What happens when construction projects go wrong? In this episode, dispute resolution expert Steve Nelson of Markel Surety shares proactive strategies to avoid, manage, and resolve conflicts before they derail a job or result in costly claims, from structuring stronger contracts to deploying standing neutrals before tensions boil over. Discover how surety professionals can spot trouble early, drive better outcomes for clients, and help clients prevent disputes from jeopardizing projects. Glean information with the aim of protecting profitability, preserving relationships, and staying ahead of the risk curve.

With special guest:

Steve Nelson, Executive Vice President/Senior Director, ADR Services, Markel Surety

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!

In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, we sit down with Brad Robinson of Ward & Robinson, a CPA who has served on the financial leadership teams of both general contractors and subcontractors. Brad brings a unique, dual-perspective lens to today's most pressing risk-management challenges. Brad shares hard-won lessons from the field, including where prequalification processes often break down, how subs can better position themselves, how General Contractors evaluate risk, and why a strong surety relationship is one of the most valuable differentiators in today's market. Smart, practical, and candid—this is an episode every surety and construction professional should hear.

With special guest:

Brad Robinson, Partner, Ward & Robinson LLC

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!

Accounting standards can have quite an impact on surety, but how is the surety industry involved in shaping those standards? Dive into this episode of Let's Get Surety as we talk with David Pesce, Head of Surety with Munich Re Specialty - North America, about the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and its Private Company Council (PCC). Discover how these groups shape financial reporting and why and how surety professionals can get involved. Tune in for insights, examples, and how you can be part of the process!

With special guest:

David Pesce, Head of Surety, Munich Re Specialty - North America

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic!

On this episode, we are joined by Susan Jordan of Westfield Surety for a discussion on the interesting world of court bonds comprised of judicial bonds and fiduciary bonds, and why you should be interested in them too! Susan walks us through various types of judicial bonds including plaintiff bonds and defendant bonds and the surety and underwriting considerations related to them. Then we dive into the many types of fiduciary bonds and the related surety and underwriting considerations in that arena!

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Nationwide!

On this episode, we are joined by attorney and former construction company executive Bill Ernstrom, of Ernstrom ADR, to discuss use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes to solve construction disputes. Bill discusses various types of ADR and the many advantages of those processes as compared to litigation. Bill also relates the importance of reading and understanding your contract and the importance of considering and including ADR during contract negotiations rather than when a problem arises. You may also want to check out the previous episode that Bill joined us on, "#45 Read (and Understand) Your Contract!"

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Nationwide!

NASBP is excited to continue the 2021 series of Let's Get Surety episodes focusing on guests and topics selected by the NASBP 5-15 Leadership Committee. This special series is titled Lean into Leadership: Talking Surety with the 5-15 and focuses on current issues and challenges that members of the 5-15 Leadership Committee face as young producers in the industry. In this episode, we are joined by 5-15 committee members Jase Hamilton of Cavignac & Associates and Michael Lischer of IMA Financial Group, Inc., who discuss what they see coming on the road ahead as surety professionals navigate the current pandemic environment and envision the post-pandemic surety world.

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic Surety!

On this episode, we are joined by Isaias "Cy" Alba and Matt Feinberg, partners at the law firm of PilieroMazza PLLC, who discuss the significance of the False Claims Act in relation to construction firms and their surety professionals. Cy and Matt review what the False Claims Act is and why it's important for contractors, subcontractors, sureties, and bond producers to be well informed by identifying real-world cases of FCA violations. Additionally, Cy and Matt call attention to ways in which the risks of FCA claims and attendant damages can be mitigated.

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic Surety!

On this episode we are joined by Todd Regan, a Partner at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP and participant on NASBP's Attorney Advisory Council, to discuss recent case law in which the court held that, if the obligee does not default the subcontractor, then the obligee cannot recover under the bond. We talk through the Arch Insurance Co. v. Graphic Builders case and discuss how the court's ruling provides an important illustration for surety professionals and contractors to consider.

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

Sponsored by Old Republic Surety!

