Protecting your balance sheet with integrity and independent advocacy.
After 40+ years advising on risk and insurance matters, I deliver strategies that drive down insurance costs while strengthening your risk posture and insurance placements - available as your risk consultant or as your broker, whichever structure best protects your interests.
What Clients Have Shared
"During a burglary at our home in the Hampton's, our safe was dragged along the 1st floor, out the garage, and onto our driveway. Custom cabinetry and millwork was damaged everywhere the thieves worked to clear us out. Our Audio/Video closet was ransacked, all cable management wiring was torn out, and our 61" Runco Plasma TV was taken.
Our initial conversation with the loss adjuster raised big concerns. Challenges; their stance to repair only a portion of the 1st floor and replacing audio/video equipment based upon it performing the same functions. Since the flooring was 10 years old, it would be impossible to match the finish, and the carrier insisted on only repairing the damaged square footage, and the specified AV equipment and software was clearly inferior. The nationally recognized carrier us only offered $75,000.
We then spoke with Dan, he asked intelligent questions and expressed confidence we would be fine. Dan obtained the receipts, obtained repair figures from woodworkers, and the applicable product details we insisted upon. He assembled an organized, easy to follow and comprehensive spreadsheet, and reviewed same with us to gain our approval. He then expertly and aggressively advocated for us which led to a claim settlement offer of over five times the carrier's initial offer.
Big difference from the typical order-taker. Will never use anyone else."
P & A F
Very-High-Net-Worth Family
"Over 22 years in private equity real estate, I was responsible for asset management across a large and diverse portfolio of institutional real estate investments for a real estate private equity firm. Dan Seltzer was the person I relied upon when we faced particuarily difficult insurance and risk issues.
One of several examples involved our investment in a developer of large resort residential communities in Florida, where property and hurricane insurance had become a significant issue. Dan helped us navigate a difficult insurance market and materially reduced our costs by over $1,000,000 while maintaining the coverage required by our investors and lenders.
What distinguishes Dan is his counsel has always been driven by what was best for us as the client. He frequently advised us on coverage and risk issues even when he wasn't placing the insurance. I trust his judgment because his focus was always protecting our interests, not selling us a policy."
SM
Former Senior Managing Principal & Head of Asset Management - Private Equity Real Estate
"Daniel Seltzer has been our insurance broker for over 40 years, serving the insurance needs of my husband and I, as well as our grown children, and our various family related business.
What he brings to the table is knowing how to best present our risks to the underwriting community. He has a depth of experience in studying policies since 1981 and knows when and where to manuscript favorable insuring agreements.
Whenever a claim occurs, he is extremely prompt and responsive. He guides us by presenting the complete picture leaving the adjuster with no further questions or challenges. He knows all the pricing techniques and how to reduce costs while maintaining excellent customer service. He truly understands the importance of discretion and will always be our trusted risk advisor."
Valued Client 30+ Years
Ultra-High-Net-Worth Family
"Seltzer's expertise & re-design of our previous brokers property program saved us over $250k. Our portfolio of over 100 assets across 3 regions is comprised of mostly residential- frame buildings, some with student housing exposure, and others are considered unprotected by underwriters. We were not unhappy with our previous broker, and were fairly sure our pricing was competitive for the market - we were quite surprised. "
Real Estate Developers
"Insurance professionals have never invested time to understand my business, let alone speak with City and State attorneys who were intransigent. Dan Seltzer got directly involved, educating these municipal authorities, negotiating Additional Insured language with them and showing how risk transfer can make a material impact. That made it possible for our firm to move forward with the project. Dan, I thank you, as do several formerly homeless seniors."
BS, AIA, NCARB
Off-Grid Manufacturer Specializing Shipping Container Modular Structures
"I only need Seltz 2-3 times each year when a problem arises. Since 1998 he has answered the phone, responded to text messages. After listening carefully, he lays out solutions, we agree to the path, and implementation follows. Not once has he tried to sell me insurance I did not need."
Very-High- Net-Worth Family
"I credit Dan Seltzer with most of my understanding of complex insurance products for both institutional real estate and corporate suites of insurance. Our firm began working with Dan shortly after I was tasked with handling all aspects of real estate insurance, including ground-up construction and heavy-lift renovations in DC, as well as the related suite of corporate coverages for our various operating entities. After meeting with Dan, I lost confidence in other brokers I had met. Dan solved a large number of issues we had with both sets of insurances, all while patiently educating me about the intricacies of each over the course of more than a decade. Dan helped us with a variety of six and seven figure claims, always acting as our advocate, and always 100% clear on exactly what the policy said - he is the only insurance advisor I've met who reads, understands and explains the policy. The patience he exhibits in understanding an issue for a client is unique and, when a situation occurs (as it always does) Dan is there to explain in understandable terms, manage, and assist in the claim. Dan is the consummate insurance professional for anyone in or adjacent to the commercial real estate world."
