Todd Adams

Todd Adams serves as a member of Horton’s Risk Advisory Team and brings over 20 years of experience in the renewable energy, distributed power, clean technology, heavy machinery and large food distribution sectors. He is part of a team specialized in addressing complicated project development, financing, regulatory issues, funding, tax and investment credits, grants, and guaranteed loan projects for renewable energy and clean technology.

Todd has risk in his blood. As an undergrad at Arizona State, an unexpected opportunity brought him to Chicago where he started his career as a commodities trader.
“Trading at the Mercantile was competitive and challenging – it taught me about risk. I learned to see risk for what it really is – undiscovered opportunity and reward,” says Todd. “This is a lesson essential for my clients and in my own career. I quickly saw that commodities trading in the mid-80’s was too risky of a business and it prompted me explore a new career, ultimately in insurance.”

Armed with an education in risk, insurance experience and a competitive spirit, Todd became known as a pioneer in insuring large companies with complicated risks. In the early 2000’s, Todd was working with a Steel Mill when one of the executives decided to leave and focus on alternative energy. The executive brought Todd on to address existing and potential new liabilities for the buyer and seller which were holding up the sale of an energy asset.

Todd saw the deal as a way to look at insurance in a different light. He saw this as an opportunity to create an insurance instrument that protects the buyer from pre-existing liabilities while protecting the seller post transaction. This instrument filled a significant gap by utilizing insurance as leverage to enhance the deal - allowing his clients to purchase property as an investment in clean energy sources. Along the way, Todd has built a reputation for being more than just a broker, but also a partner to his clients.

“Many of my clients are focused on very risky industries and projects. There is a significant amount of time, money and energy tied up in these projects. These ventures are more than just another investment in their portfolio – it’s very personal for them. Clients rely on me to deliver – their success is dependent on it,” says Todd. “I take that seriously. I consider myself a partner in their projects, investments and all of their risk-related needs. Day, night, weekends – I’m always available for my clients.”
Over the years, Todd has been awarded several insurance industry awards. In 2011, Todd was recognized as Risk & Insurance Magazine’s “Power Broker®”, one of the industry’s most prestigious award, for his work in the environmental sector. Power Brokers® distinguish themselves through three key hallmarks: creative risk solutions, industry knowledge and superior customer service.
In his free time, Todd enjoys spending time with family and friends. An avid competitor, Todd is always planning his next event whether that is cheering on the Cubs or competing in extreme sports with his son and daughter.