Let's Get Surety

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.

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!  

In this episode, John Sheppard, an expert in customs bonds, discusses the importance of customs bonds in guaranteeing payment of duties, taxes, and compliance with federal regulations. He also explains the various scenarios where customs bonds are utilized, such as goods violating intellectual property rights or duty reclamation. Learn about the complexities of customs bonds, duty rates, and the claims process against customs bonds.

Have you ever considered getting a CCIFP? On this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, we are joined by Damien Strohmier, CCIFP of DSP Insurance Services as we explore the value of the CCIFP certification and how it can give producers, underwriters, and CPAs a competitive edge in the construction industry. We discuss the certification, its components, and what it means to earn your CCIFP, as well as the cost to take and maintain this certification. Check out the Surety Bond Quarterly article, "Certification Savvy" for more CCIFP stories, and find out more about the CCIFP! With special guest: Damien Strohmier, Surety Bond Producer, DSP Insurance Services Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Merchants Bonding Company!

Exploring the pitfalls of negotiating personal guarantees in the construction industry, the podcast discusses the complexities and implications of enforceability. The importance of clear documentation, understanding co-obligors' roles, and assessing contract risks are highlighted to avoid legal surprises and protect against liabilities.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a leader in the surety industry? NASBP is excited to announce a new series of episodes exploring that question, titled "The Corner Office: Conversations with Surety Leaders." In this first episode, we are joined by surety industry leader Larry Taylor, President of Merchants Bonding Company, to talk about what it takes to lead an insurance company solely focused on surety bonding. Larry shares his background, including that he is a fourth-generation executive at Merchants Bonding Company, and relates the strategies and reasons behind the company's growth and how Merchants fosters its appealing company culture. Larry also speaks to opportunities and to challenges on the horizon for the surety industry as a whole and emphasizes the importance of sharing the value of the surety product more broadly. Check out the EY report prepared for SFAA, mentioned during this episode, titled The Economic Value of Surety Bonds. With special guest: Larry Taylor, President, Merchants Bonding Company Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Merchants Bonding Company!