Our Legacy
Our Purpose
At Kaufman Financial Group, we are committed to providing unsurpassed service to insurance agents and carriers. Our mission is to make the lives of our broker and agent partners easier and more successful. We are fully dedicated to serving their unique challenges by providing access to coverage for difficult risks requiring innovative solutions on a regional, national, and international basis.
Our Heritage
Kaufman Financial Group was founded in 1969 by Herbert W. Kaufman. What started as a holding company serving general agents and brokers of specialty insurance products and services has grown into a world-class network of corporations that can fulfill all the needs of our agent and broker clients, including:
- Insurance distribution
- Financing
- Claims
- Inspections
- Audits
Our tradition of excellence continues under the leadership of Alan Jay Kaufman.
Alan Jay Kaufman is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of H.W. Kaufman Financial Group and its largest subsidiary, Burns & Wilcox.
A motivated leader and entrepreneur, Mr. Kaufman’s vision of global client services took root in 1996 when he acquired the formerly public corporation founded in 1969 by his late father, Herbert W. Kaufman. Internationally recognized for its insurance brokerage and underwriting expertise, Mr. Kaufman has grown Burns & Wilcox to nearly $900 million in annual premium through a series of strategic acquisitions, technological advancements, and organic growth.
With a keen eye for expanding insurance solutions for brokers, agents and carrier partners, Mr. Kaufman has directed the development of a portfolio unrivaled in the industry, positioning the Kaufman Financial Group as a recognized leader.
In addition to Burns & Wilcox, the nation’s largest independent wholesale broker and underwriting manager, the network includes: Coleman & Kaufman Limited; Burns & Wilcox Brokerage; Burns & Wilcox Re; Minuteman Claims Administrators; R.B. Jones; Royal Premium Finance; and US-Reports.
Mr. Kaufman’s dedication to excellence and success can be traced back to his commitment to education and leadership training. In 2007, he founded the Kaufman Institute, providing ongoing professional development opportunities for his valued employees through web based training and education programs.
In 2001, Mr. Kaufman created the Kaufman Family Foundation and established the Herbert W. Kaufman Memorial Scholarship through the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices (NAPSLO), where he is also on the Legislative Committee. This scholarship fund awards annual grants to exceptional college students who pursue insurance careers.
An active philanthropist, Mr. Kaufman dedicates considerable time and resources to many civic, community, and business organizations. He currently serves as an active board member of many of these organizations, including Business Leaders for Michigan; Walsh College; The Detroit Institute of Arts, Friends of Modern and Contemporary Art; William Davidson Graduate School, New York; American Technion Society; President’s Campaign for Michigan State University; and the Great Lakes Council of the Boy Scouts of America. His emphasis on education and cultivating future leaders is also evident in the endowments he has provided to numerous institutions, including the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Cranbrook Schools. He is also an avid art collector and sports enthusiast.
Mr. Kaufman holds a B.A. from Michigan State University in finance, insurance and accounting and a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School. He also studied international law in England at the London School of Economics.
He and his wife, Sue, live in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and have three grown children.
Our Strengths
Each of the distinct companies in the Kaufman Financial Group benefits from being a part of our global network. That collective connection allows us to better judge risk and provide the highest level of service to our clients and partners.
The depth of services provided by our collective companies sets us apart:
- An extensive network of offices across the country as well as international relationships with European brokerage.
- The ability to provide agents, brokers, and carriers the most competitive pricing, unrivaled expertise, and unparalleled customer service.
- Subsidiaries committed to providing access to coverage for difficult risks requiring innovative solutions on a regional, national, and international basis.
Our Global Network
Kaufman Financial Group currently employs nearly 1,000 dedicated professionals worldwide. We have 38 offices in 24 states and are still growing.
We increased our international presence by expanding into European brokerage with the formation of Coleman & Kaufman Limited, a London based broker.