Let's Get Surety

Curious about the state of the surety industry? Ryan Work, President and CEO of The Surety & Fidelity Association of America, joins the hosts of Let's Get Surety to break down key trends, legislative priorities, and how data is aiding surety industry advocacy efforts. Additionally, he discusses the recent surge in private bonding, 2025 Q2's surprising loss ratio drop, and how SFAA's Foundation inv...

Curious how a surety professional can influence the laws that protect our industry? Join us as our guests, Larry LeClair of NASBP, Alan Starks of Christensen Group Insurance, and Matt Cocco of Smith Brothers Insurance, as they discuss why advocacy is vital to the surety industry, how easy and rewarding the Federal Legislative Fly-in is, and how you can make a real impact in Washington. Get more in...

How does a surety company with South American roots break into the U.S. market? In this episode of "Let's Get Surety," Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum talk with Andrés Álamos and Sharyl Markovits of Avla US about entering the Texas surety market, facing challenges, and serving small and mid-size contractors using tech-driven solutions. Hear how they feel their global experience can lead to local...

How are importers adapting to major changes in Canada's importing process? In this episode of "Let's Get Surety," we chat with Sheila Thompson of Rosenberg & Parker of Canada and Cristina Hagivreta, Commercial Surety Manager at Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company, who return to share insights on the rollout of the Canada Border Services Agency's CARM system and its financial security requirements....

Are you curious about a dynamic and rewarding career you may not have heard of? Join us for a conversation with Darrel Lamb, Senior Vice President at Old Republic Surety. We discuss the entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of relationship-building, and the real-world impact of careers in surety. Discover why surety professionals find their jobs so fulfilling and how they contribute to community...

Curious about reinsurance and its impacts in the surety market? Join us on this episode as we chat with experts Brian Fiore of Aon, Stephen Haney of Chubb Surety, and Jeff Ryan of Partner Re to uncover what reinsurance is, why it is important to the surety market, and how it can drive growth, manage risk, and support major infrastructure projects. Plus, don't miss a lighthearted debate on the best...

Accounting standards can have quite an impact on surety, but how is the surety industry involved in shaping those standards? Dive into this episode of Let's Get Surety as we talk with David Pesce, Head of Surety with Munich Re Specialty - North America, about the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and its Private Company Council (PCC). Discover how these groups shape financial reporting a...

Curious how careers grow in the surety industry? Join us as we chat with Heidi Rodzen of Skillings Shaw & Associates, Matt Curran of Sompo, and David Hoover of Acrisure, as they share their real-world paths into surety, the power of mentorship, leadership insights, and how to build your future in this dynamic, relationship-driven field. Get more information about NASBP's Surety Schools that were m...

What is the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program , how did it originate, and where do we currently stand? Join us for this episode where industry experts unpack the BEAD program, the policy change to allow for performance bonds as an alternative to letters of credit for required security, and what surety professionals need to know and consider. You'll hear how surety professiona...

Curious how a fifth-generation insurance professional found his unexpected passion as a surety bond producer? Join us as we get to know NASBP 2025-2026 President Robert Coon. Robert shares stories regarding his career, journey as an NASBP member, volunteer, and leader, and how his experiences led him to his theme, "Building Better." Follow the links below to get more information on these topics me...

Questions about how rising tariffs impact customs bonds? Join us as we chat with Michelle Lucaccioni of Tokio Marine HCC - Surety Group and John Sheppard of C.A. Shea & Company, Inc., as they uncover customs bond trends, skyrocketing bond demands, insufficiencies, and critical risk strategies you can't ignore. Gain expert insights on how to manage these risks proactively—this is definitely a must-...

Curious how America's infrastructure is really holding up? Join hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum as they dive into the latest Infrastructure Report Card with ASCE Executive Director Tom Smith. Hear about surprising progress, looming challenges, funding gaps, and how civil engineers and policymakers, and surety professionals can collaborate for a more resilient future. Check out the full repo...

