Let's Get Surety #149 Bridging Contractor–Subcontractor Risk: Practical Insights on Prequalification, SDI, and Surety Value
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Nov 25, 2025 
In this engaging conversation, Brad Robinson, a Partner at Ward & Robinson LLC and former financial leader in construction, shares insights on contractor and subcontractor risk management. He discusses the critical importance of prequalification and how to navigate common pitfalls. Brad recounts his experiences with surety relationships, explaining why they are invaluable. He highlights the evolution of SDI practices and the benefits of proactive communication with sureties. Ultimately, his advice guides professionals in making informed decisions to mitigate risks effectively.
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Career Path That Shaped Dual Perspective
- Brad described moving from Big Four accounting into contractor roles and learning surety in treasury at Lendlease.
- He later became CFO of a small scaffolding subcontractor and used that dual experience to help smaller contractors.
Educate Your Team On Surety Value
- Educate internal stakeholders on the value a surety brings instead of treating bonding as a checkbox.
- Use the surety relationship to explain requirements like financial statement formats and bonding limits.
Model Prequal Like A Surety
- Build a prequalification model based on how sureties underwrite financials and apply conservative adjustments.
- Prefer leaving money on the table over accepting excessive risk when bonding decisions are uncertain.