Universal North America: Grant To Help Create 70 Jobs, Sarasota

Universal North America, a multiregional insurance carrier based in Sarasota, was recently awarded more than $80,000 to expand its workforce and train new employees.

The money came from the state-funded Quick Response Training grant, and will create 70 jobs over the next two years.

"We will be adding jobs in many areas, including accounting, customer service, operations, claims, sales, product development, compliance, risk management and technology," says Leona Liskovec of Universal North America.

The company supports operations for independent agents and policy holders in and out of Florida. From customer service to underwriting, Universal handles all aspects of property and casualty insurance operations. Recently, the company added 20,000 square feet of office space to accommodate their growth.

"We have been strategically expanding and diversifying our product offerings throughout the United States over the last six years," Liskovec says. "Currently, we are providing home insurance coverage to hundreds of thousands of families in 17 states. We have also added new products like auto and commercial property."

In order to keep the growth going, Liskovec says that Universal is in search of talented individuals to join their team.

"We are looking for people who are educated, passionate, and self-motivated," she says. "Most of all, we are looking for leaders or those with the potential to become the next leaders of our organization."

Liskovec says Universal employees enjoy many benefits.

"We know our success depends upon our ability to attract and retain the best and brightest in the industry," Liskovec says. "We offer a full package with health, dental, life and disability benefits; as well as a matching 401k, wellness program/ gym reimbursement and a generous amount of paid time off."

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Leona Liskovec, Universal North America