Let's Get Surety

Hosted by National Association of Surety Bond Producers

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Episodes

167

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Aug 2026

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About the show

If you have ever gone to a school or a park, attended a large sporting event, rode on a bus, driven on a highway, bought imported goods, or sent a wire transfer, you have been protected by the surety product. On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month Kat Shamapande, the host of Let's Get Surety will be joined by fun co-hosts and exciting and engaging guests who will share their stories, insights, and expertise on the world of surety and how it affects our everyday lives! If you are interested in learning more about surety and surety bonds, this is the podcast for you!

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60 recent

August 25, 2026Episode 16633 min

#166 The Corner Office: A Conversation With Dave Pesce of Munich Re Specialty - North America

What if your career path took an unexpected turn, leading to a fulfilling journey 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 explore David Pesce's remarkable transition from aspiring astronaut to Head of Surety at Munich Re Specialty - North America. With 40 years of experience, David shares insights on the evolving landscape of surety, the importance of risk management, and the industry's promising future amid global trends in renewable energy and infrastructure. Don't miss this engaging conversation that highlights the hidden dynamics of surety! With special guest: David Pesce, CCIFP, Head of Surety, Munich Re Specialty - North America Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored By Applied Surety Underwriters

August 11, 2026Episode 16520 min

#165 Building the Future: AI's Role in Construction and Finance

How is artificial intelligence reshaping the construction industry? In this engaging episode, we are joined by Kathryn Schneider of Forvis Mazars, Michelle Savage of XBRL US, and Christopher Greene of American Global as we delve into the transformative impact of AI on construction and finance. They explore the current adoption challenges, highlight innovative applications, and discuss how AI can enhance safety and efficiency. With special guests: Kathryn Schneider, Director, Consulting, Forvis Mazars Michelle Savage, Vice President, Communication, XBRL US Christopher Greene, Vice President, Innovation & Insights, American Global Canada Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored By Applied Surety Underwriters

July 28, 2026Episode 16426 min

#164 Harnessing AI: Transforming the Future of Surety

Could AI revolutionize the surety industry, enhancing efficiency and decision-making? Join us as we chat with Greg Davenport of Digital Bond Advisory Services, LLC, Brad Rasmussen of Merchants Bonding, and Jason Callison of Tinubu as they unpack the transformative impact of AI on surety practices. Delve into real-world applications, from automating data entry to empowering underwriters with advanced analytics. Discover how the industry is navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in this fast-evolving landscape, ensuring that human expertise remains at the forefront. This episode is a must-listen for all surety professionals to begin to understand AI's potential in the surety industry! With special guests: Greg Davenport, Founder, Digital Bond Advisory Services, LLC Brad Rasmussen, CIO, Merchants Bonding Jason Callison, Surety Customer Solution Architect, Tinubu Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored By Applied Surety Underwriters

July 14, 2026Episode 16330 min

#163 What's Next for Surety? Industry Leaders on 2026 and Beyond

What lies ahead for the surety industry as it enters what could be one of the most transformative periods in its history? In this episode, hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum engage industry leaders, Stephen Haney, President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Surety at CHUBB, Nathan Zangerle, President of Global Surety at Liberty Mutual Surety, and Chris Tata, Vice President, Commercial Surety in Bond & Specialty at Travelers, to explore the evolving landscape of surety amidst the booming demand for data centers and large-scale projects. They discuss the impact of labor shortages, risk management, and financial guarantees while emphasizing the importance of thoughtful underwriting and collaboration to navigate this generational moment. Tune in to gain valuable insights into market trends, emerging risks, and collaborative strategies that will help define the surety industry's path through 2026 and beyond. With special guests: Stephen Haney, President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Surety, Chubb Nathan Zangerle, President of Global Surety, Liberty Mutual Surety Chris Tata, Vice President, Commercial Surety in Bond & Specialty at Travelers Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored By Applied Surety Underwriters

