Created to deflect Negative Reviews of Burns & Wilcox - Underwriter H.W. Kaufman Group Employee Review

1.0
Aug 7, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pros: Can move up fairly quickly through sheer volume of turnovers alone. Pay will increase with each promotion although know that it will always be below industry average. Market access and carrier partnerships is solid. A good organization to gain experience and contacts in the insurance industry if that is what you desire.

Cons

Kaufman Financial Group is only the holding company for Burns & Wilcox as well as other companies - created to deflect from the negative reviews on the Burns & Wilcox Glassdoor - Kaufman Financial is used as a banner to recruit at colleges - DO NOT let it sway your opinion - check out the Burns & Wilcox profile before proceeding with any job offer. Rooted in mediocracy, clueless middle management, directionless organization that underpays and does not trust its employees. Absolutely Toxic corporate culture – the worst I have ever seen. Fear drives production and the turnover is the highest I have experienced at any organization. Absolutely Toxic corporate culture – the worst I have ever seen. Fear drives production and the turnover is the highest I have experienced at any organization. Management: This is where Burns suffers greatly. It ultimately boils down to one word: Micromanagement. The management team does not even pretend to trust or value its employees on any level. Flexible hours are out of the question – everything is a reason for you to use your PTO – doctors appointment at 4pm? PTO. Blizzard the night before? PTO but you probably should still log in and work remote. Hours are strictly 8:30 to 5:30 but heavily encouraged that you work until 8 or 9PM. Does not understand how to manage or incentivize its employees. Get up from your desk at HQ for more the 20 minutes? Your coworker and management will ask where you have been. Everything is another question even if you are a top tier producer for the organization. Training: Training is a large facet of what is advertised as exceptional at Burns – it however is largely a sham built around a name “Kaufman Institute” and much like everything else here is all fluff and no meat. Do not be fooled by Kaufman Emerging Leaders (KELP) or Kaufman Advanced Management Programs (KAMP) these do not teach or provide any value. They prey on college graduates who desire training however these programs are nothing more than a training program you would receive readily at any other organization. Education is something Alan Kaufman, the CEO, has actively preached as a passion of his throughout the industry, specifically education of skilled talent. It is all words with absolutely nothing feasible backing it up. Dress: Business professional – Suit and ties everyday, owner has very specific style choice you are expected to follow without question. White or Blue dress shirts preferred, nothing dark. Tie, muted with no loud patterns. Dress shoes should be polished and shined, cap toed. No casual days. Owner will pass judgement and occasionally send out dress code reminders.

Explore other reviews about H.W. Kaufman Group

5.0
Mar 24, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The people make the biggest difference here. Training and onboarding are both well-organized and structured. Everyone is respectful and kind, which creates a great work environment. There are also plenty of events, perks like free snacks and drinks, and a wide range of resources, from training support to strong benefit offerings!

Cons

The 4-day in-office schedule might not suit everyone, especially those looking for more flexibility. That said, the in-person collaboration is valuable and healthy, I’d just appreciate occasional flexibility such as a 3-day in-office option when needed.

4.0
May 13, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Interview process was great, everyone was friendly, transparent and professional. Onboarding process was easy and the leadership team made time to meet with all the new hires (great personal touch). The work is fulfilling and the culture is supportive and challenging.

Cons

I could have used a suite number for the onsite interview.

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