Universal Insurance Services

Universal Insurance Services (UIS) was founded in 1988 as one of the early true independent Brokerage Agencies. In the beginning, Universal Insurance Service's main focus was on aligning carriers and large producers directly. Recognizing the tremendous value of the relationships they had created, Universal Insurance Service shifted its focus, and b... egan successfully wholesaling a variety of insurance products, utilizing their strong carrier relationships to support its retail clients and firms. By early 2000, Universal Insurance Services had grown to become one of the leading Broker General Agencies. In late 2002, Universal Insurance Services attracted the attention of one of the largest publicly traded independent distributors of life insurance in the United States, recognizing the tremendous growth and potential of UIS, they acquired the firm. Shortly after the acquisition, in 2003, Michael Sorensen joined Universal Insurance Services as the National Brokerage Director. As a result of his success, in 2007, Mr. Sorensen was named President of Universal Insurance Services establishing Universal Insurance Services' position as the fastest growing and one of the most profitable BGA's within its parent company. In 2008, Gaines and Smith Financial Group was acquired by the same corporation, which was founded by Mitchell Smith in 1997. Gaines & Smith featured a unique agency platform, with specialties more diverse than a typical firm, ranging from financial planning and money management to executive benefits, advanced insurance planning and robust product expertise. In 2010, Universal Insurance Services and Gaines and Smith Financial Group, along with its divisions, merged into a single business. The merger added significantly to UIS' expertise and service offerings, bringing platforms in practice management, marketing and advanced sales, and leaving them well-positioned for even greater growth in the BGA marketplace. As a result of their continued growth and to better reflect the synergy created by the merger, the ...Read More