Real Estate
Nationwide Real Estate Insurance & Risk Management Solutions
Our Real Estate TEAM
Since 1937, Sterling Thompson Company has been a trusted partner to the real estate industry. We have spent the past two decades refining and expanding our real estate specialty, earning a reputation as a premier leader in real estate risk management. With deep expertise in multifamily, commercial, and industrial development, our team manages every phase of the process, from initial planning through project completion.
Guided by a commitment to outstanding service and forward-thinking strategies, we provide each project with the dedicated attention and strategic insight it deserves.
Your Property. Our Priority.
A National Real Estate Development Partner
Across the United States, real estate developers, owners, and investors face growing complexity, from regulatory requirements and lender compliance to risk exposure and shifting market conditions. For nearly a century, Sterling Thompson Company has built a legacy of trust, expertise, and long-term relationships, partnering with clients nationwide to navigate these challenges with confidence.
Our Real Estate Team is one of the firm’s most experienced practices, serving projects of every size, from local developments to multi-state portfolios. For more than two decades, we’ve partnered with real estate developers through every phase, from early planning to completion.
By combining deep industry knowledge with innovative risk strategies, we help protect assets, ensure compliance, control costs, and support long-term growth, delivering institutional-level capabilities with the personalized service of an independent agency.
national reach. institutional strength.
Our Real Estate Division delivers institutional-grade insurance solutions for developers, commercial property owners, and multi-state builders.
With billions in insured assets and projects spanning the United States, we structure coverage built for scale.
What Makes Sterling Thompson Real Estate Different?
Billions in Total Insured Value
We have extensive experience protecting large-scale and complex real estate assets, giving clients confidence their investments are backed by proven risk expertise.
Global Insurance Strategy
The Real Estate Team partners with carriers both domestically and in London to access specialized underwriting expertise, innovative risk solutions and global capacity that supports complex and evolving client needs.
Protecting What’s Being Built
Support clients through Builders Risk by structuring comprehensive coverage, coordinating with lenders and contractors, and proactively managing risk throughout the construction lifecycle to protect project timelines and financial investments.
Captive & Risk Solutions
Our Team partners with clients to design, implement and manage captive insurance and alternative risk solutions that improve cost control, enhance coverage flexibility, and align risk financing with long-term business goals.
Risk Management Implementation
We support through practical, asset-level training that equips onsite teams with the tools and knowledge to identify risks, strengthen controls, and maintenance consistent safety and compliance standards
The Advantage of aN Independent Agency
Real Estate Team Capabilities
Real Estate Insurance Team
Todd Frakes, CRA, ACI
Real Estate Team Leader
Todd graduated from Centre College with a B.A in Economics, and from the University of Cincinnati with an M.A in Applied Economics. He joined Sterling Thompson in February 2020 after 21 years coaching collegiate football. Through coaching, his family lived in Kentucky, Germany, California, Iowa, and most recently Michigan, while coaching at Eastern Michigan University. At Sterling Thompson Company, he focuses on real estate insurance with a heavy emphasis on developers and owners of apartment complexes. From ground up construction to stabilization and operation, the real estate team understands the markets and the needs associated. After obtaining his Associate in Captive Insurance designation, Todd also has a thorough knowledge of captive insurance and alternative risk financing. For clients with large schedules, the Real Estate Team has experience developing global insurance strategies tailored to their individual needs. Todd and his wife Meghan live with their two girls, Hadley and Ellery, in Louisville.
Blair bell
Real Estate Analyst
Blair was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, and attended Sacred Heart Academy before earning her degree from the University of Kentucky. Following graduation, she began her professional career with a Louisville-based real estate development company, where she spent the next fifteen years working across multiple areas of property management and operations. During that time, Blair developed extensive experience in asset management, risk mitigation, and operational oversight while building strong relationships throughout the real estate community. Her background and industry insight ultimately led her to join Sterling Thompson Company in October 2024.
Today, Blair is a member of the Real Estate Team at Sterling Thompson Company, specializing in commercial insurance solutions for property owners, investors, and developers. Her hands-on experience within the real estate industry allows her to provide clients with a practical and strategic approach to risk management and asset protection.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Blair is actively involved in the Louisville community. She serves on the board of Louisville Bridge Fellows, is a member of the March of Dimes Real Estate Achievement Awards Committee, serves as a Country Club Swim Association representative, and frequently volunteers with Holy Spirit School. Blair and her husband, Dustin, reside in Louisville with their two children, Baylor and Breck.
Kathy Boron
Real Estate Account Manager
Kathy Boron is originally from Canton Ohio, so she may be considered a football fanatic. She moved to Louisville in 2023 and joined the Real Estate Team at Sterling Thompson Company in October 2025. She comes in with over 19 years of insurance experience on both the carrier and agency side, always focused on real estate.
As a U of L grad, she is a forever Card and never misses a football or basketball game. Most of the rest of her time is spent dedicated to her church, St John UCC in Nulu, where she serves as the Council President. Other than that, she loves spending time with her Drag Race Crew.
Evan Gaunt
Real Estate Analyst
Evan Gaunt graduated from the University of the South: Sewanee where he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History. Evan hails from Franklin, TN where he attended Battle Ground Academy and has been with Sterling Thompson Company since July 2023. Evan continues his growth and learning of the industry each day and is always a smiling face around the office. Evan prides himself in being upfront and honest, while also having a personable attitude towards colleagues and clients. Helping others has always been a large part of his life which is why Sterling Thompson Company is a perfect fit.
In his down time Evan enjoys exercising, playing golf, and playing basketball. He also frequently streams playing video games with his friends on Twitch. You’ll find Evan most weekends enjoying the company of friends and exploring around the city of Louisville.
Shannon Goss
Real Estate Account Executive
Shannon Goss brings over 20 years of real-world insurance experience to her role as an Account Executive on the Real Estate team at Sterling Thompson—but what truly sets her apart is how she got there. Beginning her career as a receptionist in 2003, she worked her way through nearly every role in the agency, developing a deep, hands-on understanding of both the industry and her clients’ needs.
Today, Shannon manages a robust portfolio of real estate and construction clients. She takes pride in truly understanding how each business operates, allowing her to deliver practical, customized insurance solutions. Known for her resourcefulness and strong work ethic, she is committed to staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving market.
Outside of work, Shannon leads an active and creative life. She enjoys working out, riding motorcycles, and hiking desert trails with her dog, Floki. She also collects unique stones and transforms them into handcrafted jewelry. Above all, she values time spent with her husband, family, and friends.
Bethani Pate
Real Estate Account Manager
Bethani Pate joined Sterling Thompson Company in 2020 as a receptionist and has since grown into her current role as a Real Estate Account Manager. Her dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to excellent service have been key to her professional development. Outside of work, Bethani enjoys baking and spending quality time with her husband, family, and friends.
Trey Queenan
Real Estate Insurance Advisor
Trey was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. He graduated with a BA in Biology with a minor in Statistics from the University of Kentucky in 2020. As a high school lacrosse coach and Lexington Country Club Caddie while in college, Trey fell in love with the Horseracing community. He found himself starting his career with Lexington Equine Insurance, who later became part of Sterling Thompson Company, and hasn’t looked back. Trey now focuses his attention on all lines of insurance with an emphasis on the equine community.
Let’s Talk About Your Real Estate Portfolio
Connect with our Real Estate Division to discuss coverage, risk strategy, and long-term partnership.
