Kristy Moffat is a proud insurance nerd, through and through. She owns Brightway Insurance, The Moffat Agency, an independent insurance agency committed to finding the best insurance options for clients across Florida. While she spends most of her time helping people with homeowners and auto insurance policies, she can also assist with RV, motorcycle, boat, umbrella, life, pet health, and other types of insurance policies. You can contact Kristy at kristy.moffat@brightway.com or 352-519-1900.
How long have you lived in the Gainesville/Alachua County area?
Most of my life. My family moved to Hawthorne when I was a toddler, and I remained there until I headed to the University of Florida to study mathematics. Once I earned my degrees, I relocated to Illinois to work at State Farm Insurance’s corporate office. I’ve been back in Gainesville since 2008, and I love it here!
What was your previous business experience?
Unless you count my years as a drive-through master at Burger King or college math tutor, all my business experience has been in the insurance industry. My first job out of college was in State Farm’s actuarial department, working on ratemaking for auto insurance policies. Consumer research was next, when I worked on surveys and conducted focus groups across the country to understand consumers’ thoughts about insurance. Then I found my way to insurance marketing, and eventually decided to open my own agency in 2014. What’s amazing is how all my business experiences have shaped me to be a better insurance agent today. From understanding what factors into insurance rates, the claims process, how consumers feel about insurance, and much more, I’m able to help my team and clients better understand what’s happening and why.
What are the unique features of your business or services?
Brightway is a franchise, and one of the main reasons I chose to become a Brightway agent was the access I would have to a very large number of insurance companies and products. Some agencies are only able to offer a few insurance companies as options, which can limit the research they can do for their clients to find the best possible solution for them. I LOVE being able to tell clients I can find options for them after they’ve reached out and been rejected by multiple other agents! So the expanded access I have is key.
The other main differentiator for my agency is how much I focus on education to keep up with industry and product changes. I have five major insurance designations, which were earned by passing multiple exams for each, and regular continuing education to maintain them. I attend two insurance conferences each year to keep the information I share with clients fresh and relevant. I also really enjoy networking with other local insurance professionals so we can learn from each other and, especially during the past few years, to provide and receive emotional support. The Florida insurance industry has been tumultuous (to say it nicely) and it’s been really helpful to have others to lean on during the crazy times.
What do you enjoy most about GAWN?
Everything. I love the camaraderie of our members and how welcoming we are to guests and new members. I love that we have luncheons as well as evening socials, so we can be a fit for most anyone who’d like to network with us. I love that we support the Displaced Homemaker Program. And of course, I love the food!
I just celebrated ten years with GAWN and I have made so many friendships (and clients) along the way. GAWN provided leadership opportunities for me quickly, as I was invited to be on the board at my very first meeting! Soon, I had the privilege of serving as Chair and leading a board of amazing women. I owe so much to GAWN and I’m very happy to maintain my membership after all these years.