PB
25 year Multi-Family Real Estate Developer
"I invested nearly $1 million in a precision cutting machine from Europe. Right after training, one of my guys made a mistake and damaged some intricate parts. The carrier's adjuster denied the claim. I should have called Dan first, but when I did, he was straight with me: he couldn't speak for the carrier, but he was confident we had an excellent argument. The denial came down to how the machine was attached to the building, and the carrier's position that it should've been insured on a different kind of policy. Dan had seen this kind of scenario before and wanted to see the facts for himself. He came out to my plant, sat down with me and my employee, and asked the right questions. Then I watched him sit on the shop floor, asking more questions and taking photos and video. A week later he was back with the adjuster to walk him through the entire story. About ten days later, the denial was reversed and we were paid in full. Dan's old-school. He does the legwork and doesn't let up, and you just don't see that much anymore."
RO
President, Lighting Manufacturer
Initials represent real clients; names withheld for privacy reasons. Each client has granted permission to include these comments.
If you would like to speak with any of these individuals, please let us know. Thank you for your interest in ClientSide Risk, LLC
Professional Profile
I learned the art of identifying and managing risk from some of the greatest minds in the industry, including my early years running slips at Lloyd's of London. Four decades later, I continue down the path my father and grandfather built: fiercely independent, delivering risk transfer programs to entrepreneurs and HNW families. I keep my eye on the lowest total cost of risk, while clients count on my integrity, expertise and straight talk.
Professional Experience:
June 2026 - Present -
Founder & CEO, ClientSide Risk, LLC
June 2024 – June 2026 -
Shareholder, RCM&D
July 2018 – June 2024 -
Principal, Seubert & Associates, Inc.
July 2013 – July 2018 -
Executive Vice President, USI Insurance Services
December 1982 – July 2013 -
President & CEO, Cohen-Seltzer, Inc. (2006 – 2013)
June 1981 – December 1982 -
Broker Lloyd's of London and “POP” Program Commercial Union Insurance Company
Professional Affiliations and Board Membership:
NAIOP/CREDA – National Board member
NAIOP/CREDA - Philadelphia Chapter Finance Committee member
NAIOP/CREDA – Trends in Real Estate Development – National Forum member
Modular Building Institute - member
Instructor – Continuing Legal Education (Pa, NJ & NY)
Urban Land Institute – National Product Council: Recreational Development
Franklin Institute – Corporate Executive Board Member
Education:
1978 – 1981 -
Philadelphia College of Textiles & Sciences - BA Management, AS History
1994 -
Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) - The American Institute of Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriters
Volunteer & Community:
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces – Regional Board Member
University Club of DC – Chair House Committee & Financial Committee Member
Anti-Defamation League - Regional Board Member
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America
Speaker & Author:
“Development” magazine article – NAIOP/CREDA – Fall 2026
“Modular Advantage” magazine articles – July 2024, August 2025 & January 2026
“Real Estate & Construction, and Risk Transfer”
“Using the DHS SAFETY Act to Protect Your Business”
“Introduction to Property & Casualty Insurance”
“Student Housing Risk Management & Insurance”
“Insurance Certificates – More Than A Piece of Paper?”
Expertise
Claims Guidance
My first twenty-years in this business were spent studying manuals, policies, contracts and earning my designation - not selling. That technical grounding taught me to present insurers a complete, organized picture from the start; no missing pieces, no unanswered questions, no room for doubt. Claims move faster, and settle on more favorable terms, because the claims puzzle arrives already solved.
Coverage Audit
Our analysis includes recommendations in compliance with existing lender, partnership and operating agreement requirements which, when shared with your agent/broker is designed to drive down costs, eliminate unnecessary coverage, ensure limits & deductibles are at their optimum level, and consider new coverage.
Risk Transfer
Over 150 Additional Insured endorsements are utilized, and each differs. Carriers issue policies with their preferred language. Who is checking? I carefully audit insurance requirements against the agreements you sign. Gaps frequently exist. Protecting your balance sheet is ClientSide Risk's mission.
Agent/Broker Assessment
Our family brokerage firm was established in 1926. Built on a simple standard: quality assurance, carrier-agnostic placements, and a fiercely client-centric approach. This earned Cohen-Seltzer, Inc., the "PAR Excellence" Quality Assurance award 21 consecutive years; during this time, only one other broker in the USA could make this statement. My objective assessment of your current broker will either confirm you are in the right hands or reveal it's time to consider an alternative.
