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 subs can better position themselves, how General Contractors evaluate risk, and why a strong surety relationship is one of the most valuable differentiators in today's market. Smart, practical, and candid—this is an episode every surety and construction professional should hear. With special guest: Brad Robinson, Partner, Ward & Robinson LLC Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!
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 insights on industry trends. Tune in as we dive into AI, labor challenges, and the future of surety. With special guest: Stephen Haney, Vice President, Chubb Group, and President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Surety, Chubb Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!
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 Redefines Bid Bond Enforcement Standards and GAO Warns Protesters of AI Sanctions. Its important to note that when this episode was recorded, there hadn't been any sanctions, but that changed on September 25th, 2025, when the GAO sanctioned a pro se protester. With special guest: David Timm, Associate, Burr & Forman LLP Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Liberty Mutual 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 invests in future talent. Don't miss this timely overview of the numbers and insights driving surety interests forward today. Get more info on the EY study mentioned during this episode or listen to the Virtual Event and explanation by SFAA's Peter Roth. With special guest: Ryan Work, President & CEO, The Surety & Fidelity Association of America Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!
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 information on attending the Federal Legislative Fly-in now! Don't miss it! Also check out the Surety Bond Quarterly article titled, "A Family Experience at the Legislative Fly-in" mentioned during this episode! With special guests: Larry LeClair, Director, Government Relations, NASBP Alan Starks, NASBP's GR Committee Chair and Senior Vice President – Surety, Christensen Group Insurance Matt Cocco, NASBP's GR Committee Vice Chair and Surety Risk Advisor, Partner, Smith Brothers Insurance Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic Surety!
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 successes in the US. With special guests: Andrés Álamos, CEO, Avla US and Sharyl Markovits, Head of Contract Surety, Avla US Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!
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. Hear what has worked, what bumps have occurred along the way, and what importers need to know now to stay compliant and avoid delays in importing goods into Canada. You can also check out the last episode on this topic, #121 Preparing for CARM: Changes in Canada's Importing Process, to see how far this process has come and check out the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to stay up to date on this issue! With special guests: Sheila Thompson, President, Rosenberg & Parker of Canada, Inc. and Cristina Hagivreta, Manager, Commercial Surety, Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!
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 development, solve problems, and thrive in this specialized industry! With special guest: Darrel Lamb, Senior Vice President – Business Development, Old Republic Surety Company Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!
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 Philly cheesesteak! Check out episode #135 Unveiling America's Infrastructure: Progress, Problems and Possibilities for more about the latest ASCE Infrastructure Report Card that was mentioned during this episode. With special guests: Brian Fiore, Senior Managing Director, Aon Stephen Haney, Division President, North America Surety, and Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Surety, Chubb Surety Jeff Ryan, Business Unit Leader, Financial Risks, Partner Re Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!
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 and why and how surety professionals can get involved. Tune in for insights, examples, and how you can be part of the process! With special guest: David Pesce, Head of Surety, Munich Re Specialty - North America Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!
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 mentioned during this episode. With special guests: Heidi Rodzen, Assistant Vice President of Surety Operations, Skillings Shaw & Associates, Inc., Matt Curran, EVO, Head of Surety, Sompo, and David Hoover, Senior Vice President, Acrisure, South Division Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!
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 professionals can approach BEAD grant recipients and internet service providers so they understand the advantages of bonding. Check out the BEAD Program Surety Bond Information Kit mentioned during this episode and subscribe to NASBP's Focal Point to stay up-to-date on BEAD and other key legislative and regulatory developments related to surety. With special guests: Lawrence LeClair, Director, Government Relations, NASBP, Philip Macres, Principal, Klein Law Group, PLLC, Cory Sanderson, Home Office Underwriting Manager, The Hartford, and Joseph Henson, Senior Consultant, Widelity Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!
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 mentioned by Robert during this episode: the producer's toolkit, joining a NASBP Committee, and more information on attending NASBP Fall meetings. And, if you share Robert's passion for the efficiencies gained through technology advancements, check out these related episodes and Virtual Seminars. With special guest: Robert Coon, Vice President - Surety, Scott Insurance Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!
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-listen for surety professionals navigating today's unpredictable trade environment! For a more in-depth update, check out the NASBP Virtual Seminar "Navigating the Impact of Tariffs on Customs Surety," or listen to "Episode #109 Decoding Customs Bonds" and get a basic overview of customs bonding. With special guests: Michelle Lucaccioni, Vice President, Tokio Marine HCC - Surety Group and John J. Sheppard II, Executive Vice President, C.A. Shea & Company, Inc. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!
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 report for more information. With special guest: Thomas W. Smith III, Executive Director, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!
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 and vision into success. Don't miss these game-changing insights! With special guest: Meridith Elliott Powell, Business Growth, Sales, and Leadership Expert Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!
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 remain compliant, and issues related to enforcement. With companies trying to discern their "go forward" strategies and legal challenges to this and related Executive Orders mounting, this episode begins to unpack these complexities. With special guests: Stephen E. Irving, Co-Vice Chair - Labor & Employment Practice, Partner, Peckar & Abramson, P.C. and Tara R. Munder, Associate, Peckar & Abramson, P.C. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!
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 surety leaders, and provides exclusive mentorship opportunities. Don't miss this engaging discussion on how 5-15 Leadership Committee participation can take your career to the next level! Get more information about the 5-15 application/nominating process and don't forget to register for NASBP's 2025 Annual Meeting as mentioned during this episode! With special guest: Michael Zahn, Sales Executive, Moreton & Company Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!
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 dynamics. Plus, learn about regulations shaping its future. Don't miss this insightful conversation! You might also want to check out these other tech-focused episodes and Virtual Seminars. With special guest: Peter Miller, President/CEO, The Institutes Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!
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 landscape of the surety industry. Don't miss this nostalgic trip down memory lane! Counting down from the 5th most downloaded to the most downloaded episode: 5. Episode #59: I'll Be There for You - The Importance of Relationships in Surety 4. Episode #1: A Look at NASBP's Be Guaranteed to Succeed Campaign and Surety Stories 3. Episode #84: Reinsurance: Understanding Its Importance to Surety* 2. Episode #30: E-Signature in Surety 1. Episode #90: Growing and Fostering Women's Surety Careers *Disclaimer from Andrew Grey: The views and opinions expressed here may include projections based on assumptions and forecasts and is intended for information purposes only. Nothing that I am about to say is intended to be legal, underwriting, financial or any other type of professional advice, and listeners are encouraged to consult with his or her own counsel or other advisors to verify the accuracy and completeness of any information used and to determine its applicability to the recipient's particular circumstances. See full disclaimer on the episode page. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP Sponsored by Old Republic!