Let's Get Surety

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 Tim Mikolajewski, President at Liberty Mutual Surety. Tim shares his background and tips from his experiences for navigating a career in surety. Additionally, Tim speaks to opportunities and challenges in the surety industry both in the US and international surety markets.

With special guest:

Tim Mikolajewski, EVP Global Risk Solutions, President, Global Surety, Liberty Mutual Surety

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic!

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we explore the fascinating and sometimes unusual world of commercial surety bonds with our guests, Amy Pascalide of Markel, and Rosa Martinez-Genzon of Anderson, McPharlin & Conners LLP. Amy and Rosa share their insights and approaches to some of these unusual bonds. They discuss how unique bonds, such as nail salon, child custody, cigarette vending machine, lottery, brewer, and even geoduck bonds, come into play in various situations. Additionally, they highlight how consumer protection and compliance often drive the creation of these "weird bonds."

With special guests:

Amy Pascalide, Esq., Senior Court Counsel, Markel and Rosa Martinez-Genzon, Partner/Los Angeles, Anderson, McPharlin & Conners LLP

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic!

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the construction industry and construction law with our guest Denis Serkin, a partner at Peckar & Abramson. Serkin emphasizes how AI is transforming the construction sector, despite its reputation for being resistant to change. He points out that AI tools are already significantly benefiting the design and supply chain aspects of construction. Although the adoption of AI technology may not happen swiftly, its eventual integration is set to influence every facet of the industry. Tune in to learn more about how AI is shaking up construction and construction law practices. Also check out the Virtual Seminar that Denis co-presented titled, "AI in Construction Law: Managing Risks and Opportunities" and these other great episodes discussing technology and AI.

With special guest:

Denis Serkin, Partner, Chair - International Practice, Peckar & Abramson

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic Surety!

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we are joined by Kristen Sharpe, a partner at Crowe, LLP, to discuss the growing influence of technology and AI in the surety industry. Sharpe shares her insights on how the industry is moving towards automation and digitization, particularly by focusing on routine tasks to enhance efficiency and adapt to a more digital future in the post-COVID era. She emphasizes the importance of systems integration and recognizing what works best for different organizations. The discussion also covers the changes in work patterns during the pandemic, the evolving future workforce that has become accustomed to having Generative AI at their fingertips, and their expectations from the industry. To hear more, check out these other tech-focused episodes.

With special guest:

Kristen Sharpe, CPA, Partner, Financial Services Consulting, Crowe, LLP

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic Surety!

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we are joined by NASBP's Director, Government Relations (GR) Larry LeClair, NASBP's GR Committee Chair, Alan Starks of Christensen Group Insurance, and GR Committee Vice Chair, Matt Cocco of Smith Brothers Insurance to discuss the Federal Legislative Fly-In, which is co-hosted by NASBP and SFAA. The Legislative Fly-In offers opportunities for surety professionals, as voting constituents, to discuss the importance of the surety product with their elected officials and/or their staff. These interactions not only boost understanding of the surety product but also demonstrate the industry's crucial role in the economy and job creation. We also discuss the many benefits of attending the Fly-In beyond advocating for the surety industry, such as great networking with other surety colleagues, educational programming, and even opportunities for sightseeing! Find out more about the upcoming Federal Legislative Fly-In and register to attend! Also, be sure to check out the Let's Get Surety Episode "Talking With Your Elected Officials About the Importance of the Surety Product!"

With special guests:

Larry LeClair, Director, Government Relations, NASBP, Alan Starks, Senior Vice President - Surety, Christensen Group Insurance, and Matt Cocco, Surety Risk Advisor, Partner, Smith Brothers Insurance Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic Surety!

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we are joined by author, columnist, and keynote speaker Gene Marks to look at some of the challenges and opportunities facing small and medium businesses. Gene shares what some of the smartest and most experienced business leaders are doing to navigate these changes. He touches on the upcoming election, possible tax changes, labor issues, and technology, specifically preparing for and harnessing the power of generative AI. If you want to hear more on tax changes and cybersecurity in the age of AI, check out these past episodes: "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Sunset in 2025 and Its Impact on Construction Services" and "Constructing Cybersecurity: Navigating Data Protection in the Construction Industry."

With special guest:

Gene Marks, CPA, The Marks Group PC

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic Surety!

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we explore the world of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) with Jim Tressel and Travis Remick of Liberty Mutual Surety. They discuss the unique aspects of ESOPs, and the factors contributing to their current prominence. Our guests provide insightful considerations for selecting an ESOP consultant, understanding valuation processes, the significant role ESOPs can play in a company's succession strategies, as well as the value of including the surety early in the process. For more information on ESOPs, check out this NASBP Virtual Seminar mentioned during this episode, "Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP): What You Should Know."

With special guests:

James (Jim) Tressel, Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Liberty Mutual Surety and Travis Remick, Chief Underwriting Officer, Contract Surety, Liberty Mutual Surety

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic Surety!

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we discuss the ongoing changes in Canada's importing process with Sheila Thompson of Rosenberg & Parker of Canada and Cristina Hagivreta, Surety Manager at Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company. They delve into the new Canada Border Service Agency Assessment and Revenue Management System (CARM), a timely initiative that shifts Canada from a process focused on customs broker bonds to importer bonds. Our guests also discuss the implementation process of CARM, covering its electronic nuances and practical adjustments required by importers and surety companies as the changes are set to go into place on October 21, 2024. For more information and to stay up-to-date on these dynamic changes check out the Canada Border Service Agency's CARM resource page.

With special guests:

Sheila Thompson, President, Rosenberg & Parker of Canada, Inc. and Cristina Hagivreta, Manager, Surety, Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company

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 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!

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we hear from Will Kantlehner IV of Gallagher, and Nate Byerly from Gray Surety, as they share their journies to their surety careers and delve into the intriguing intersection of private equity and surety. They unpack how the introduction of a fourth party, the private equity company, adds additional nuances to the bonding processes though the principles stay the same. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities arising from private equity firms' involvement in construction companies, the varying levels of knowledge these firms may have about surety and bonding practices, and the overall complexity in understanding this fourth entity. Interested in learning more about Private Equity and Surety check out these great NASBP Virtual Seminars on the topic:

The State of Private Equity: Current Trends and Outlook Private Equity's Growing Interest in the Built Environment Private Equity and Bonding Private Venture Owned Business Private Equity for Surety Professionals: What You Need to Know

With special guests:

Will Kantlehner IV, CPCU, Area Vice President, Gallagher and Nate Byerly, CPCU, Bluegrass Regional Manager, Gray Surety

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by EMC Bond!