Profile
“Being true to who we are is key; we are purely a referral-based business. There is zero marketing or advertising”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
With over two decades of experience in the insurance industry, John O’Marra is recognized as a specialist wholesale broker who pairs niche expertise with extraordinary service to achieve consistent results for his clients.
Now president of RT Specialty’s New York office, the industry veteran differentiates himself by leading with an empathetic approach to insurance.
“I am proud of the ability to be able to put myself in others’ shoes to understand others’ perspectives to achieve balanced outcomes for clients, brokers, and carriers,” he says.
This mindset is bolstered by a calm, solutions-focused demeanor that allows O’Marra to navigate the complex challenges that come his way. He is also highly proactive, ensuring that he fully grasps client goals before making a decision.
“I approach understanding client objectives by asking thoughtful questions and actively listening to their answers,” O’Marra explains. “Once the goals are clear, I utilize my market expertise to assess feasibility. If a client’s aims aren’t achievable, I educate them and collaborate to develop practical, alternative solutions that will meet their needs.”
Building lasting relationships is another foundation of the success O’Marra enjoys.
“On a personal level, building and managing relationships is critical. It always starts with listening, engaging, and asking the right questions,” he says.
For O’Marra, transparency and honesty are the keys to developing these long-term relationships with carriers and agents.
“I set clear expectations with my clients, leveraging my market expertise to maintain transparency by explaining my actions and outcomes.”
O’Marra’s passion for property brokerage is rooted in the sector’s emphasis on asset protection, and he is recognized for his expertise in safeguarding corporate physical assets against tangible risks and potential consequences.
Ushering in the next generation of insurance professionals is of utmost importance to O’Marra. His team recruits college graduates each year to develop new talent, providing a stepping stone for their future success in the industry.
155 N Wacker Dr., Suite 4000, Chicago, IL 60606
312 784 6001
john.omarra@rtspecialty.com
linkedin.com/in/john-o-marra-70536526
rtspecialty.com
John O’Marra
President
RT Specialty, New York
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Milestones
“You can’t control the outcome, but you can always control what version of you turns up every day”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
2001
2006
2019–2011
2021–2023
2024
Started his career in global broking at Marsh
2001
Moved to Mercator Risk Services as a vice president – property broker
2006
2019: Received the Patrick G. Ryan Award from the Ryan Specialty Group
2020: Received the RT President’s Award for Property
2011: Joined RT Specialty as an E&S property broker, then promoted to executive vice president – property in 2021
2019–2011
2021: Received the Patrick G. Ryan Award from the Ryan Specialty Group for the second time
2023: Promoted to president of RT Specialty, New York
2021–2023
Joined the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation Northeast Division Board of Directors
2024
Milestones
Milestones
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“You can’t control the outcome, but you can always control what version of you turns up every day,” he says.
While at the helm of a rapidly growing business and a family that includes two young children at home, Rakowski has learned to manage what he calls a “never-ending list of commitments” that consists of a new team member each month, a new interstate office and two to three new referral partners monthly.
“Our business is a human business, so investing genuine time in every person can be draining on a personal level. Balancing it all is a challenge,” he says. “Simply put, do what you say you will do, and act at all times with honesty and integrity, being respectful and empathetic. The financial outcomes are a byproduct of the human interactions we have.”
Attracting, retaining and delivering exceptional client outcomes and service starts with a sincere interest in their journey and remaining relevant to them as their lives and needs evolve, notes Rakowski. He points out that he and his team put in most of the work upfront in building meaningful relationships, which is a testament to its 99% client retention rate.
He says, “We are clear in the types of clients we work best with and our value proposition. We also look for a cultural alignment with all of our referral partners, and we are acutely aware of our strengths and how different we are from our industry peers.”
Rakowski recently opened a Queensland business and plans a foot in every other capital city. He strives to establish the brokerage as a national business with on-the-ground representation in every state by the end of 2025.