With more than 550 Freeway Insurance locations across the country, including both corporate-owned and franchise stores, franchise owners have plenty of reasons to be proud of the company’s ongoing commitment to Veterans Day. In addition to hiring veteran employees and offering affordable discounts to veteran franchisees, Freeway will honor a fallen soldier each year at the NASCAR Coca Cola 600. The tradition of featuring a name of a fallen soldier on the Freeway Insurance No. 99 race car driven by Daniel Suarez started when Freeway CEO Cesar Soriano decided to honor Purple Heart recipient First Lieutenant Laura Piper last May during military appreciation weekend.
As CEO of Freeway Insurance, a division of Confie, the nation’s largest personal lines insurance distribution company, Soriano’s commitment to veterans stems from his own years of service as a Military Intelligence Officer with the United States Army. Although Freeway is involved in numerous initiatives with non-profit organizations and charities, supporting veterans has always been close to his heart.
“Supporting veterans is a personal commitment for me because I know firsthand the dedication, leadership, and resilience they bring to the table. Veterans have already proven themselves as disciplined and mission-driven, qualities that align perfectly with the demands of running a successful business,” said CEO Cesar Soriano. “By empowering veterans who aspire to open a Freeway Insurance franchise, we are not just investing in their future but also in the future of our communities. We believe that by providing veterans with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they deserve, we can help them continue their legacy of service—this time as leaders in the business world.”
Honoring veterans starts at the top with Soriano but extends to franchisees who benefit from a significantly lower franchise fee. Franchise owner Will Griffin in Long Beach, California, said the discount was a huge factor in his decision to open a Freeway franchise location.
“I explored a lot of options,” explained Griffin. “I knew Freeway Insurance was a brand with huge name recognition and high ratings in the industry. However, I was equally impressed to learn Freeway’s regular franchise fee is $25K while the veterans fee is $15K. I opened my location in March 2023 and continue to be pleased with how Freeway appreciates and supports veterans.”
Soriano added the franchise discount provides an excellent opportunity for veterans to secure their own business as they transition from military service.
“As a veteran, I know the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Supporting fellow veterans in opening a Freeway Insurance franchise is a way to honor their service and help them apply their leadership skills in a new arena. It’s about giving back and helping veterans thrive in business, just as they did in uniform,” said Cesar Soriano
Coinciding with Veterans Day in November, Freeway Insurance begins its annual Toys for Tots drive with toy drop off locations at 200 corporate and franchise locations nationwide. Freeway Insurance has proudly served as a Five Star Corporate Sponsor of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation for eight years, facilitating thousands of toys, books, and resources to disadvantaged children at Christmastime and beyond. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at select Freeway Insurance locations from November 4 – December 13 this year. Visit www.freeway.com to find a donation site near you.
“We’re hoping to collect more toys than ever this year,” said Soriano. “Nothing compares to bringing joy to children and families during the holiday season.”
