January 30, 2025

United Insurance Forms Dedicated Surety Team

Contract and commercial bonds are an essential part of every construction project, so our clients have the financial resources and confidence they need to start new jobs. Thanks to experienced professionals in our Rumford and Presque Isle offices, United Insurance has been offering bonding services for over two decades.

In response to increased client demand, we’ve made a strategic organizational change to become an even stronger partner in the timely delivery of surety bonds. What was formerly a value-added service is now a dedicated surety team with the structure and resources to efficiently execute your next project.

“Bonding is nothing new at United Insurance,” CEO Zack Frechette explains. “We’re simply creating structure within our organization and making our staff, our clients, and the construction community aware of our bonding capabilities, partnerships, and commitment to providing exceptional service.”

Nikki Knowles Surety
Nikki Knowles Bond Account Executive - Southern Maine
Kevin Thorstenson Bond Account Executive - Northern Maine
Kevin Thorstenson Bond Account Executive - Northern Maine

The United Insurance Surety team is led by Nikki Knowles and Kevin Thorstenson, licensed commercial insurance agents who have extensive experience with contractors’ insurance and bonding needs. A former CPA, Nikki joined United Insurance in 2017 and within three years, achieved both the Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) designation, the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation and became the manager of our Rumford office. Nikki’s deep financial background, paired with her insurance experience is a true asset in helping you secure bonds for your project needs. Kevin Thorstenson is a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) who specializes in construction-related clients with over 15 years of payment and performance contract bonding experience. As the owner of Thor Enterprises, LLC, a 45-acre private in-town development featuring a 31-lot mobile home park, 19 duplexes, and 40 self-storage units, Kevin has acquired helpful life experience and a deep understanding of contractors and their needs.

“We know contractors are busier than ever and there’s no end in sight to the consistent demand for their services,” United Insurance Bond Account Executive Nikki Knowles explained. “My team and I are excited to let contractors know we’re here to take on their bonding builds with the same dedication and attention to detail they approach every build.”

Rebecca White Surety
Rebecca White Bond Account Manager
Kasey LeClerc Surety
Kasey LeClerc Bond Account Manager

To ensure Nikki and Kevin have the support they need to handle every detail, the United Insurance Surety team also includes two longtime account managers with strong reputations for dependability, efficiency, and attention to detail. Rebecca White and Kasey LeClerc have been determining the bonding needs for clients and placing them with appropriate carriers for over 20 years and 16 years respectively. From quickly understanding the complete scope of a project and a contractor’s financial position to securing all the necessary approvals and documentation, Rebecca and Kasey take care of every detail while maintaining consistent communication throughout the bonding process.

For contractors frustrated by slow timetables and delayed responses to their inquiries, United Insurance’s Surety team is a focused, nimble alternative that will treat every step of the bonding process with urgency.

As Drew Washer of Bedard Excavation attests: “United Insurance’s bonding team is the best we have ever worked with. Nikki and Rebecca are always so helpful and accommodating. They go above and beyond with all questions and concerns. I would highly recommend them to all”.

To start a conversation with the United Insurance Surety team, contractors in southern Maine can call Nikki at 207-481-5826 and contractors in northern Maine can call Kevin at 207-551-5952 or email bonds@unitedinsurance.net.

News

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