“Synergy—the bonus that is achieved when things work together harmoniously.”
—Mark Twain
John Lawrence
President
John Lawrence is a founder and President of Twain Insurance Agency. John ‘s journey in the insurance industry began over fifteen years ago with a hands-on approach, mastering the intricacies of insurance operations. His diverse experience spans roles as an account executive, placement expert, claims specialist, and loss control liaison. This comprehensive background empowers John to serve as a holistic advocate for his clients’ needs, offering multifaceted support across all facets of insurance. During his tenure with his prior firms where he served various roles including Vice President and Principal, John obtained the esteemed Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI) designation. In a profession often defined by salesmanship, John embodies a different approach. His emphasis on the analytical aspects of insurance placements distinguishes his work. He has cultivated expertise in collaborating with healthcare, waste, manufacturing, real estate and construction accounts. John’s competitive spirit traces back to his upbringing near Syracuse, New York. This drive propelled him onto the football field at Hamilton College, where he not only earned a BS in Economics but also achieved recognition as an All-American player. Currently residing in Columbia, Maryland, John finds fulfillment in family life alongside his wife Gwen, daughter Emma, and son Benjamin.
Tom Davis
Executive Vice President
Tom Davis is a founder and an Executive Vice President of Twain Insurance Agency. Tom started his Insurance career working for a Regional Broker in the Washington DC region. He had an exclusive focus on the construction industry managing both Insurance and Surety programs for clients. Prior to the insurance industry, Tom spent 8 years as a commercial lender for Sandy Spring Bancorp, a publicly traded regional bank in Washington DC. He brings a wealth of expertise in risk management and financial underwriting providing a unique perspective for his construction clients. Tom manages a book of business as far south as Alabama and stretching north to Pennsylvania with a focus in the Mid-Atlantic region. He grew up in PA, and after studying accounting at Wheeling Jesuit College he moved to Baltimore MD where he resides today. Tom is a member of Associated Builders and Contractors and American Subcontractors Association.
Griffin Willson
Executive Vice President
Griffin Willson is a founder and an Executive Vice President at Twain Insurance Agency. Griffin is an accomplished Insurance and Bonding Agent who started his career in 2013. Beginning at M&T Bank, Griffin served as a financial underwriter for the bonding department, earning designations including AFSB and CPCU. Notably recognized as the Most Outstanding Student in the 2016 NASBP bond school. In 2020, Griffin joined Commercial Insurance Associates, taking on the challenge of building a surety practice and expanding the agency’s presence in the Mid-Atlantic region. Known for a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to excellence, Griffin is dedicated to making a lasting impact in the insurance and bonding industry. Griffin is a graduate of East Carolina University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance.
Justin Stetler
Producer
With 13 years of experience in the surety industry, Justin Stetler specializes in financial underwriting, risk mitigation, and building strong client relationships. He began his career in commercial surety before transitioning to the contract surety side, where he has spent the last 11 years at The Hartford. During his time there, Justin worked with contractors of all sizes—from small, emerging businesses to large co-surety accounts—helping them navigate complex risk challenges. A trusted expert in financial analysis, legal review, and carrier relationships, Justin holds the AFSB (Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bonding) designation. He also served as President of the Mid-Atlantic Surety Association in 2018 and 2019, following five years of active involvement in the organization. Justin earned his Bachelor’s in Finance from Penn State University and is committed to using his expertise to help clients achieve long-term success and stability in their surety programs. Outside of work, Justin resides in York, PA with his wife and four young children. He is passionate about coaching his kids’ soccer and basketball teams and enjoys spending quality time outdoors with his family. When not coaching or with family, Justin is an avid hunter, golfer, and enjoys staying active through fitness and working around his small farm.
Brandon Thacker
Producer
Brandon Thacker is the Vice President and Principal at Twain Insurance, where he oversees growth across Texas and the surrounding Southern states. Brandon began his insurance career in 2012, managing his own satellite office for Nationwide, where he quickly became one of the top 50 agents in Texas. As his career progressed, Brandon developed a strong focus on specialized industries, including construction, oil & gas, manufacturing, and intrastate trucking. Over time, Brandon grew frustrated with the lack of value and execution often seen in the insurance brokerage industry. This led him to adopt a more hands-on, technical approach to his work. By diving deep into the details of clients’ operations, Brandon ensures a thorough understanding of both the big picture and the finer points of each policy. His methodical, analytical approach allows clients to “inspect what they expect” from their insurance coverage, fostering relationships built on trust and transparency. Throughout his career, Brandon has earned numerous accolades, including President’s Club honors, carrier recognitions, and Rookie of the Year awards. He has also achieved professional designations, including the Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). Growing up in a small town in central West Texas, Brandon enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing any sport available. He earned a degree in Exercise Science from the University of Houston, with minors in Global Business and Entrepreneurship. His passion for business led him to be accepted into the Stephen Stagner Sales Excellence Institute at the University of Houston, where he honed his sales and leadership skills.
Twain Capital
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The Twain Capital team assisted in the formation of Twain Insurance Agency. Twain Capital is a hybrid, both a family office and an independent investment sponsor. Our focus is investing in operating companies in industry sectors and areas where we have knowledge and experience. Unlike traditional private equity, we provide patient capital with a focus on long-term cash flow generating businesses. We collaborate with our portfolio companies and experienced operators to define high-impact profitability initiatives, turn them into action, and create both long-term value and lifelong relationships.