On this episode, we are joined by attorney and former construction company executive Bill Ernstrom, of Ernstrom ADR, to discuss elements of risk management and the critical importance of reading and understanding the construction contract. Bill remarks on the surprising revelation that often construction contracts are not read by parties and on why it is so important to both read and continue to reference the construction contract throughout a project. Bill also relates the importance of standardized contracts, like those published by ConsensusDocs, as baselines or starting points for contract negotiations.

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic Surety!

On this episode, we are joined by Mark Munekawa, Senior Vice President of Surety at Woodruff Sawyer, and the NASBP Immediate Past President, for a conversation on SPACs or Special Purpose Acquisition Companies. During our conversation, Mark outlines what SPACs are, describes why SPACs are a growing trend and explains why it is important for surety industry professionals to understand them.

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Old Republic Surety!

On this episode, Todd R. Braggins of Ernstrom & Dreste, LLP joins us to share information about the decision by the surety to finance a defaulting principal. Todd highlights specific red flags that might come into play and discusses important steps to follow as the decision to finance is considered. Todd also describes the important role bond producers can play to make this a better situation for all involved. For more information on this topic, check out Todd's article in the Summer 2021 issue of Surety Bond Quarterly titled, "Profiles in Character: Two Tales of Financing – The Bond Producers Role"

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored By Old Republic Surety!

NASBP is excited to continue the 2021 series of Let's Get Surety episodes focusing on guests and topics selected by the NASBP 5-15 Leadership Committee. This special series is titled Lean into Leadership: Talking Surety with the 5-15 and focuses on current issues and challenges that members of the 5-15 Leadership Committee face as young producers in the industry. In this episode, we are joined by 5-15 committee members Brian Ayres, of L A Surety Solutions a division of Alliant Insurance Services and Devin Moore, of Moore Surety Bonds Agency, who discuss the trials and rewards of starting their own agencies. They each offer stories and lessons they learned along the way!

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored By Liberty Mutual Surety!

On this episode, Zach Mendelson of EPIC Brokers and Mike Specht of INSURICA Southwest join us to share information about NASBP Be Guaranteed to Succeed Campaign, specifically the new Producer Communications Toolkit 2.0 that is designed to help bond producers have a conversation about and describe the value of the surety product. They discuss how they have used the Toolkit's many resources to successfully improve their marketing efforts to prospective clients and stakeholders, including project owners, lenders, architects and contractors. For more information, visit the Be Guaranteed to Succeed and check out the recording of, "Be Guaranteed To Succeed: How the New NASBP Producer Communications Toolkit Can Help You Sell More Bonds" for more details on how Zach and Mike have put the NASBP Producer Communications Toolkit 2.0 to work for themselves and their agencies!

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored By Liberty Mutual Surety!

Curious how careers grow in the surety industry? Join us as we chat with Heidi Rodzen of Skillings Shaw & Associates, Matt Curran of Sompo, and David Hoover of Acrisure, as they share their real-world paths into surety, the power of mentorship, leadership insights, and how to build your future in this dynamic, relationship-driven field. Get more information about NASBP's Surety Schools that were mentioned during this episode.

With special guests:

Heidi Rodzen, Assistant Vice President of Surety Operations, Skillings Shaw & Associates, Inc., Matt Curran, EVO, Head of Surety, Sompo, and David Hoover, Senior Vice President, Acrisure, South Division

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by EMC Bond!

On this episode, we are joined by NASBP President Tracy Tucker of Tucker Agency, who shares information on his background and his agency and his personal insights as an experienced surety bonding professional and leader. Tracy also relates stories regarding his journey into a surety career and into NASBP membership and discloses the reasons behind his presidential theme, "Better Together." Hear Tucker's passion for the surety community and his anticipation to get back together again in person this year at the Summer Surety School and at NASBP's East and West Fall Meetings!

Hosted by:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

Sponsored By Liberty Mutual Surety!

On this episode, we are joined by Steven D. Ness, President, Surety Association of Canada and Sheila Thompson, President, Rosenberg & Parker of Canada, Inc. and Chair of the NASBP International Committee who will be sharing their insights on digital bonding. We discuss what a digital bond is and is not, the benefits to digital bonds and the process of moving to digital bonds. You can find more information in the white paper, "Digital Bonds the Way of the Future –and the Present" that was published by the Surety Association of Canada. Or by checking out the NASBP Virtual Seminar, "An e-Bonding Success Story: Applying Lessons Learned in Canada To The US e-Bonding Journey".

