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
Nick Carozza makes his own luck as executive vice president of executive lines at Risk Placement Services.
“From the onset of my career, I’ve believed success is earned through initiative rather than luck,” he says. “This mindset has driven me to proactively seek out opportunities and carve my own path, ensuring that my trajectory is a result of deliberate action, not chance.”
The ever-evolving nature of executive lines is a significant challenge for Carozza, one which he navigates by remaining highly attuned to marketplace shifts, emerging products, new entrants, and evolving carrier appetites.
“I turn that noise into an advantage by staying ahead of these changes, translating them into actionable intelligence,” he explains. “In a space that is constantly evolving, I have built my reputation on being the specialist who keeps retail partners ahead of the curve. My success is rooted in a relentless commitment to market intelligence, fostering deep client trust through a level of coverage mastery that competitors simply cannot match.”
As a leader, Carozza prioritizes open communication and a dedication to the team’s continual improvement. He excels in mentorship, as reflected in the 2026 IBA Top Specialist Wholesale Broker looking to pave the way for emerging insurance professionals.
“By mentoring young professionals, I ensure they build the technical confidence, relational depth, and a strong foundation necessary to lead,” he notes. “Witnessing these individuals evolve into proficient, high-performing salespeople is a source of immense professional pride and represents my commitment to the long-term vitality and integrity of our industry.”
For Carozza, remaining highly responsive is essential to maintaining strong client relationships. By developing these crucial relationships, he positions himself to provide tailored solutions to the unique needs of clients through collaboration and market expertise.
He says, “Success in this industry hinges on the strength of your network across both clients and carriers. I prioritize cultivating deep-seated trust and open communication, positioning myself as a dependable partner for all stakeholders involved.”
Carozza also ensures that pertinent feedback shapes his operations, adhering to a service-first model that has allowed him to thrive in a challenging landscape.
A focus on education is another difference maker for Carozza, who eschews transactional relationships with his clients. This has significantly boosted his retention rate, developing both transparency and more meaningful connections.
“I personally dedicate significant time to educating clients beyond traditional sales responsibilities,” he says. “By ensuring they fully comprehend the nuances of the products they are selling, I provide a level of transparency that has become a cornerstone of my professional reputation.”
2850 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
866 595 8413
RPS.Marcomm@RPSins.com
linkedin.com/in/nick-carozza-1b87ab40
RPSins.com
Nick Carozza
Area Executive Vice President Risk Placement Services
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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
2013
2020
2022
2024–2025
2024
Began working full-time as a broker
2013
2020: Became an area vice president
2020: Recognized as an Up-and-Coming Broker of the Year in the Reactions North America Awards
2020–2024: IBA Top Specialist Broker
2020–2025: Top 5 in Growth at RPS
2020
Promoted to Area Senior Vice President
2022
2024: Promoted to Area Executive Vice President
2025: IBA 2025 Hot 100
2025: Contributor to RPS Annual Cyber Market Outlook
2024–2025
Joined the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation Northeast Division Board of Directors
2024–2025
Milestones
Milestones
ELITE WOMEN 2024 JUDGE
“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.