Manuscript Policy Language
Insurance company attorney's craft policy language to protect their interests, which are often not aligned with yours. That language changes when market conditions or new legislation require it. Property, Business Interruption, D&O, E&O, OPPI, OIO, Auto and Liability lines can all be customized through direct negotiation with the carrier's home-office underwriting product officer, closing gaps that "off-the-shelf" forms can leave open to coverage denials and disputes. Few brokers have the technical depth and desire to accomplish this, and their commission dollars are not paid by the carrier for this purpose.
Emerging Risk
ClientSide Risk identifies risk which may not be fully vetted and managed -
-
Cyber, AI & Deepfake Fraud Threats
-
Board & Fiduciary Liability
-
Domestic Employees & Household Liability
-
Kidnap, Ransom & Extortion
-
Young & Inexperienced Drivers
-
Disaster Preparedness
-
Identity Theft & Financial Fraud
-
Critical Infrastructure & Utility Failure
FAQ
What does ClientSide Risk actually do for clients?
ClientSide Risk helps business owners and high‑net‑worth families understand and manage their “Pure” risk picture, not just what is shown on an insurance proposal. Pure Risk is where only a loss or no loss is possible, as opposed to speculative risk, where a gain is also possible. I explain alternatives once I review how your risks are currently reduced, transferred and retained, all to assure your balance sheet is as insulated as possible, while limiting exposure to the unforeseen.
Do you replace my current broker or insurance company?
No. Your existing broker and carriers remain in place, unless you decide a change is necessary to accomplish your decisions. My role is to help you ask better questions, negotiate from a position of strength, and design a risk management program that actually matches your risk profile and objectives. If broker or carrier changes are called for, we can discuss relevant issues in advance of any modifications.
How is your work different from what my insurance broker does?
I cannot accurately speak to how your broker is performing until we speak, and my review is nearly completed. For 40+ years my role was that of a broker, but my approach has been consistent and somewhat unique. Clients will attest to this statement. Now, I work "ClientSide" as your independent advisor, understanding your risk profile, reviewing applicable contracts, your insurance portfolio, and emerging risks. The goal is to pressure‑test what you already have, determine if gaps exist, and provide you with more value from the brokers and carriers you already use. If a carrier needs to be replaced, I will work with your broker to assure this takes place, and if you wish, in select cases I will serve you in the capacity of broker.
What types of clients do you typically work with?
For commercial risk, I primarily work with "C-Level" professionals: real estate developers, contractors, manufacturers, professionals in multiple fields, and on the personal side high‑net‑worth families. I work closely with their family office, financial advisors, lenders, partners, investors and other parties, to assure objectives are met and maintained.
What does a typical engagement look like?
Most engagements start with a conversation, followed by my compensation being agreed to. A thorough review of current policies, understanding loss history, reading applicable contracts, and other pertinent information. From there, I outline my findings and recommendations, at which time, you decide on my ongoing role, which either ceases, or I help you and your broker prioritize changes, or if you prefer, I can serve as your broker to execute the decisions you make. Some clients ask me to stay involved on an ongoing basis through renewals, major projects, or significant claims.
How do we get started?
We usually begin with an introductory call to understand your concerns and goals and answer any questions. From there, together we define a scope, possibly including an ongoing advisory role that fits your needs and timeline.
NAIOP (now CREDA) – CREDAGlobal.org
Insights
Publications
Development magazine - Fall 2026
"Renting Balance Sheet: How Developers Attract Lower-Cost Insurance"
Read the article (pages 40-42)
Modular Building Institute (MBI)
"Navigating Risk in Commercial Real Estate & Modular Construction"
Modular Advantage Jan/Feb 2026 (pages 62-68)
"Modular Manufacturing & Construction - Design & Engineering Risk Management"
Modular Advantage July/Aug 2025 (pages 34-36)
"Navigating Insurance Challenges in Modular Construction Industry"
Modular Advantage July/Aug 2024 (pages 16-18)
Webinars & Panels
"Student Housing Risk Management & Insurance" - NMHC Student Housing Conference - Austin, TX - speaker 2011 & 2012
"Navigating Real Estate Development Risk" - ULI's Recreational Development Product Council - February 2021
"Directors & Officers Liability and Pandemic Risk" - ULI's Recreational Development Product Council - May 2020
"Using the DHS SAFETY Act to Protect Your Business" – "PwC sponsored" - panelist 2018
Continuing Education Courses: Author & Instructor
Presented to Pa/NY/NJ law firms and accounting firms for CLE/CE
"Introduction to Property & Casualty Insurance"
"Insurance Certificates - More Than a Piece of Paper?"