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!

On this episode, we are joined by Martha Perkins on the NASBP team and Greg Horne of Liberty Mutual Surety who will be talking about the significance of the False Claims Act to construction firms and to surety firms. We discuss the history of the False Claims Act and why it's important for contractors, subcontractors, surety, and producers to be well informed on this issue. We also discuss the importance of awareness and education on this issue. For more information on False Claims Act liability risks, you should check out the NASBP FCA presentation at AGC Surety Bonding and RM Conference, June 2-4, 2021

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!

On this episode, we are joined by Adam Pessin and Kaz Yasui of Tokio Marine HCC – Surety Group to discuss electronic signature. We talk through e-signature options and what makes this a safe and reliable option. They also share reasons Tokio Marine HCC adopted e-signature, how they are using DocuSign e-signature Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) technology, as well as other innovations and developing trends. You may want to also check out other podcasts on e-signature and other technology topics.

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!

NASBP is excited to announce a new 2021 series of episodes focusing on guests and topics selected by the NASBP 5-15 Leadership Committee. This special series is titled Lean into Leadership: Talking Surety with the 5-15 and focuses on current issues and challenges that members of the 5-15 Leadership Committee face as young producers in the industry. On this first episode in the series, we are joined by current committee chair Steven Tucker of the Tucker Agency, and former committee chair Corban Enns of Surety Solutions A Gallagher Company, who discuss the benefits of participating in the 5-15 Leadership Committee and share reflections on their personal experiences as committee members. Visit the 5-15 Committee website for more information on joining the committee.

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored By Old Republic Surety!

On this episode, Darrel Lamb, Regional Vice President with Old Republic Surety, joins us to discuss subcontract bonds. We discuss how subcontract bonds can help manage subcontracting in instances where the work is unique, when work contains upward design risks, when a subcontractor is unfamiliar, and when the capacity of the general contractor needs to be expanded. Take a look at Darrel's NASBP Pipeline article, "Subcontract Bonds: Four Times When General Contractors Need Subcontractor Bonds" for more information on this topic.

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored By Old Republic Surety!

On this episode, Larry LeClair, Director of Government Relations at NASBP and Dalton DeFendis, Director of Federal Affairs at SFAA, join us to discuss the importance of participating in the Joint NASBP and SFAA Virtual Legislative Fly-In coming up on March 25th. We discuss the importance of meeting with your elected officials and their staff to advocate for the surety industry, outline the virtual format and walk participants through some of the important talking points for their congressional meetings. The virtual fly-in affords participants the luxury of engaging in policy discussions with their members of Congress at the comfort of their office/home. Don't forget to register by March 12th so that your meetings can be scheduled in advance!

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored By Old Republic Surety

On this episode, Neen James, leadership expert, author of Attention Pays™ and upcoming NASBP Virtual Seminar presenter, joins us to share some great tips on how to leverage your focus and pay attention to what matters most at work and in life. With a strong background in learning and development and managing large teams at various corporations, Neen discusses the importance of implementable strategies that will help each of us avoid distractions, stop interruptions, prioritize daily objectives and say 'no' to requests that steal time and focus from real goals and priorities. Don't forget to register now, for her NASBP Virtual Seminar titled, "Systems Thinking (or Systems of Attention): How Surety Bond Producers can Build and Nurture Client Relationships During Challenging Times" and you can also check out these sample book chapters from her book Attention Pays™!

Sponsored by Old Republic Surety

Hosted by:

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

On this episode, Greg Davenport, Senior Vice President, Global Risks, Liberty Mutual Surety, joins us to discuss blockchain technology and its potential application within the surety industry. We discuss what is meant by the term "blockchain technology" and its relevance for surety transactions and how ICISA and the RiskStream Collaborative are invested in leading exploration of the application of this technology to surety processes. Additionally, we examine how block chain technology is being proposed for a power of attorney repository. Learn how you can get involved and share your feedback by taking part in the RiskStream Surety Lab workshop kick-off call taking place on February 17, 2021.

