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
Having served nearly a decade as an army officer, Mark Buckley, an executive vice president at RT Specialty, is incredibly adept at finding creative and timely solutions to issues that arise within his excess and surplus (E&S) lines niche.
“My strongest professional quality is problem-solving, honed during my service as an army officer and refined in the E&S industry. My unwavering commitment to finding solutions, regardless of complexity, sets me apart,” he says.
To thrive in the surplus lines’ highly complex landscape, Buckley has had to remain nimble. This includes constant engagement with MGAs and carriers to make himself aware of shifting appetites.
Buckley’s unambiguous communication style allows him to become a trusted resource for his clients.
“I prioritize direct communication, starting with an initial call and following up regularly to capture feedback and evolving needs. This proactive approach is critical to winning and retaining accounts,” he notes. “Transparent communication with retail agents further strengthens confidence in the solutions provided.”
To reciprocate the formative mentorship opportunities he took advantage of early in his career, Buckley provides extensive skills development for the junior staff in his department.
“Inspired by the warm welcome I experienced when entering the industry, I pride myself on creating opportunities for young brokers to launch successful careers,” he explains. “Leading a high-performing team and fostering future talent remain my most significant achievements.”
A dedication to education is another hallmark of Buckley’s contribution to the industry at large, with a concerted effort to practice thought leadership within his E&S niche.
He says, “I actively support the industry by serving as a resource and sounding board at retail trade shows and informal meetings. My commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration underscores my dedication to the broader E&S community.”
1650 Arch St, Suite 2600, Philadelphia, PA
267 682 5513
mark.buckley@rtspecialty.com
linkedin.com/in/markbuckleyjr
rtspecialty.com
Mark Buckley
Executive Vice President RT Specialty – Philadelphia
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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
2009
2016
2018–2020
2024
2025
Served as an active-duty army officer
2009
Joined All Risks as a broker
2016
2018–2020: Became a member of All Risks’ President’s Club
2019: Received All Risks’ Newcomer of the Year award
2020: Joined RT Specialty through the acquisition of All Risks, serving as senior vice president
2018–2020
Promoted to executive vice president at RT Specialty
2024
Appointed national construction practice co-leader at Brown & Riding
2025
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.