled from Syria before he was born, while Hart’s family came to the USA from Puerto Rico when she was only five years old. “We first moved to New York City, then to Florida when I was nine. My dad brought us here for work in the tech industry,” Ruth Hart said. “Being a first-generation American has its challenges. But mostly, it has provided opportunities that have made our new business possible.”
Brightway, The Haddad 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 3801 Avalon Park East Boulevard, Suite 221, in Orlando, online at BrightwayHaddad.com or call 689-204-2100.
