Let's Get Surety

Hosted by National Association of Surety Bond Producers

BusinessInterviews guestsExplicit

Website RSS feed LinkedIn Facebook Instagram YouTube

Episodes

171

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

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!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 27, 2026Episode 17026 min

#170 AI in Construction: Cannonball In or Dip a Toe?

Should contractors cannonball into AI or start by dipping a toe in the water? In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum welcome Brian Kassalen of Baker Tilly to explore the opportunities and hidden costs of AI adoption in construction. From budgeting time and resources to planning for implementation, they discuss what contractors should consider before taking the plunge. Discover how thoughtful planning and realistic expectations can help contractors make technology investments that improve efficiency and support their business goals. For surety bond producers and underwriters, this conversation offers a practical perspective on contractors' technology decisions and the questions to consider as the AI landscape continues to evolve. With special guest: Brian Kassalen, Principal and Construction Industry Leader, Baker Tilly Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored By Arch Insurance!

October 13, 2026Episode 16926 min

#169 Bonding Over Brews: The Value of Volunteerism for Your Surety Career

What if getting involved in the surety industry could open doors to new friendships, mentors, career opportunities — and even a chance to bond over a few brews? In this episode, hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum sit down with bond producer Stefan Engelhardt of CAC, part of the Baldwin Group, as they toast the surety industry and discuss the value of getting involved with NASBP and local surety associations. Stefan shares how volunteerism has enriched his career, creating opportunities to build meaningful connections and relationships, learn from others, give back to the industry, and grow both personally and professionally. He also reflects on his own career journey from engineering to surety and how that path sparked his passion for mentorship, innovation, and staying engaged in the surety community. Whether you're new to surety or a seasoned professional, discover why raising your hand and getting involved might be one of the best investments you can make in your career. Also check out this previous episode " #82 Bonding Cryptocurrency " and NASBP Virtual Seminar, " Keeping Surety Weird: Exploring Opportunities in Commercial Surety " with Stefan. With special guest: Stefan Engelhardt, AFSB, CRIS, Vice President, CAC, part of the Baldwin Group Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored By Arch Insurance!

September 22, 2026Episode 16820 min

#168 When Leaders Listen, People Speak Up

What if creating a culture where everyone feels safe to speak up could transform your organization? Join hosts Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum as they explore the importance of a speak-up culture with author, speaker and podcast host Stephen "Shed" Shedletzky. Discover how true listening fosters courage and engagement, and learn practical strategies to empower voices within your team. This episode promises insights that can redefine leadership and enhance organizational dynamics. To hear more from leadership insights from Shed, check out his book Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up and his podcast Shed Some Light ! With special guest: Stephen "Shed" Shedletzky, Author, Speaker and Podcast Host, Shed Inspires Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored By Applied Surety Underwriters!

September 8, 2026Episode 16720 min

#167 Building the Future: Technology, Trends, and Career Opportunities in Surety

What if you could discover a career that brings together finance, law, construction, technology, and relationship-building? In this episode of Let's Get Surety, Kat Shamapande talks with Nancy Schnee and Chris Greene of American Global about their unexpected paths into the surety industry and the trends shaping its future. From robotics, drones, and automation to the growing importance of data, they explore how construction and surety are evolving and why the next generation has an exciting opportunity to help lead that change. Tune in to discover the many paths into surety and why this often-overlooked industry may be the career you never knew you were looking for. Check out these past episodes with Nancy and Chris #101 Women in Surety: Power and Potential Unleashed and #165 Building the Future: AI's Role in Construction and Finance . With special guests: Nancy Schnee, Senior Vice President, American Global, LLC and Christopher Greene, Vice President, Innovation & Insights, American Global Canada Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP Sponsored By Applied Surety Underwriters!

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!