Let's Get Surety

In this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, we discuss the increasing importance of cybersecurity in the construction industry with guest Richard Volack, a partner at Peckar & Abramson. Richard highlights several factors that typically make construction companies more vulnerable to cyber attacks, such as slower technology adoption and the need for the exchange of sensitive data among parties. Volack also shares steps that can help mitigate cybersecurity risks like using multi-factor authentication and making regular firewall updates. Be sure to check out the NASBP Virtual seminar, AI in Construction Law: Managing Risks and Opportunities that is mentioned during this episode and search Cybersecurity on the SuretyLearn Catalog to dive in even deeper! With special guest: Richard Volack, Partner & Chair, Cyber Security & Data Privacy Practice, Peckar & Abramson Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

Will Kantlehner IV from Gallagher, an expert in surety careers, and Nate Byerly from Gray Surety, who navigates private equity's influence on bonding, share their insights. They discuss how private equity introduces complexities in bonding processes, emphasizing effective communication within construction firms. The duo reflects on their career paths and the legacy of surety, while exploring the strategic challenges and opportunities that arise from private equity involvement in construction, including the need for informed underwriters and succession planning.

Join construction financial expert Todd Feuerman and tax specialist Travis Klein from Ellin & Tucker as they delve into the looming expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2025. They explore the potential aftermath for the construction sector, including impacts on sureties and lenders. The duo emphasizes the urgency of proactive tax planning and outlines strategies for succession planning and ownership transitions. They also discuss the importance of assembling a trusted advisory team to navigate these upcoming changes successfully.

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!

Business leaders from Suffolk discuss using AI to transform the construction industry, tackling challenges like low productivity and aging workforce. They explore how AI, data, and technology drive efficiencies and opportunities in construction processes, highlighting the importance of collaboration and adaptation for a promising future.

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!

Caren Kelleher, founder of Gold Rush Vinyl, shares her journey transitioning from Google to vinyl manufacturing. Topics include entrepreneurial hurdles, capital sourcing, and the future of the vinyl industry. Learn about turning vinyl records into gold pieces for corporate awards.