Let's Get Surety

What would happen to your business if you weren't there tomorrow? In this episode, we delve into the crucial, yet often avoided or overlooked, topic of continuity and succession planning for sole owners. Co-hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum engage with expert CPA and Certified Exit Planner, David Jean of Albin, Randall & Bennett, who shares actionable strategies to mitigate risks and ensure b...

Should contractors cannonball into AI or start by dipping a toe in the water? In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum welcome Brian Kassalen of Baker Tilly to explore the opportunities and hidden costs of AI adoption in construction. From budgeting time and resources to planning for implementation, they discuss what contractors should consider before taking the...

What if getting involved in the surety industry could open doors to new friendships, mentors, career opportunities — and even a chance to bond over a few brews? In this episode, hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum sit down with bond producer Stefan Engelhardt of CAC, part of the Baldwin Group, as they toast the surety industry and discuss the value of getting involved with NASBP and local suret...

What if creating a culture where everyone feels safe to speak up could transform your organization? Join hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum as they explore the importance of a speak-up culture with author, speaker and podcast host Stephen "Shed" Shedletzky. Discover how true listening fosters courage and engagement, and learn practical strategies to empower voices within your team. This episod...

What if you could discover a career that brings together finance, law, construction, technology, and relationship-building? In this episode of Let's Get Surety, Kat Shamapande talks with Nancy Schnee and Chris Greene of American Global about their unexpected paths into the surety industry and the trends shaping its future. From robotics, drones, and automation to the growing importance of data, th...

What if your career path took an unexpected turn, leading to a fulfilling journey 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 explore David Pesce's remarkable transition from aspiring astronaut to Head of Surety at Munich Re Specialty - North America. With 40...

How is artificial intelligence reshaping the construction industry? In this engaging episode, we are joined by Kathryn Schneider of Forvis Mazars, Michelle Savage of XBRL US, and Christopher Greene of American Global as we delve into the transformative impact of AI on construction and finance. They explore the current adoption challenges, highlight innovative applications, and discuss how AI can e...

Could AI revolutionize the surety industry, enhancing efficiency and decision-making? Join us as we chat with Greg Davenport of Digital Bond Advisory Services, LLC, Brad Rasmussen of Merchants Bonding, and Jason Callison of Tinubu as they unpack the transformative impact of AI on surety practices. Delve into real-world applications, from automating data entry to empowering underwriters with advanc...

What lies ahead for the surety industry as it enters what could be one of the most transformative periods in its history? In this episode, hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum engage industry leaders, Stephen Haney, President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Surety at CHUBB, Nathan Zangerle, President of Global Surety at Liberty Mutual Surety, and Chris Tata, Vice President, Commercial Sur...

How can subcontractors thrive in today's complex landscape? In this episode, join Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum as they explore the essential topic of bonding subcontractors with Ryan Springer and Rocky Pofahl from EMC Bond. They discuss the challenges and strategies for subcontractors in a fluctuating economy, the importance of understanding contract terms, and how to leverage relationships wi...

What role does data play in shaping the future of the surety industry? In this episode, Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum welcome back Ryan Work, President & CEO of the Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA), to discuss the industry's growth, the importance of advocacy, and the recent data trends. They explore how effective collaboration and informed storytelling can influence policymakers...

What happens when a banker discovers a calling to enter the surety industry? Join us as Monica Donatelli shares her unexpected journey from banking to becoming the Vice President, Surety Department Manager at IMA and NASBP's President. This episode dives into her transformative experiences from her involvement with the NASBP 5-15 Leadership Committee, advocacy efforts, and leadership development i...

How vital is cash flow to the construction industry? In this episode, Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum engage with CPA Brad Robinson of Ward & Robinson, who unravels the intricacies of cash flow management for contractors. They discuss essential strategies to enhance cash flow, including billing techniques and the significance of understanding contract terms. Highlighting the unique challenges con...

In this episode, Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum are joined by Ken Cobleigh of AIA Contract Documents to explore the evolution of design-build and progressive design-build project delivery. Together they unpack how AIA contract documents are structured to support these models. The discussion highlights key differences between traditional and progressive design-build, including contract structure,...

Tariffs are back in the spotlight—and the stakes just changed. What does the Supreme Court's latest ruling on presidential tariff authority mean for government contractors—and for the surety professionals who support them? In this episode, Government Contract Attorneys Jacqueline Unger and Ryan Boonstra of PilieroMazza dive into the implications of a recent ruling that struck down certain tariffs...

What are the hidden and sometimes not-so-hidden forces shaping the economy and, in turn, the construction industry today? In this episode, Kat Shamapande and co-host Mark McCallum delve into current economic factors impacting construction, featuring insights from economic experts Eric Gaus and Sarah Martin of Dodge Construction Network. They explore the effects of inflation, labor shortages, the I...

Is the U.S. economy headed for a recession in 2026? Moody's Analytics Director Chris Lafakis joins Kat Shamapande to break down the latest outlook, from sluggish job growth and AI-driven disruption to shifting trade policy and falling mortgage rates. He explains why 2026 looks stable, what could derail expansion, and how construction, housing, and global markets factor in. Hear the risks, opportun...

How do strong relationships within underwriting teams and between underwriters and producers shape the surety business? In this episode, we sit down with Bob Bowman of Holmes Murphy, Justin Tomlin of FNIC Group, and Rocky Pofahl and Cory Hamling of EMC to explore the vital collaboration between home office, field underwriters, and producers — and why trust, clarity, and communication drive success...

How can funds control serve as an important tool in construction risk mitigation and elevate bonding capacity? In this episode of "Let's Get Surety," Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum sit down with Marcus Carter, president of La Mesa Fund Control, to explore proactive tools that streamline payments, boost transparency, and help contractors grow. Learn how modern funds control can deliver real-time...

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 Steve Ruschak, Executive Vice President - Surety at Arch Insurance Group Inc., to explore Steve's dynamic career path, leadership lessons, and surety...

Curious how AI can supercharge your LinkedIn profile or website? In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, marketing pro Andy Crestodina joins Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum to share hands-on AI prompts and tips for optimizing personal branding and B2B marketing on LinkedIn and beyond. Discover tactical, real-world ways to make your online presence work harder for you—no marketing background require...

What happens when construction projects go wrong? In this episode, dispute resolution expert Steve Nelson of Markel Surety shares proactive strategies to avoid, manage, and resolve conflicts before they derail a job or result in costly claims, from structuring stronger contracts to deploying standing neutrals before tensions boil over. Discover how surety professionals can spot trouble early, driv...

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we sit down with Brad Robinson of Ward & Robinson, a CPA who has served on the financial leadership teams of both general contractors and subcontractors. Brad brings a unique, dual-perspective lens to today's most pressing risk-management challenges. Brad shares hard-won lessons from the field, including where prequalification processes often break down, how s...

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 Stephen Haney, Vice President, Chubb Group, and President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Surety with Chubb. Steve shares his journey and insig...

Curious how AI is shaking up federal bid protests? In this episode hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum talk with attorney David Timm about GAO Federal Bid protests, and AI pitfalls like hallucinated citations. Tune in for expert insight, real-world examples, and strategies to stay compliant and credible. Check out the Surety Bond quarterly articles mentioned during this episode,  Togiak Case Re...