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
Relationship-building is the calling card of Wes Robinson, national property president and EVP, property at Risk Placement Services (RPS).
The strength of these relationships is demonstrated through Robinson’s ability to secure growth in whatever market conditions he comes up against in his E&S property niche.
“Everyone’s success is dependent on each other – from the client, to our team, to all of the carriers we interact with daily,” he explains. “We have been able to grow in every hard and soft market, and I credit that to an incredibly talented team, both locally and nationally, as well as the quality relationships and friendships we have built during this time.”
With a deep understanding of both clients’ comprehensive needs and current market conditions, Robinson finds creative solutions to complex challenges.
“We do not make decisions in a vacuum. It requires us, the retailer, and the insured to be informed on the options available and implement them accordingly,” he explains. “The actual insurance transaction is just a mechanism to transfer the clients’ risk to another entity, so understanding what their risk tolerance and pain points are allows for a better plan to be formulated on structuring the deal around what will suit them the best.”
He gauges success through repeat business and referrals, an indication that he had provided extraordinary service to his clients.
“If that happens, then I feel we have done our job delivering on a positive insurance experience,” he notes. “That doesn’t necessarily mean simply placing their insurance, but many of our clients are looking for professional opinions, benchmarking, advice, and a glimpse into the dynamic world of E&S property.”
Robinson thrives in knowing that his creative capabilities are highly valued as a specialist wholesale broker.
“Creativity is limitless when ‘no’ is not an option; I had to do too much of that as a standard market underwriter. It’s a chance to create some real value for the retailers and insureds.”
As a leader, Robinson holds a high degree of trust in his team and provides crucial support during stressful situations. He and his team spring into action when they receive an account and calmly decide on the best course of action.
“If an account hits our desk, there were a lot of decisions along the way for it to get there, and we do not take that lightly. Our job is to deliver back to our client a solution to the problem, which is why it is on our desk in the first place,” he says.
“The most rewarding thing for me starts with doing a good job for the client, which in turn allows our organization to grow and provide opportunity for others within to share in that success and make a path for themselves.”
2850 Golf Road Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
866 595 8413
RPS.Marcomm@RPSins.com
linkedin.com/in/adam-connor-10a4a211
RPSins.com
Wes Robinson
National Property President/EVP, Property
Risk Placement Services
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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
1998
2002
2012-Present
2018
2024
Graduated with a Risk Management & Insurance degree from the University of Georgia and began his insurance career
1998
Joined RPS Property Brokerage
2002
Promoted to RPS National Property President
Perennial Top Producer at RPS
2012
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.