Let's Get Surety

What is the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, how did it originate, and where do we currently stand? Join us for this episode where industry experts unpack the BEAD program, the policy change to allow for performance bonds as an alternative to letters of credit for required security, and what surety professionals need to know and consider. You'll hear how surety professionals can approach BEAD grant recipients and internet service providers so they understand the advantages of bonding. Check out the BEAD Program Surety Bond Information Kit mentioned during this episode and subscribe to NASBP's Focal Point to stay up-to-date on BEAD and other key legislative and regulatory developments related to surety.

With special guests:

Lawrence LeClair, Director, Government Relations, NASBP, Philip Macres, Principal, Klein Law Group, PLLC, Cory Sanderson, Home Office Underwriting Manager, The Hartford, and Joseph Henson, Senior Consultant, Widelity

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by EMC Bond!

Curious how a fifth-generation insurance professional found his unexpected passion as a surety bond producer? Join us as we get to know NASBP 2025-2026 President Robert Coon. Robert shares stories regarding his career, journey as an NASBP member, volunteer, and leader, and how his experiences led him to his theme, "Building Better." Follow the links below to get more information on these topics mentioned by Robert during this episode: the producer's toolkit, joining a NASBP Committee, and more information on attending NASBP Fall meetings. And, if you share Robert's passion for the efficiencies gained through technology advancements, check out these related episodes and Virtual Seminars.

With special guest:

Robert Coon, Vice President - Surety, Scott Insurance

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

Questions about how rising tariffs impact customs bonds? Join us as we chat with Michelle Lucaccioni of Tokio Marine HCC - Surety Group and John Sheppard of C.A. Shea & Company, Inc., as they uncover customs bond trends, skyrocketing bond demands, insufficiencies, and critical risk strategies you can't ignore. Gain expert insights on how to manage these risks proactively—this is definitely a must-listen for surety professionals navigating today's unpredictable trade environment! For a more in-depth update, check out the NASBP Virtual Seminar "Navigating the Impact of Tariffs on Customs Surety," or listen to "Episode #109 Decoding Customs Bonds" and get a basic overview of customs bonding.

With special guests:

Michelle Lucaccioni, Vice President, Tokio Marine HCC - Surety Group and 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 EMC Bond!

Curious how America's infrastructure is really holding up? Join hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum as they dive into the latest Infrastructure Report Card with ASCE Executive Director Tom Smith. Hear about surprising progress, looming challenges, funding gaps, and how civil engineers and policymakers, and surety professionals can collaborate for a more resilient future. Check out the full report for more information.

With special guest:

Thomas W. Smith III, Executive Director, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by EMC Bond!

Feeling overwhelmed by constant change and uncertainty? In this dynamic episode of "Let's Get Surety," we talk with business growth, sales, and leadership expert, author, and speaker Meridith Elliott Powell about building mental fitness, powerful resilience, and relentless vision in uncertain times. Using vivid stories and practical strategies, Meredith shares how to transform anxiety into action and vision into success. Don't miss these game-changing insights!

With special guest:

Meridith Elliott Powell, Business Growth, Sales, and Leadership Expert

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by EMC Bond!

How will the recent Executive Order 14173, titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," affect federal contractors? In this episode, we explore this important issue with legal experts Stephen Irving and Tara Munder of the law firm of Peckar & Abramson. They explain the intent of the order, its impact on affirmative action policies, what businesses need to do to remain compliant, and issues related to enforcement. With companies trying to discern their "go forward" strategies and legal challenges to this and related Executive Orders mounting, this episode begins to unpack these complexities.

With special guests:

Stephen E. Irving, Co-Vice Chair - Labor & Employment Practice, Partner, Peckar & Abramson, P.C. and Tara R. Munder, Associate, Peckar & Abramson, P.C.

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic!

Are you interested in enhancing your leadership skills and your networking opportunities in the surety industry? In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we explore the NASBP's 5-15 Leadership Committee with guest and Vice Chair of the Committee, Mike Zahn of Moreton & Company. Learn how this dynamic program accelerates professional growth, builds powerful industry connections with peers and seasoned surety leaders, and provides exclusive mentorship opportunities. Don't miss this engaging discussion on how 5-15 Leadership Committee participation can take your career to the next level! Get more information about the 5-15 application/nominating process and don't forget to register for NASBP's 2025 Annual Meeting as mentioned during this episode!

With special guest:

Michael Zahn, Sales Executive, Moreton & Company

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic!

How is AI transforming our world and specifically the insurance industry? In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum sit down with Peter Miller, President and CEO of The Institutes, to explore AI's expanding role in risk management, fraud detection, underwriting, and more. Discover how AI enhances efficiency, predicts and prevents losses, and reshapes workforce dynamics. Plus, learn about regulations shaping its future. Don't miss this insightful conversation! You might also want to check out these other tech-focused episodes and Virtual Seminars.

With special guest:

Peter Miller, President/CEO, The Institutes

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic!

Want to revisit some of the most popular moments from Let's Get Surety®? In this special episode, host Kat Shamapande counts down the top five most downloaded episodes from the past five years! From the significance of relationships in surety to innovations in e-signatures, these episodes have captivated listeners worldwide. Join us for clips, reflections, and a celebration of the evolving landscape of the surety industry. Don't miss this nostalgic trip down memory lane!

Counting down from the 5th most downloaded to the most downloaded episode:

5. Episode #59: I'll Be There for You - The Importance of Relationships in Surety 4. Episode #1: A Look at NASBP's Be Guaranteed to Succeed Campaign and Surety Stories 3. Episode #84: Reinsurance: Understanding Its Importance to Surety* 2. Episode #30: E-Signature in Surety 1. Episode #90: Growing and Fostering Women's Surety Careers

*Disclaimer from Andrew Grey: The views and opinions expressed here may include projections based on assumptions and forecasts and is intended for information purposes only. Nothing that I am about to say is intended to be legal, underwriting, financial or any other type of professional advice, and listeners are encouraged to consult with his or her own counsel or other advisors to verify the accuracy and completeness of any information used and to determine its applicability to the recipient's particular circumstances. See full disclaimer on the episode page.

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

Sponsored by Old Republic!

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, the discussion centers on the trends in bid protests at the Government Accountability Office or GAO. Guest Sarah Carpenter, a partner at Smith Currie Oles, delves into the federal bid protest process, including where to file a bid protest and the types of relief one can seek. Sarah also outlines trends that can be seen in the GAO's report to Congress including a greater than 50 percent effectiveness rate, and common categories or types of bid protests that are outlined in the GAO's report. Check out Sarah's NASBP Blog post, "Key Takeaways from the GAO's Bid Protest Report to Congress for Fiscal Year 2024" for more information.

With special guest:

Sarah Carpenter, Partner, Smith Currie Oles

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic!