The legacy of insurance coverage: A dialog with Daniel J. Kaufman

On the planet of insurance coverage, few names resonate as deeply as H.W. Kaufman Group. On the coronary heart of this legacy is Daniel J. Kaufman (pictured), government vice chairman, who just lately sat down with Insurance coverage Enterprise to debate his journey, the challenges of the pandemic, and his dedication to group service.

“I grew up across the insurance coverage trade,” he mentioned. “My grandfather based this firm in 1969. I grew up coming to the workplace, having lunch with him. Again then, we have been very formal. I’d placed on a go well with and tie to go to. I fell in love with the trade. It was a people-first trade constructed on relationships, handshakes, and friendships.”

Following in his father’s footsteps, Daniel J. Kaufman went to regulation faculty, regardless of figuring out his coronary heart was set on insurance coverage. “After regulation faculty, I joined the trade straight away,” he mentioned. “Having a regulation background could be very useful. It helps me see issues in a sure method.”

His journey within the trade has since been numerous. From internships at 16, roles in information entry, to changing into a property dealer in Chicago, he has seen all of it. “In 2017, once I moved again to Detroit, I took on the duty as chief working officer for Burns Wilcox within the US. In 2021, I grew to become president of Burns and Wilcox with an emphasis on the US.”

Pandemic creates alternatives

The pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges. However for Daniel J. Kaufman and his crew, it was additionally a time of innovation and progress.

“We started our digitalization roadmap previous to COVID,” he defined. “One of many first issues our new CEO did was have a look at our infrastructure. By happenstance, this bought us prepared for a totally digital setting. So, when March 13, 2020, got here round, we have been able to go absolutely distant. We have been forward of the sport.”

The corporate’s proactive strategy to expertise paid off. Whereas others have been making cuts, Burns and Wilcox signed a contract with Salesforce, investing over $100 million to overtake its programs. “We’re three years into that undertaking now,” he mentioned. “We’re beginning to roll out that system, constructing the way forward for the corporate on this new digital platform.”

A vibrant future

Trying forward, Daniel J. Kaufman is optimistic. “We’re at all times trying to usher in high expertise,” he mentioned. “We construct our firm on high folks. We’re additionally taking a look at acquisitions. There’s loads of consolidation within the house. We now have a five-year plan to double in measurement by 2028, organically and thru buying.”

However past enterprise, his coronary heart lies in group service. A proud fifth era Detroiter, he’s deeply invested within the metropolis’s revitalization.

“Wherever I am going on the planet, I closely promote Detroit,” he mentioned. “After I got here again in 2017, I invested each my time and {dollars} into the town.” He’s significantly passionate in regards to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the place he’s co-chairing a $75 million endowment marketing campaign. “Organizations in Detroit are important to the town. They promote companies, tourism, and training.”

For Daniel J. Kaufman, giving again isn’t only a private mission; it’s a company-wide ethos.

“It’s necessary that each one of our folks give again to the communities during which we do enterprise,” he mentioned. “If I’m not doing it, then we are able to’t count on our folks to do it. We ask our folks to offer again in all methods, in every single place we do enterprise.”

In a world that’s always altering, he stands as a testomony to the facility of legacy, innovation, and group service. His journey, from a younger boy visiting his grandfather’s workplace to main one of many trade’s giants, is actually inspiring. And as he appears to the long run, one factor is evident: the very best is but to return.