
Let's Get Surety
If you have ever gone to a school or a park, attended a large sporting event, rode on a bus, driven on a highway, bought imported goods, or sent a wire transfer, you have been protected by the surety product. On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month Kat Shamapande, the host of Let's Get Surety will be joined by fun co-hosts and exciting and engaging guests who will share their stories, insights, and expertise on the world of surety and how it affects our everyday lives! If you are interested in learning more about surety and surety bonds, this is the podcast for you!
Latest episodes

Jan 12, 2021 • 25min
#30 E-Signature in Surety
On this episode, we are joined by Michael Pitre of Gray Surety to discuss electronic signature. We talk through e-signature options, the best practices, and what makes this a safe and reliable option. Michael also shares the reasons his surety company embraced this innovation as well as other innovations that might be on the horizon. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Dec 22, 2020 • 28min
#29 Discussing the AFSB Designation
On this episode Jason Terrell of The Institutes, NASBP Past President Larry McMahon of Alliant Insurance Services, and Ralph Pulver of Travelers join us to share some background and insights on The Institutes AFSB designation and to discuss the value it has had on their careers. Check out the links below for more information on The Institutes, the AFSB designation, the CPCU designation, and NASBP’s William J. Angell Surety Schools, all of which are mentioned in this episode. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Dec 8, 2020 • 30min
#28 Understanding and Limiting the Right of Offset
I am sure many of us have seen disputes arise at the end of a project between subcontractors and general contractors regarding offsets. On this episode we will be talking through what offsets are and limiting the right of offsets. To chat about this with us today we have Lauren McLaughlin a Partner and Raziye Andican an Associate both with the firm of Smith Currie. You can also find more information on this topic in their article, “Limiting the Right of Offset: Is it the Start of a New Trend?” Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Nov 24, 2020 • 49min
#27 A Look At the Construction Industry Procurement Coalition (CIPC)
On this episode, Lawrence LeClair the Director of Government Relations at NASBP, and Michael Oscar the Director of Government Relations at the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) joins us to discuss the Construction Industry Procurement Coalition (CIPC). We discuss the importance of coalitions, the founding of CIPC, its successes and future legislative, regulatory and congressional matters. Find out about NASBP’s Governments Relations activities and resources as well as ASA’s Government Relations activities and resources. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Nov 10, 2020 • 28min
#26 Moving Down the Road: A Look at Federal and State Infrastructure
On this episode, Lawrence LeClair the Director of Government Relations at NASBP and Ed Mortimer the Vice President of Transportation and Infrastructure at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce joins us to discuss the U.S. Chamber’s response to America’s infrastructure challenges. We discuss the importance of investing in American’s roads, bridges, mass transit systems, air and sea ports, and water infrastructure as critical national assets that drive growth, jobs, safety, and global competitiveness and where it stands both at the State and Federal Level. Ed describes bipartisan efforts that are underway to secure the solvency of the highway trust fund dedicated to funding such infrastructure projects while also highlighting the need and importance of obtaining private infrastructure investments in the form of public-private partnerships (P3’s). Find out more about the U.S. Chamber’s efforts and access resources on Let’s Rebuild America. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Nov 3, 2020 • 30min
#25 Coping With Stress With Dr. Will
On this episode, Dr. Will Miller, keynote presenter at NASBPS’ November 2020 Virtual Event, joins us to share some great tips on coping with stress during the pandemic crisis and gives us a preview of the valuable information we can look forward to hearing more about more in-depth on the NASBP 2020 November Virtual Event: Managing Stress and What’s Next. Don’t forget to register now and remember all NASBP Virtual Events are free for Members, Affiliates and Associates and for just $179 for non-members. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Oct 27, 2020 • 25min
#24 "Wage Theft" Laws- Are They Trending?
On this episode, Mark R. Berry a Partner at Peckar & Abramson, joins us to take a look at “wage theft” laws that have gone into effect and what they mean for contractors, subcontractors, and subcontract bonds. We discuss why this trend has arisen now, the good-faith exception included in some states law, attorney fees provisions and steps contractors can take to mitigate risks. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Oct 13, 2020 • 23min
#23 A Look at the Commercial Surety Market During these Uncertain and Unprecedented Times
On this episode, Brian Dahlke, Vice President & Co-Director of Crum & Forster’s Commercial Business Unit, joins us to take a look at the Commercial Surety Market and how that’s been impacted by COVID-19. We take a look at the economy, the impact of the stimulus packages, the difference in the effect on small business and larger accounts, thoughts on how to weather this storm, and a look at where the commercial surety market might be headed from here. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sep 22, 2020 • 28min
#22 Managing Risks in A Rapidly Changing Insurance Market
On this episode, David Dolnick, Founder, CEO, & Principal Consultant with Dolnick Rick Advisors, joins us to take a look at managing risks in this rapidly changing insurance market and how that’s been impacted by COVID-19. We take a look at where the insurance market is now, where property and casualty rates are and how they are changing. We also take time to walk through tips to share with your construction clients. Read more on this topic in David’s recent Surety Bond Quarterly articles, Helping Your Clients in a Rapidly Changing Insurance Market Part 1 and Helping Your Clients In a Rapidly Changing Insurance Market Part 2—Checklist to Share with Clients. For more information on COVID-19’s impacts on the Surety Industry visit NASBP’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Information page. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sep 15, 2020 • 23min
#21 Rural Broadband – Legislation to Connect America – Part 2 of 2
On this episode, Larry LeClair, Director of GR at NASBP and John “JB” Byrd, representing the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) joins us for the second of a two-part series on rural broadband. In our first episode, Larry and JB shared some information on rural broadband, the recently enacted Broadband DATA Act and various virtual meetings conducted with senate and house staff. On this episode, JB and Larry discuss draft legislative language NASBP and the NSPS are pursing and what potential legislative action might be coming down the road. Find out more about NSPS and check out their podcasts, "Surveyor Says!" and "Point of Order". Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP