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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!

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

What are the hidden and sometimes not-so-hidden forces shaping the economy and, in turn, the construction industry today? In this episode, Kat Shamapande and co-host Mark McCallum delve into current economic factors impacting construction, featuring insights from economic experts Eric Gaus and Sarah Martin of Dodge Construction Network. They explore the effects of inflation, labor shortages, the Iran conflict, and political pressures on economic activities, including construction trends like the proliferation of megaprojects. Learn how these forces could redefine the construction industry's near future and what strategic opportunities may lie ahead for construction companies amid uncertainties. For more information on these and other points, check out the NASBP blog posts authored by our guests, "The Megaproject Boom," "Federal Reserve Under Pressure," and "Prolonged Middle East Turmoil Will Slow Down Construction." With special guests: Eric Gaus, Chief Economist, Dodge Construction Network and Sarah Martin, Associate Director of Forecasting, Dodge Construction Network Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Is the U.S. economy headed for a recession in 2026? Moody's Analytics Director Chris Lafakis joins Kat Shamapande to break down the latest outlook, from sluggish job growth and AI-driven disruption to shifting trade policy and falling mortgage rates. He explains why 2026 looks stable, what could derail expansion, and how construction, housing, and global markets factor in. Hear the risks, opportunities, and what 2027 may bring. With special guest: Chris Lafakis, Director, Moody's Analytics   Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP