
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

May 7, 2020 • 35min
#10 The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) From A CPA's Perspective
In this episode, guest Julian Xavier with CLA shares some insights into the COVID-19 stimulus law Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) from a CPA’s perspective. He shares a high-level overview of the PPP loan, what happens once you receive the funds, what’s covered, or not covered, FTE requirements, the importance of tracking the funds, safe harbor, and steps for forgiveness. Julian helps to sort through the many questions around the Paycheck Protection Program as we await more guidance! Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

May 5, 2020 • 24min
#9 Stimulus Law Paycheck Protection Program and False Claims Act Risk
In this episode, guest David Robbins with Crowell & Moring share some insights into the COVID-19 stimulus law Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the False Claims Act Risk. He shares insight regarding the safe harbor time frame ending on May 7th, what to expect from impending audits and enforcement, and lessons learned from past disasters and the first round of PPP fund disbursements. You can also listen to the NASBP Virtual Seminar that David presents for a deeper dive into this important and timely topic, “False Claims Act and Enforcement Risks of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).” Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Apr 28, 2020 • 23min
#8 Seamlessly Managing the New Normal in the Workplace
In this episode, guests Lori Demeyer and Kim Orsolits with CLA share some insights into managing the workplace without pandemonium during the COVID-19 pandemic and moving forward in the new world. They will share HR insight and advice for policy review, tailor-made plans that work best for each workplace, resources to help employees manage higher levels of stress, and planning for both coming into our offices or job sites and teleworking. You can also read the NASBP blog that our guests co-authored for additional information, “Pandemic Doesn’t Have to Mean Pandemonium in the Workplace.” Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Apr 21, 2020 • 29min
#7 Federal Construction Contracts and Excusable Delays
On this episode guests John Sebastian and Brian Padove attorneys with Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald, LLP will discuss Federal Construction Contracts and more specifically the Federal Acquisition Regulation or FAR in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. They will share insights into, when and how to provide notice, the burden of proof, suspension of work, and the sovereign acts doctrine. As well as stressing the importance of reviewing your current contract documents and taking the pandemic into consideration as you move forward with new contracts during these uncertain times. For more information on this topic check out the NASBP Blog post that our speakers co-authored with several colleagues at Watt Tieder, Federal Construction Contracts vs. COVID-19: An “Excused” Delay? Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Apr 14, 2020 • 24min
#6 Taking A Closer Look at Force Majeure Clauses in Today’s Environment
On this episode, Mike Zisa, Chair of the Surety and Construction Related Insurance Defense Practice Group at Peckar & Abramson shares insights into understanding force majeure clauses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation touches on reviewing contracts, communications with owners, giving notice, and documentation. Additionally, Zisa highlights that there may be other avenues for recovery in existing contracts, so careful contract review is warranted. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Apr 7, 2020 • 22min
#5 Making the Case for the Value of Electronic Bonding
On this episode, Corban Enns, Area Vice President, Surety Solutions a Gallagher Company, shares experiences with and insights into the electronic bonding system NMLS and what helped lead stakeholders to transition to and value electronic bonds. We also discuss how the NMLS could be an example that could be used to streamline other types of bonds processes, especially in light of the remote work world in which we find ourselves. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Apr 3, 2020 • 22min
#4 Surety In This New World: Focusing on the People and Moving Forward
In this episode, Peter Quinn, Senior Vice President of Major Markets – Surety at Crum & Forster, shares how he and the team at Crum & Forster are getting back to business and keeping the focus on people and relationships during these unprecedented times. We discuss working and meeting remotely, digital seals and more. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Apr 1, 2020 • 24min
#3 Steps for Contractors to Take Now and Rundown of Federal Relief Programs To-Date
On this episode, Jack Callahan CPA, Partner - Construction Industry Leader at CohnReznick joins us to share action items that contractors should be considering now due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. If you are interested in getting more in-depth information you should check out the NASBP Blog Jack contributed titled, “Finding Stability In A Time of Crisis” and the NASBP Virtual Seminar, “Contractors Guide: What You Should Know As You Manage Through the COVID-19 Environment”. Finding Stability In A Time of Crisis Contractors Guide: What You Should Know As You Manage Through the COVID-19 Environment Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Mar 24, 2020 • 24min
#2 Social Media and Surety: Stories From The Field
In this episode, Josh Etemadi and Edin Zukanovic of Construction Bonds, Inc. a Division of Murray join us to share some insights and stories on how they have used social media and social marketing to promote the surety product, build relationships with clients and sell more bonds! Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, Chief Executive Officer, NASBP

Mar 10, 2020 • 16min
#1 A Look at NASBP's Be Guaranteed to Succeed Campaign and Surety Stories
NASBP staff Mark McCallum and Kathy Hoffman join us to share information and updates on the NASBP Be Guaranteed to Succeed Campaign that is designed to help begin a new conversation about surety. They also describe the engaging array of Surety Story Videos and how to find a NASBP bond producer. For more information on the Be Guaranteed to Succeed Campaign visit - www.nasbp.org/guaranteed or go directly to the growing library of Surety Story Videos here - www.nasbp.org/guaranteed/surety-stories. Hosted By: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP