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
Thurston Davis, Jr.’s seven years in the insurance industry are defined by his relentless commitment to deliver the highest level of service to his clients. The unwavering drive to succeed that Davis, Jr. brings to the insurance industry was honed through his time playing football, including being a member of the Auburn University Tigers.
“That mindset has not only carried over into my career in the insurance industry, but also drives me to stay prepared and seize every opportunity,” he says.
Since joining RT Specialty as an associate broker in 2019, Davis, Jr. has risen to the role of vice president specializing in property. He is quick to highlight the major impact that mentorship has played in moulding his prosperous career. After his talent was earmarked in the early stage of his career, Davis, Jr. represented RT Specialty at the prestigious Lloyd’s Broker Academy in London, an experience that continues to be significant today.
To overcome the challenges presented by an ever-shifting property market, Davis, Jr. prioritizes his relationships with clients and a commitment to transparency. Clients consistently describe him as authentic and passionate about finding success for their unique needs.
“My clients feel my authenticity, tenacity, and competitive spirit with every interaction. My character as well as my drive to win, no matter the complexity of the challenge, keep my clients coming back,” he notes.
Davis, Jr.’s natural ability to build strong relationships is a crucial component to the awardee’s long-term success.
“My greatest strength is my ability to connect with people. I pride myself on building rapport quickly and creating an environment where people feel understood and valued.”
He believes that understanding his clients’ needs is the first step toward a thriving client-broker relationship.
“I begin by listening carefully to understand a client’s needs, then work tirelessly to exceed their expectations,” he explains.
Davis, Jr.’s success in finding pertinent solutions for clients is closely linked to his round-the-clock availability.
“Delivering for clients means assisting them in earning the insured’s business, responding lightning-fast day or night, maintaining transparent communication, and keeping them informed on industry trends and any competitive advantages I can provide.”
155 N Wacker Dr., Suite 4000, Chicago, IL 60606
866 595 8413
thurston.davis@rtspecialty.com
linkedin.com/in/thurston-davis-jr-16b556189/
rtspecialty.com
Thurston Davis, Jr.
Vice President, Property
RT Specialty – Atlanta
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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
2019
2024
2025
2018
2024
Joined RT Specialty as an associate broker
2019
Promoted to vice president at RT Specialty
Appointed to the WSIA Diversity Foundation Board
Elected chair of the WSIA Diversity Talent Outreach Committee
Appointed board member of the Young Risk Professionals of Birmingham
Selected as a Rising Star by Insurance Business America
2024
Named an Earle Dillard Award recipient
Honored as a Top Specialist Wholesale Broker by Insurance Business America
2025
Named an IBA Top Specialist Broker
2018
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.
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage