Full-Time
Underwriting Assistant
Winged Keel Group
51-200 employees
Independent life insurance broker for portfolios
No salary listed
Chicago, IL, USA
In Person
Bachelor's
 Insurance (1) |
|---|
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- A Bachelor's degree.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to work with repetitive routine processes while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
- Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks and requests.
- Ability to set and meet deadlines.
- Ability to perform well under pressure.
- Ability to multitask and handle multiple requests.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook, with basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment and learn along a steep learning curve.
- Ability to work on a computer for a substantial part of the day.
- A strong fundamental skillset in the stated areas from the outset.
- Create and update case records in the database as part of case setup.
- Order prescription checks and motor vehicle records.
- Order attending physician statements and track their progress.
- Complete life insurance applications and prepare them for delivery, including tagging required signatures.
- Prepare documents for signature through DocuSign.
- Prepare and submit MHS paperwork for approval.
- Distribute and file carrier product and underwriting updates.
- Develop basic knowledge of carrier products.
- Use resource websites to download correct and complete sets of current application paperwork for cases moving forward.
- Enter application and policy information into the company database.
- Review policies and prepare policy delivery packages and cover letters.
- Fax documents to insurance carriers and vendors.
- Copy and scan applications, policies, and other documents.
- Create FedEx labels and packages and oversee sending packages through messenger service.
- Break down underwriting files when a case closes and transition the case to the Client Services team.
Winged Keel Group structures and administers large block life insurance portfolios for sophisticated clients, including business owners, investors, executives, and ultra-affluent families. Its services involve designing and managing customized life insurance programs using a mix of planning strategies and products to meet long-term financial goals. The company operates with an extensive, enduring infrastructure to deliver consistent, high-quality work over time, distinguishing itself through deep specialization in large portfolios and a long track record since 1989, rather than relying on quick, one-off solutions. The overarching goal is to help clients secure lasting financial protection and coverage aligned with their long-term objectives, delivered with reliability
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
New York City, New York
Founded
1989
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Winged Keel closed SBSI on July 1, 2026, expanding national advisor reach.
- Tricia Michaels became CFO in October 2025, strengthening financial controls.
- Sean O'Reilly as COO and market hires signal continued operating buildout.
What critics are saying
- SBSI integration risks client defections if Howard Sharfman and Warren McGuire leave.
- Winged Keel's growth relies on expensive acquisitions; a missed deal stalls GTCR's thesis.
- A federal PPLI tax crackdown would damage Winged Keel's core product and growth engine.
What makes Winged Keel Group unique
- Winged Keel serves ultra-high-net-worth life insurance across 19 markets nationwide.
- Its July 2026 SBSI deal deepened PPLI expertise and added Chicago.
- GTCR backed Winged Keel in January 2025, funding aggressive roll-up execution.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 4%1 year growth
↑ 4%2 year growth
↑ 4%Winged Keel Group (“Winged Keel”) today announced it has acquired SBSI, Inc. (dba NFP Insurance Solutions), a Chicago-based independent insurance advisory fi...
Winged Keel Group expands national presence and PPLI leadership, welcomes SBSI, Inc. (dba NFP Insurance Solutions). Business Wire NEW YORK-(BUSINESS WIRE)- Winged Keel Group ("Winged Keel") today announced it has acquired SBSI, Inc. (dba NFP Insurance Solutions), a Chicago-based independent insurance advisory firm serving ultra high net worth and family office clients nationwide. SBSI, Inc. (dba NFP Insurance Solutions), which has an established Private Placement Life Insurance (PPLI) practice, is led by Howard Sharfman and Warren McGuire, two highly respected industry leaders. The entire team has joined Winged Keel, further strengthening the firm's presence across the country and establishing a new Winged Keel office in Chicago. This integration extends Winged Keel's position as the leading national platform for the structuring, implementation, and administration of high-end life insurance solutions. "We're thrilled to welcome the SBSI, Inc. team to Winged Keel," said Eric Naison-Phillips, CEO of Winged Keel. "Howard, Warren, and their talented team have built an outstanding organization with a strong track record of client-centric success in the ultra high net worth life insurance market, including in PPLI. Their team brings deep relationships with centers of influence, financial institutions, and family offices, along with a culture aligned with Winged Keel's focus on growth, innovation, and integrity, all of which will help us advance our evolution and deliver even more value to clients." SBSI, Inc. has been advising clients on life insurance solutions for more than 100 years. They are