Hosted by:

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

Sponsored By Old Republic Surety

On this episode, Jack Callahan CPA, Partner – Construction Industry Leader at CohnReznick joins us for an update on the latest round of Covid-19 relief and what it means for the first and second rounds of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Jack examines tax treatment highlights and where PPP loan debt will appear on contractors' financial statements. As well as diving into similarities and differences between Round 1 and Round 2 PPP loans based on what we know now. For more information on the PPP, you can go to both NASBP's Coronavirus Resources Page or CohnReznick's Coronavirus Center!

Hosted by:

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

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!

On this episode, we are joined by Michael Pitre of Gray Surety to discuss electronic signature. We talk through e-signature options, the best practices, and what makes this a safe and reliable option. Michael also shares the reasons his surety company embraced this innovation as well as other innovations that might be on the horizon.

Hosted by:

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

On this episode Jason Terrell of The Institutes, NASBP Past President Larry McMahon of Alliant Insurance Services, and Ralph Pulver of Travelers join us to share some background and insights on The Institutes AFSB designation and to discuss the value it has had on their careers. Check out the links below for more information on The Institutes, the AFSB designation, the CPCU designation, and NASBP's William J. Angell Surety Schools, all of which are mentioned in this episode.

Hosted by:

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

I am sure many of us have seen disputes arise at the end of a project between subcontractors and general contractors regarding offsets. On this episode we will be talking through what offsets are and limiting the right of offsets. To chat about this with us today we have Lauren McLaughlin a Partner and Raziye Andican an Associate both with the firm of Smith Currie. You can also find more information on this topic in their article, "Limiting the Right of Offset: Is it the Start of a New Trend?" 

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

On this episode, Lawrence LeClair the Director of Government Relations at NASBP, and Michael Oscar the Director of Government Relations at the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) joins us to discuss the Construction Industry Procurement Coalition (CIPC). We discuss the importance of coalitions, the founding of CIPC, its successes and future legislative, regulatory and congressional matters. Find out about NASBP's Governments Relations activities and resources as well as ASA's Government Relations activities and resources.

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

On this episode, Lawrence LeClair the Director of Government Relations at NASBP and Ed Mortimer the Vice President of Transportation and Infrastructure at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce joins us to discuss the U.S. Chamber's response to America's infrastructure challenges. We discuss the importance of investing in American's roads, bridges, mass transit systems, air and sea ports, and water infrastructure as critical national assets that drive growth, jobs, safety, and global competitiveness and where it stands both at the State and Federal Level. Ed describes bipartisan efforts that are underway to secure the solvency of the highway trust fund dedicated to funding such infrastructure projects while also highlighting the need and importance of obtaining private infrastructure investments in the form of public-private partnerships (P3's). Find out more about the U.S. Chamber's efforts and access resources on Let's Rebuild America.

Hosted by:

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

On this episode, Dr. Will Miller, keynote presenter at NASBPS' November 2020 Virtual Event, joins us to share some great tips on coping with stress during the pandemic crisis and gives us a preview of the valuable information we can look forward to hearing more about more in-depth on the NASBP 2020 November Virtual Event: Managing Stress and What's Next. Don't forget to register now and remember all NASBP Virtual Events are free for Members, Affiliates and Associates and for just $179 for non-members.

Hosted by:

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

On this episode, Mark R. Berry a Partner at Peckar & Abramson, joins us to take a look at "wage theft" laws that have gone into effect and what they mean for contractors, subcontractors, and subcontract bonds. We discuss why this trend has arisen now, the good-faith exception included in some states law, attorney fees provisions and steps contractors can take to mitigate risks.

Hosted By:

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

On this episode, Brian Dahlke, Vice President & Co-Director of Crum & Forster's Commercial Business Unit, joins us to take a look at the Commercial Surety Market and how that's been impacted by COVID-19. We take a look at the economy, the impact of the stimulus packages, the difference in the effect on small business and larger accounts, thoughts on how to weather this storm, and a look at where the commercial surety market might be headed from here.

