The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers has expanded its footprint through a strategic partnership with Berliner-Gelfand & Co., Inc., a Connecticut-based insurance agency, and the addition of Will Bradshaw as a producer in its Ponte Vedra, Florida office.
Berliner-Gelfand, founded in 1965, brings decades of experience to Liberty. The agency offers a broad range of insurance products including property, liability, auto, umbrella, workers’ compensation, employee benefits, management liability, life, and health.
It is affiliated with several major carriers such as Chubb, The Hartford, Travelers, Liberty Mutual, and Lloyd’s of London. James R. Berliner, CPCU (pictured right), serves as president of the agency and is a former president of the Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut.
Berliner said the decision to align with Liberty was driven by the firm’s emphasis on collaboration, integrity, and support.
“After more than 50 years of serving our clients with personalized guidance and deep industry expertise, we saw in Liberty a partner who could help us continue that mission – while at the same time, providing the infrastructure and resources to take our agency to the next level,” Berliner said.
Liberty's partnership model allows agencies to retain control over their businesses while accessing services including business development, human capital management, HR compliance tools, and risk and claims support.
Earlier this year, Liberty expanded its syndicated credit facility by $100 million, led by JPMorgan Chase. The firm said the increase in capital will be used to support continued growth through mergers and acquisitions, the development of specialized industry service groups, and the enhancement of employee learning and development.
This funding is part of a broader capital strategy initiated in 2023 when Liberty closed a $340 million refinancing transaction.
Separately, Liberty has appointed Will Bradshaw as a producer operating out of its Ponte Vedra, Fla., location. Bradshaw, who has a background in hospitality management, will focus on insurance solutions in the farm/crop, commercial, and high-net-worth personal lines segments.
Bradshaw’s entry into the insurance sector builds on his long-standing ties to the local community and family roots in the industry. He previously held a management role with a restaurant group in Ponte Vedra and leveraged that position to build client relationships.
“I chose to work for Liberty because protecting what matters most to people is a mission I truly believe in,” Bradshaw said. “I’m excited to be part of a team that puts people first and works every day to provide peace of mind and a reliable source of support.”
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