among the nation's largest firms specializing in life insurance and wealth transfer solutions for ultra high net worth individuals and families with multi-generational wealth. Over the past decade, the firm has placed over $18 billion of life insurance coverage. "This is a fantastic combination of two leading firms in the high-end life insurance space," said Sharfman. "I have admired Winged Keel for years, especially their leadership in PPLI. From a position of strength and through the integration of our people, relationships, and capabilities, we will create new opportunities and a clear long-term succession plan to deliver more value to our clients well into the future. Through this integration with Winged Keel, we are also expanding our geographic reach, gaining access to new resources and infrastructure, collaborating with some of the industry's top talent, and elevating our culture with a firm that shares our values. We're excited to partner with Eric and the team, learn from each other, and continue building something special." Sharfman and McGuire are now Principals of Winged Keel. In addition, Sharfman has joined the firm's Executive Management Committee. Winged Keel, which entered into a strategic partnership with GTCR, LLC, in February 2025, continues its significant activity in acquiring and integrating leading firms in the ultra high net worth life insurance market. This transaction marks Winged Keel's fourth acquisition since the GTCR investment, joining strategic acquisitions that established offices in St. Louis and Minneapolis, and expanded the firm's presence in Denver. Winged Keel will continue exploring opportunities that enhance the team's ability to serve the dynamic needs of clients and advisors nationally and advance its position as the insurance brokerage platform of choice. About Winged Keel Group Winged Keel Group is the premier national platform for the structuring, implementation, and administration of high-end life insurance solutions. With coverage teams across 19 markets nationally, the firm specializes in Traditional Life Insurance, Business Continuation Insurance, Private Placement Life Insurance and Annuities, and Corporate-Owned Life Insurance portfolios. For more information on Winged Keel Group, please visit www.wingedkeel.com. Securities offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Winged Keel Group is independently owned and operated. #06302026-5701084 Contact Information: Jacob Boston Managing Director, Marketing and Communications Winged Keel Group 212.527.8000
Winged Keel Group appoints William "Bill" Ventura as Senior Director and Client Relationship Manager. William "Bill" Ventura Winged Keel Group is proud to announce the addition of William "Bill" Ventura as a Senior Director and Client Relationship Manager. Based in Orlando, Ventura will play a key role in advancing Winged Keel's growth by strengthening the firm's relationships with financial institutions and advisors across Florida. Ventura reports to Donna Litke, Managing Director, Sales and Development, at Winged Keel. "We're excited to welcome Bill to the team and to benefit from the insight he brings from more than 25 years working with financial institutions and advisors," said Litke. "His experience transforming how advisors integrate life insurance and wealth transfer solutions into their practices, understanding of complex planning strategies, and deep relationships throughout Florida will help to accelerate our growth." Ventura previously spent over 20 years with Lincoln Financial Distributors, where he led point-of-sale collaboration within the nation's leading financial institutions. As Sales Vice President, Ventura drove record-breaking results, earning Lincoln's Hall of Fame (2017) and two President's Cup (2017, 2019) awards. He most recently served as Head of Strategic Growth at Modern Life, a technology-driven Brokerage General Agency. Ventura holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP(R) and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP(R) designations. "I'm thrilled to bring my experience and perspective to Winged Keel and be part of a team that continues to drive meaningful growth for the firm," said Ventura. "We have a tremendous opportunity to elevate the experience for financial institutions and advisors as we serve the dynamic needs of high-net-worth clients. I'm proud to join a team recognized as a leader in the high-end life insurance industry and look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to bring innovative solutions to clients." Welcoming Ventura underscores Winged Keel's continued momentum following its 2025 investment partnership with GTCR, reinforcing the firm's commitment to scaling its platform, expanding into new markets, and delivering world-class solutions to clients and partners. About Winged Keel Group Winged Keel Group is the premier national platform for the structuring, implementation, and administration of high-end life insurance solutions. With coverage teams across 15 markets nationally, the firm specializes in Traditional Life Insurance, Business Continuation Insurance, Private Placement Life Insurance and Annuities, and Corporate-Owned Life Insurance portfolios. For more information on Winged Keel Group, please visit www.wingedkeel.com.
Winged Keel Group (“Winged Keel”) today announced the acquisition of Bridge Life, a Denver-based provider of advanced life insurance planning for affluent an...
Winged Keel Group is pleased to announce the addition of Jacob Boston as Managing Director, Marketing and Communications.