On this episode of "Let's Get Surety," we are joined by Caren Kelleher, the founder and CEO of Gold Rush Vinyl, a company acknowledged as one of the "Most Innovative Companies of 2020" by Fast Company magazine. Kelleher shares how she jumped, all in, and transitioned from being a music executive at Google to establishing her own vinyl record manufacturing company, riding on analytics and her passion for music and business. She shares what encouraged her to make the leap of faith into manufacturing as a small business owner. Delve into an engaging discussion on entrepreneurial hurdles and breakthroughs, capital sourcing through a U.S. Small Business Administration loan program and angel investors, the resilient vinyl industry's growth and future, and the indispensable role of trusted advisors on her journey. You will quickly perceive parallels in her story with those of countless surety clients!

With special guest:

Caren Kelleher, Founder & CEO, Gold Rush Vinyl

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!

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!

Are you familiar with customs bonds? On this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, we welcome John Sheppard, of C.A. Shea and Company, to share his expertise in this specialized area of the surety industry. John provides insight into common terms, and bond types, and defines who qualifies as an importer. He also explains the role and guarantees of a customs bond, including cover for duties, taxes, and fees and compliance with federal regulations. From traveling abroad to enforcing intellectual property rights, you'll learn the surprising instances where customs bonds come into play. Get more information on NASBP's Commercial Surety School Level 1 and Level 2 classes, view the NASBP Virtual Seminar titled, "Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duty: An Overview" and the recent blog post on customs guidelines updates.

With special guest:

John J. Sheppard II, Executive Vice President, C.A. Shea & Company, Inc.

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by Merchants Bonding Company!

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!

On this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, we are joined by Todd Regan, a partner in the law firm of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, to discuss the many pitfalls to be avoided when negotiating personal guarantees. Todd explains how even when a corporate officer or agent signs what appears to be a clear agreement to personally guarantee a corporate debt, a creditor may later be surprised when the court finds the guarantee unenforceable, leaving the creditor empty-handed. Listen in to learn more about this crucial and sometimes overlooked aspect of the construction and surety industries. Read Todd's article published in the Surety Bond Quarterly Summer 2023 issue that is mentioned during this episode, "Have an Ironclad Personal Guarantee From a Corporate Officer or Agent?" and listen to Todd's other Let’s Get Surety® episode "A Closer Look at Performance Bonds and Recent Court Rulings"!

With special guest:

Todd Regan, Partner, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by Merchants Bonding Company!

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!

On this episode of Let’s Get Surety® we learn from sales and leadership expert Ryan Estis how to approach sales with confidence and the power of relationships. Ryan explains how good salespeople are made and not born, and what qualities are necessary for success - like staying curious and being an expert in a particular industry. He explains the importance of trust and creating emotional connection, as well as how preparation can make a huge impact! Listen to learn more about how to build strong and impactful relationships. Find out more information from Ryan in his recent book "Prepare for Impact."

With special guest:

Ryan Estis, Co-Founder, ImpactEleven

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by Merchants Bonding Company!

On this episode of Let’s Get Surety®, we talk with three surety professionals--Brad Babcock of Babcock Solutions and Chair of NASBP’s Membership Committee, Nicole Campbell of Parrot Surety Services and Vice Chair of NASBP’s Membership Committee, and Jennifer Morales of Intact Insurance Surety Group. All discuss reasons for joining NASBP and the extensive membership benefits and resources offered, including ways in which employees can participate in association efforts to gain industry knowledge and skillsets. Please join them and discover their perspectives on why membership is so valuable. Find out more about becoming a member now! Or check out some of the many resources and opportunities mentioned during this episode:

• NASBP SmartBrief
• NASBP Blog (specifically mentioned - Five Ways AI Is Likely To Affect The Construction Industry)
• NASBP White Papers, like the one mentioned on, Resident Agent Countersignature Laws
• NASBP Producers Communications Toolkit
• NASBP's Surety Schools
• NASBP's Suretylearn and NASBP Virtual Seminars
• NASBP's Online CE Courses
• NASBP's Suretylearn For Contractors and resources like 51 Questions Small Contractors Ask About Bonding
• NASBP's Annual Meetings and Fall Meetings
• NASBP Advocacy and Government Relations and the Federal Legislative Fly-in
• Join A NASBP Committee

With special guests:

Brad Babcock, Owner, Babcock Solutions, Nicole Campbell, CEO, Parrot Surety Services, and Jennifer Morales, Underwriting Consultant, Surety Specialty, Intact Insurance Surety Group

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by Merchants Bonding Company!