Let's Get Surety

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we discuss the ongoing changes in Canada's importing process with Sheila Thompson of Rosenberg & Parker of Canada and Cristina Hagivreta, Surety Manager at Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company. They delve into the new Canada Border Service Agency Assessment and Revenue Management System (CARM), a timely initiative that shifts Canada from a process focused on cu...

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we discuss the increasing importance of cybersecurity in the construction industry with guest Richard Volack, a partner at Peckar & Abramson. Richard highlights several factors that typically make construction companies more vulnerable to cyber attacks, such as slower technology adoption and the need for the exchange of sensitive data among parties. Volack als...

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we hear from Will Kantlehner IV of Gallagher, and Nate Byerly from Gray Surety, as they share their journies to their surety careers and delve into the intriguing intersection of private equity and surety. They unpack how the introduction of a fourth party, the private equity company, adds additional nuances to the bonding processes though the principles stay...

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we are joined by construction financial accounting expert Todd Feuerman and construction tax expert Travis Klein, both of Ellin & Tucker. We explore the potential impact of the impending sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) on the economy, particularly the construction segment. These construction CPAs discuss the wider implications, such as the effect on...

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 surety industry leader Ryan Springer, VP/Bond at EMC Bond, who shares how he found his love for surety and his role in the industry due to an unexpect...

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, Kat Shamapande and co-host, Mark McCallum, have a discussion with legal and surety experts on the possible role bond producers can play in the contract bond claims process. Special guests are Jon Bondy of CSG Law, Robert Coon of Scott Insurance, and Marilyn Klinger of SMTD Law. Together, the hosts and guests explore how the bond producer, who often is not invo...

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we chat with Neil Shah, CEO of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). Neil talks about his journey to becoming CEO of CFMA and highlights the organization's dedicated membership and its commitment to expanding the construction industry. His strategic goals focus on creating an inclusive community and advancing the industry through collaborat...

The Tiger Trust Award, a prestigious recognition in the surety industry! In this episode of "Let's Get Surety® we are joined by Kevin Garrity, Vice President, Surety & Construction Services of NFP, who was awarded the 2024 Tiger Trust Award as he shares his recent experience in successfully convincing a private college to require a surety bond for a substantial construction project, landing him th...

On this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we discuss the role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming construction with business leaders Puneet Mahajan, Wan Li Zhu, Chris Lanzisera, and Doug Ware, senior executives with Suffolk and related companies. They discuss the key challenges facing the construction industry, from a lack of productivity to an aging workforce and low levels...

On this episode, we are joined by NASBP President Zach Mendelson of EPIC as he shares both his career journey and his journey as a NASBP member and volunteer. He talks about his role as Chair of NASBP's Industry Relations Committee, where he played an instrumental part in launching the Be Guaranteed To Succeed (https://www.nasbp.org/guaranteed/home) public relations campaign. Zach also discusses h...

On this episode of "Let's Get Surety," we are joined by Caren Kelleher, the founder and CEO of Gold Rush Vinyl, a company acknowledged as one of the "Most Innovative Companies of 2020" by Fast Company magazine. Kelleher shares how she jumped, all in, and transitioned from being a music executive at Google to establishing her own vinyl record manufacturing company, riding on analytics and her passi...

On this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we talk with Corban Enns of Gallagher Affinity Insurance Solutions, shedding light on the complexities of working with state agencies and navigating through the nuances of bonding. Corban shares his journey getting into surety, discusses the CSBS and NMLS, and addresses the confusion about the surety product that you might encounter. Most importantly he shares...

Are you familiar with customs bonds? On this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we welcome John Sheppard, of C.A. Shea and Company, to share his expertise in this specialized area of the surety industry. John provides insight into common terms, and bond types, and defines who qualifies as an importer. He also explains the role and guarantees of a customs bond, including cover for duties, taxes, and fee...

Have you ever considered getting a CCIFP? On this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we are joined by Damien Strohmier, CCIFP of DSP Insurance Services as we explore the value of the CCIFP certification and how it can give producers, underwriters, and CPAs a competitive edge in the construction industry. We discuss the certification, its components, and what it means to earn your CCIFP, as well as the...

On this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we are joined by Todd Regan, a partner in the law firm of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, to discuss the many pitfalls to be avoided when negotiating personal guarantees. Todd explains how even when a corporate officer or agent signs what appears to be a clear agreement to personally guarantee a corporate debt, a creditor may later be surprised when the court f...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a leader in the surety industry? NASBP is excited to announce a new series of episodes exploring that question, titled "The Corner Office: Conversations with Surety Leaders." In this first episode, we are joined by surety industry leader Larry Taylor, President of Merchants Bonding Company, to talk about what it takes to lead an insurance company solely f...

On this episode of Let's Get Surety® we learn from sales and leadership expert Ryan Estis how to approach sales with confidence and the power of relationships. Ryan explains how good salespeople are made and not born, and what qualities are necessary for success - like staying curious and being an expert in a particular industry. He explains the importance of trust and creating emotional connectio...

On this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we talk with three surety professionals--Brad Babcock of Babcock Solutions and Chair of NASBP's Membership Committee, Nicole Campbell of Parrot Surety Services and Vice Chair of NASBP's Membership Committee, and Jennifer Morales of Intact Insurance Surety Group. All discuss reasons for joining NASBP and the extensive membership benefits and resources offered,...

On this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we talk with CPA Jessica Krause, founder and owner of New Lyfe Accounting. Jessica shares her expertise in accounting for construction firms and the importance of having an accurate WIP report. We discuss the importance of small contractors learning how to prioritize, delegate, and grow their team of trusted advisors as their company grows. Jessica discusses h...

On this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we talk with Steve Sandherr, CEO of Associated General Contractors of America, who has served the association for more than three decades as he announces his upcoming retirement . Looking back, he talks about his journey to AGC, building and keeping talented teams, and the importance of working with like-minded groups. Steve shares his insights on the commerci...

On this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we speak with leaders of Women in Surety, Inc., a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, founded in 2016 to offer surety women opportunities, mentorship, and support. Nancy Schnee, current President, Chandar Potter, Vice President, and Carol Levine, a co-founder, address how Women in Surety empowers, inspires, and advances women professionals in the surety industr...

On this 100th episode of Let's Get Surety®, we take time to celebrate another success on the advocacy front! We are joined by Philip Macres, a principal at Klein Law Group PLLC and leader of the Coalition that seeks alternatives to the letter of credit (LOC) requirement in the BEAD program, and NASBP's Director of Government Relations Larry LeClair. We discuss some background on Broadband and LOC'...

On this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we are joined by Danette Back, Partner and Head of Industry Verticals at USI Insurance Services to discuss how surety and insurance teams can work together and support each other. She discusses the importance of having holistic conversations about Risk Management with clients, and the need to seek out education such as NASBP's Surety School to fill gaps in kno...

Among NASBP's valued stakeholder partners is the American Subcontractors Association, Inc., a national association representing the breadth of the subcontractor construction community. NASBP has enjoyed and continues to enjoy a productive relationship with ASA and looks forward to enhancing that strategic relationship in 2024. Let's Get Surety® sat down with Richard Bright, CEO of ASA, at NASBP's...

On this episode of NASBP's Let's Get Surety®, we are joined by NASBP Past Presidents John Bustard of King & Neel, Mark Munekawa of Woodruff Sawyer, and Tracy Tucker of Tucker Agency, Ltd. We look at the past, discussing each of our guests' entry into the surety industry as well as the roots of their NASBP involvement. Additionally, we discuss their unique presidential terms, all of which were alte...