John Canonico, Owner of Brightway, Oviedo-Winter Springs in Oviedo, Fla., has enjoyed helping consumers and growing his business enterprise with Brightway Insurance over the past six years. Now, he's teaming up with his son, Michael Canonico, to open Brightway, The James Island Agency at 521 Folly Road, Suite 108 in Charleston (across the street from Publix Super Market at Merchants Village).

"Hurricane Florence delivered a harsh reminder of how important it is to have the right coverage to protect your home, vehicles and more," said John Canonico. "We've worked hard to build a solid reputation as the top Independent Insurance Agency in Oviedo-Winter Springs, Fla., and are eager to bring the same level of expert counsel and more choice of insurance brands to consumers in Charleston."

John Canonico opened Brightway, Oviedo-Winter Springs in 2012, and has built his Agency into one of the top 25 percent highest producing agencies in the Brightway system. Consumers recently voted his Agency the top Independent Insurance Agency in Oviedo-Winter Springs through the Ovations awards. Prior to joining Brightway, he worked in real estate, transportation and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Freedom Bible College. In addition to owning his own business, Canonico enjoys giving back to his community and to those in need across the globe. He regularly collects shoes for Soles4Souls and has traveled to Haiti and Puerto Rico to deliver shoes and sports equipment to people in need. Canonico and his wife, Valari, have been married 28 years and have two children. Their son, Michael, brings five years of insurance experience, including two years at his father's Agency. He attended the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. The father-son duo look forward to working together again to expand their family business and the Brightway brand in the Palmetto State.

"John Canonico's Agency is among our top performers, and we're thrilled to see him grow his Brightway enterprise into a second location in South Carolina," said Brightway President, Talman Howard. "John and Michael have the support of hundreds of insurance professionals to help them grow their business and provide world-class service to their customers."

Brightway Agency Owners enjoy comprehensive business support including customer service, carrier relationships, marketing, accounting and technology. As a result, Brightway agencies consistently outsell other insurance agencies three-to-one.*

Brightway, The James Island Agency offers customized Home, Condo, Renters, Auto, Flood, RV, Motorcycle, Boat, ATV, Umbrella and Life insurance policies from numerous insurance brands such as Bankers, Cabrillo Coastal, Foremost, Progressive, Safeco and Universal Property and Casualty. The Agency's hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (EDT).

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 $548 million in annualized written premium, the company is one of the largest personal lines 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 800 people in 21 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 James Island Agency, visit BrightwayJamesIsland.com or call 843-804-6696. Learn more about franchise opportunities with Brightway at BrightwayDifference.com.