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 unexpected Powerball win. Ryan also delves into the culture of EMC Insurance, emphasizing the importance of continuity, stability, and staff retention, and shares insights into the company’s recent growth. Additionally, Ryan speaks to opportunities and challenges on the horizon concerning surety claims and the surety industry as a whole. You can check out the EY report prepared for SFAA, mentioned during this episode, titled The Economic Value of Surety Bonds and listen to past episodes in The Corner Office series!

With special guest:

Ryan Springer, Vice President/Bond, EMC Bond

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by EMC Bond!

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 involved in the claims process, may, if involved, play a helpful role in heightening communications between and normalizing circumstances for both the principal and the surety when a claim arises.

With special guests:

Jonathan Bondy, Member Chair, Fidelity & Surety, CSG Law, Robert Coon, Vice President, Surety Advisor, Scott Insurance, and Marilyn Klinger, Managing Partner, SMTD Law LLP

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored By EMC Bond!

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 collaboration. Neil also emphasizes the importance of CFMA's CCIFP certification in building recognition and trust within the industry. Tune in to learn more about the future of CFMA and its impact on the built environment. You can also listen to episode "#108 Pursuing The CCIFP Credential" mentioned in this episode to learn more about the CCIFP.

With special guest:

Neil Shah, President & CEO, Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA)

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!

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 the award. Kevin emphasized the importance of the protections offered by the surety product to project owners. Find out more about NASBP's Tiger Trust Award and the application process that opens in the fall each year and how you too can submit an application, and check out the resources comparing the surety product and SDI that Kevin shared with the local college leading to his Tiger Trust Award!

With special guest:

Kevin J. Garrity, Vice President, Surety & Construction Services, NFP

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!

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 of digitization. The lively conversation delves into how data, technology, and AI are being utilized to overcome these hurdles and to gain efficiencies and opportunities. Check out additional Technology and AI Podcasts and NASBP Virtual Seminars to explore this topic further!

With special guests:

Puneet Mahajan, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Suffolk Technologies, Wan Li Zhu, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Suffolk Technologies, Chris Lanzisera, Senior Vice President, Suffolk Design, and Doug Ware, Senior Vice President of Risk Management, Suffolk Construction

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!

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 his presidential theme, Backing Our Future, and the exciting work that has been initiated to create and promote a university-focused education and internship program that highlights the phenomenal career opportunities in the surety industry!

With special guest:

Zach Mendelson, Principal, Bonds/Insurance/Construction, EPIC | Edgewood Partners Insurance Center

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!

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 passion for music and business. She shares what encouraged her to make the leap of faith into manufacturing as a small business owner. Delve into an engaging discussion on entrepreneurial hurdles and breakthroughs, capital sourcing through a U.S. Small Business Administration loan program and angel investors, the resilient vinyl industry's growth and future, and the indispensable role of trusted advisors on her journey. You will quickly perceive parallels in her story with those of countless surety clients!

With special guest:

Caren Kelleher, Founder & CEO, Gold Rush Vinyl

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!

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 stories and insight on how to be proactively advocating for the benefits and significance of the surety product with owners and obligees. Join us as we uncover the secrets to successful collaboration and advocacy in the world of surety.

With special guest:

Corban Enns, Area President & Director of Surety, Gallagher Affinity Insurance Solutions

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!