Feeling overwhelmed by constant change and uncertainty? In this dynamic episode of "Let's Get Surety," we talk with business growth, sales, and leadership expert, author, and speaker Meridith Elliott Powell about building mental fitness, powerful resilience, and relentless vision in uncertain times. Using vivid stories and practical strategies, Meredith shares how to transform anxiety into action...

How will the recent Executive Order 14173, titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," affect federal contractors? In this episode, we explore this important issue with legal experts Stephen Irving and Tara Munder of the law firm of Peckar & Abramson. They explain the intent of the order, its impact on affirmative action policies, what businesses need to do to rem...

Are you interested in enhancing your leadership skills and your networking opportunities in the surety industry? In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we explore the NASBP's 5-15 Leadership Committee with guest and Vice Chair of the Committee, Mike Zahn of Moreton & Company. Learn how this dynamic program accelerates professional growth, builds powerful industry connections with peers and seasoned...

How is AI transforming our world and specifically the insurance industry? In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum sit down with Peter Miller, President and CEO of The Institutes, to explore AI's expanding role in risk management, fraud detection, underwriting, and more. Discover how AI enhances efficiency, predicts and prevents losses, and reshapes workforce dy...

Want to revisit some of the most popular moments from Let's Get Surety®? In this special episode, host Kat Shamapande counts down the top five most downloaded episodes from the past five years! From the significance of relationships in surety to innovations in e-signatures, these episodes have captivated listeners worldwide. Join us for clips, reflections, and a celebration of the evolving landsca...

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, the discussion centers on the trends in bid protests at the Government Accountability Office or GAO. Guest Sarah Carpenter, a partner at Smith Currie Oles, delves into the federal bid protest process, including where to file a bid protest and the types of relief one can seek. Sarah also outlines trends that can be seen in the GAO's report to Congress including...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a leader in the surety industry? NASBP is excited to continue the series of episodes exploring that question, titled "The Corner Office: Conversations with Surety Leaders." In this episode, we are joined by Tim Mikolajewski, President at Liberty Mutual Surety. Tim shares his background and tips from his experiences for navigating a career in surety. Addit...

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we explore the fascinating and sometimes unusual world of commercial surety bonds with our guests, Amy Pascalide of Markel, and Rosa Martinez-Genzon of Anderson, McPharlin & Conners LLP. Amy and Rosa share their insights and approaches to some of these unusual bonds. They discuss how unique bonds, such as nail salon, child custody, cigarette vending machine, l...

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the construction industry and construction law with our guest Denis Serkin, a partner at Peckar & Abramson. Serkin emphasizes how AI is transforming the construction sector, despite its reputation for being resistant to change. He points out that AI tools are already significantly benefiting the design a...

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we are joined by Kristen Sharpe, a partner at Crowe, LLP, to discuss the growing influence of technology and AI in the surety industry. Sharpe shares her insights on how the industry is moving towards automation and digitization, particularly by focusing on routine tasks to enhance efficiency and adapt to a more digital future in the post-COVID era. She emphas...

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we are joined by NASBP's Director, Government Relations (GR) Larry LeClair, NASBP's GR Committee Chair, Alan Starks of Christensen Group Insurance, and GR Committee Vice Chair, Matt Cocco of Smith Brothers Insurance to discuss the Federal Legislative Fly-In, which is co-hosted by NASBP and SFAA. The Legislative Fly-In offers opportunities for surety profession...

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we are joined by author, columnist, and keynote speaker Gene Marks to look at some of the challenges and opportunities facing small and medium businesses. Gene shares what some of the smartest and most experienced business leaders are doing to navigate these changes. He touches on the upcoming election, possible tax changes, labor issues, and technology, speci...

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we explore the world of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) with Jim Tressel and Travis Remick of Liberty Mutual Surety. They discuss the unique aspects of ESOPs, and the factors contributing to their current prominence. Our guests provide insightful considerations for selecting an ESOP consultant, understanding valuation processes, the significant role ESO...