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
Matt Lotfey, president at RT Specialty Orange County, is heralded as a true specialist dedicated to continuous learning in his E&S niche.
As a leader of a high-performance team, Lotfey has inspired reliable results through a combination of niche mastery and deep interpersonal relationships. This is reflected through his team’s exceptional quote-to-bind ratio, which consistently exceeds 95 percent across markets.
“My unwavering belief is that a broker’s success is rooted in the strength and quality of their underwriting relationships," he says.
“By fostering trust, transparency, and collaboration with carrier trading partners, I ensure that every submission is thoughtfully crafted, strategically positioned, and aligned with market appetite.”
His market expertise was showcased when the industry veteran created a bespoke solution to provide tailored coverage for the rapidly growing “built-to-rent” property sector.
Innovation is another feather in Lotfey’s cap. He recently contributed greatly to the launch of the insurance-linked securities (ILS) sidecar designed specifically for wholesale brokers, a feature that was unprecedented in the industry.
He says, “My leadership in bringing this solution to market not only reflects my forward-thinking approach but also positions me, and RT Specialty, at the forefront of innovation in the wholesale brokerage industry.”
Lotfey views his role as a strategic expert, rather than simply as a market intermediary.
“The role demands a forward-thinking mindset, someone who challenges conventional approaches, inspires markets to support progressive products, and anticipates the evolving needs of insureds,” he says.
And Lotfey actively looks to the future to find pertinent solutions that are resistant to market shifts. This mindset is driven by his in-depth market analysis, which allows him to find creative solutions for clients.
“A top broker should not only deliver solutions for today’s risks but also guide clients in structuring transactions with a long-term vision that supports sustainable growth and resilience,” he explains.
He also works to ensure that he is at the front of mind for retailers facing complex or urgent coverage needs.
“It’s about earning trust through consistency, creativity, and technical mastery, while always advocating for the best interests of both clients and carrier trading partners.”
Lotfey’s experience allows him and his team to create tailored bespoke solutions for their clients, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
“My team and I go beyond standard placement strategies by crafting customized policy forms and mid-term mechanics that reflect the operational realities and risk appetites of clients,” he notes. “This bespoke approach ensures that coverage is not only fulsome but also responsive to evolving exposures.”
155 N Wacker Dr. Suite 4000, Chicago, IL 60606
312 784 6001
matthew.lotfey@rtspecialty.com
linkedin.com/in/matthew-lotfey-53002a1b
rtspecialty.com
Matthew Lotfey
President RT Specialty, Orange County
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“You can’t control the outcome, but you can always control what version of you turns up every day”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
2011
2013
2014
2017
2022–2026
Began his insurance career at The Hartford as part of the P&C operations/finance team
2011
Transitioned to an underwriting role at The Hartford and relocated to southern California
2013
Joined RT Specialty as a property broker
2014
Promoted to executive vice president
2017
2022: He and his team received the RT Specialty Patrick G. Ryan Award
2024: Promoted to office president of RT Specialty, Orange County; received the RT Specialty Top Broker Award
2026: Honored as a Top Specialist Wholesale Broker by Insurance Business
2022-2026
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.