June 23, 2026Episode 16224 min

#162 Subcontractor Success Strategies

How can subcontractors thrive in today's complex landscape? In this episode, join Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum as they explore the essential topic of bonding subcontractors with Ryan Springer and Rocky Pofahl from EMC Bond. They discuss the challenges and strategies for subcontractors in a fluctuating economy, the importance of understanding contract terms, and how to leverage relationships with general contractors. Discover insights on navigating high-stakes projects like data centers and ensuring financial stability and bondability while maximizing opportunities. Check out these previous episodes with Rocky and Ryan as well, #154 Bridges of Trust: Unraveling the People Power in Surety Success and #117 The Corner Office: A Conversation With EMC Bond's Ryan Springer . Watch the full video episode on YouTube ! With special guests: Ryan Springer, Vice President/Bond, EMC Bond and Rocky Pofahl, Assistant Vice President-Bond Underwriting Superintendent, EMC Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

June 9, 2026Episode 16123 min

#161 The Story Behind the Stats: Collaboration, Data, and Advocacy in Surety

What role does data play in shaping the future of the surety industry? In this episode, Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum welcome back Ryan Work, President & CEO of the Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA), to discuss the industry's growth, the importance of advocacy, and the recent data trends. They explore how effective collaboration and informed storytelling can influence policymakers, especially with significant funding initiatives on the horizon. Tune in for an inside look at the numbers behind the industry and the impact they're making beyond them. Find out more about the previous EY study mentioned during this episode . With special guest: Ryan Work, President & CEO, The Surety & Fidelity Association of America Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

May 26, 2026Episode 16030 min

#160 Stability Through Purpose: A Conversation With NASBP President Monica Donatelli

What happens when a banker discovers a calling to enter the surety industry? Join us as Monica Donatelli shares her unexpected journey from banking to becoming the Vice President, Surety Department Manager at IMA and NASBP's President. This episode dives into her transformative experiences from her involvement with the NASBP 5-15 Leadership Committee, advocacy efforts, and leadership development in the surety space and how these have shaped her Presidential term's theme, Stability Through Purpose. Discover how Monica turned challenges into opportunities and why she believes that advocating for surety at the local level is crucial for the industry's future. Tune in for inspiration and insights! With special guest: Monica Donatelli, Vice President, Surety Department Manager, IMA, Inc. Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

May 12, 2026Episode 15929 min

#159 It's All About the Cupcake: Cash Flow Management in Construction

How vital is cash flow to the construction industry? In this episode, Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum engage with CPA Brad Robinson of Ward & Robinson, who unravels the intricacies of cash flow management for contractors. They discuss essential strategies to enhance cash flow, including billing techniques and the significance of understanding contract terms. Highlighting the unique challenges construction professionals face, this conversation is packed with practical insights that can help ensure profitability and sustainability in construction projects. Tune in for valuable guidance! With special guest: Brad Robinson, Partner, Ward & Robinson LLC Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

April 28, 2026Episode 15836 min

#158 From Design Build to Progressive Design Build: Inside AIA's Evolving Contract Frameworks

In this episode, Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum are joined by Ken Cobleigh of AIA Contract Documents to explore the evolution of design-build and progressive design-build project delivery. Together they unpack how AIA contract documents are structured to support these models. The discussion highlights key differences between traditional and progressive design-build, including contract structure, timing of pricing, and the shift toward iterative design and early stakeholder collaboration. With insights into industry trends and a look ahead to upcoming document developments, this episode explains why understanding these frameworks is essential for contractors, producers, and surety professionals. Learn more about AIA Contract Documents and explore NASBP equivalent bond forms mentioned during this episode. With special guest: Kenneth Cobleigh Esq., Senior Vice President & Counsel, AIA Contract Documents Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!

April 14, 2026Episode 15733 min

#157 Tariffs on Trial: What Supreme Court Ruling Means for Government Contractors

Tariffs are back in the spotlight—and the stakes just changed. What does the Supreme Court's latest ruling on presidential tariff authority mean for government contractors—and for the surety professionals who support them? In this episode, Government Contract Attorneys Jacqueline Unger and Ryan Boonstra of PilieroMazza dive into the implications of a recent ruling that struck down certain tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Listeners will discover how contractors can navigate the changing landscape of tariffs, the potential for future impositions, and critical steps to safeguard their rights and contracts. Don't miss these essential strategies for success! Read more on this topic in their recent blog post, " SCOTUS Limits Presidential Tariff Powers: Key Takeaways for Government Contractors ." With special guests: Jacqueline Unger, Partner, PilieroMazza and Ryan Boonstra, Associate, PilieroMazza Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by EMC Bond!