Company enhances reliable personal and commercial insurance expertise amid increasing severe weather impact

Morehead City, N.C. (April 28, 2023) – Burns & Wilcox, a globally recognized leader in wholesale insurance brokerage and underwriting, celebrated the opening of its new Morehead City, North Carolina office yesterday. The 18,000 square foot commercial building, which was purchased by Kaufman Real Estate in 2021, is located in the heart of downtown at 800 Arendell.

The building is now the home of the Burns & Wilcox Morehead City-based team. The company occupies the second floor. Kaufman Real Estate is leasing the first floor to new tenants.

“This investment enhances our presence within the Morehead City community and affirms our commitment to serving the coastal region,” said Danny Kaufman, President, Burns & Wilcox. “Burns & Wilcox has operated out of North Carolina for nearly 35 years. We are proud to have had long-term success in the region and are excited to see the building’s renovation plans come to fruition.”

The Morehead City team is known for its specialization in Commercial, Professional and Personal Specialty Insurance, especially its expertise in Catastrophic exposures, as well as coastal and flood business. The new office reinforces the company’s commitment to the region – one heavily and increasingly impacted by hurricanes and flooding.

Nationally recognized leader Berri Willis serves as Associate Vice President and Managing Director, Morehead City and Charlotte, North Carolina. She prides herself on helping build the office into what it is today – the largest MGA in a city that is considered an insurance mecca.

“Burns & Wilcox has historically been and continues to be a hub for coastal and flood business across North Carolina’s east coast,” said Willis. “The need for specialty insurance is on the rise – especially within high-risk coastal areas as these communities need go-to insurance partners to help with protecting and recovering from severe weather events. We look forward to continuing to serve our communities with much-needed, reliable personal and commercial expertise for years to come. Positioned to accelerate as we move into the rest of 2023 and beyond, we are here, and we are here to stay.”

The team has a long history of involvement throughout Morehead City, which aligns with the company’s commitment to supporting the communities in which it does business. The team is actively involved with various local organizations such as the Carteret Chamber of Commerce, Hope Mission, Martha’s Missions, the Back to School Bus initiative, and more. The team also participates in parent company H.W. Kaufman Group’s annual philanthropic initiative, Harvesting Hope Against Hunger. This initiative supports local community food banks, food distribution centers and hunger-relief charities through monetary donations and volunteer time.

Formerly owned by Wells Fargo Bank, the 18,000 square foot, two-story building has undergone significant renovations. In addition to a complete renovation of the building’s infrastructure, the office space has been modernized to reflect the distinct design and architecture of Burns & Wilcox offices nationwide. The renovated space features an updated façade, new windows and meeting spaces, an updated kitchen, remote workstations, and more.

In addition to the company’s continued commitment to the region, the new office represents a substantial upgrade in terms of office space, accommodating the company’s desire to attract top talent and support its growth expectations.

About Burns & Wilcox

Burns & Wilcox is the insurance industry’s leading wholesale insurance broker and underwriting manager internationally recognized for its expertise in commercial and professional liability, property, environmental, marine, and personal insurance.

Burns & Wilcox is a member of H.W. Kaufman Group, which has over 60 offices across the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America and employs more than 2,000 professionals. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Metro Detroit, Michigan, H.W. Kaufman Group also includes: Burns & Wilcox Brokerage, Burns & Wilcox Canada, Atain Insurance Companies, Afirm, RB Jones, Stonemark, Minuteman Adjusters, Kaufman Institute, and Noremac Marketing Group. H.W. Kaufman Group International includes: H.W. Kaufman Group Europe, Chesterfield Group, Chesterfield LatAm, Lochain Patrick, Burns & Wilcox United Kingdom, Node International and Cranbrook Underwriting. More information can be found at www.burnsandwilcox.com or www.hwkaufman.com.

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