Hosted By:

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

On this episode, David Dolnick, Founder, CEO, & Principal Consultant with Dolnick Rick Advisors, joins us to take a look at managing risks in this rapidly changing insurance market and how that's been impacted by COVID-19. We take a look at where the insurance market is now, where property and casualty rates are and how they are changing. We also take time to walk through tips to share with your construction clients.

Read more on this topic in David's recent Surety Bond Quarterly articles, Helping Your Clients in a Rapidly Changing Insurance Market Part 1 and Helping Your Clients In a Rapidly Changing Insurance Market Part 2—Checklist to Share with Clients. For more information on COVID-19's impacts on the Surety Industry visit NASBP's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Information page.

Hosted By:

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

On this episode, Larry LeClair, Director of GR at NASBP and John "JB" Byrd, representing the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) joins us for the second of a two-part series on rural broadband. In our first episode, Larry and JB shared some information on rural broadband, the recently enacted Broadband DATA Act and various virtual meetings conducted with senate and house staff. On this episode, JB and Larry discuss draft legislative language NASBP and the NSPS are pursing and what potential legislative action might be coming down the road. Find out more about NSPS and check out their podcasts, "Surveyor Says!" and "Point of Order".

Hosted By:

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

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! 

On this first of two episodes Larry LeClair, Director of GR at NASBP and John "JB" Byrd, representing the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) will share their insights regarding the recently enacted Broadband DATA Act and discussions they have had with various congressional offices including those house members who serve on the rural broadband task force. Larry and JB discuss the start of NASBP and NSPS's working relationship and where they are now, by tracing the steps and connections they have had with various house and senate offices which have led us to this point!

Find out more about NSPS and check out their podcasts, "Surveyor Says!" and "Point of Order" .

Hosted By:

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

On this episode, Marty McCarthy, a member of the NASBP's CPA Advisory Council and the managing partner of McCarthy & Company, PC, joins us to take a look at the PPP forgiveness process. Borrowers who received PPP loans are asking their CPAs if and how they will qualify for PPP loan forgiveness, as uncertainty over some of the program details exists. Many businesses — especially small businesses — worry about how best to meet loan forgiveness requirements. This episode will discuss loan forgiveness requirements and will pinpoint important factors affecting the forgiveness application process that should be considered first. For more information on COVID-19's impacts on the Surety Industry visit NASBP's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Information page.

Hosted By:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

On this episode, NASBP past president Bob Shaw, President of Skillings Shaw & Associates, Inc and David Jean, a member of the NASBP's CPA Advisory Council and principal at the CPA firm of Albin, Randall & Bennett, joins us to take a look at how they are leading their contractor clients through these turbulent times. We discuss how COVID-19 is affecting their construction clients on both public and private projects with delays, backlogs, staffing, overhead, reviewing contracts, re-examining cost to complete, and work on hand schedules. As well as educating clients about Payroll Protection Program (PPP). For more information on COVID-19's impacts on the Surety Industry visit NASBP's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Information page. 

Hosted By:

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

The economy has been upended by the Covid-19 pandemic and headlines on bankruptcy's have become more and more common. On this episode, Chad Schexnayder who is a partner with the law firm of Jennings, Haug & Cunningham, LLP, and regularly represents surety clients in bankruptcy cases throughout the United States, joins us to take a look at commercial surety account bankruptcy. Chad walks through the commercial surety account sectors that are being hit hardest by bankruptcy. We also discuss red flags before a company files for bankruptcy, how sureties can work to avoid "claw back", the importance of documentation and communication between the surety, bond producer and commercial surety client to control risk!

Hosted By:

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

On this episode, Jack Callahan CPA, Partner - Construction Industry Leader at CohnReznick joins us for the second of a two-part series on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). In our first episode we discussed the updates and changes to the program, on this episode we will be discussing what the PPP means for bonding companies. Jack examines how contractors PPP loan debt and deferred payroll taxes will appear on their financial statements and may show the need to re-evaluate the ratios that are used to examine a contractor's financials. As well as loan forgiveness and the possibility of the public shaming of contractors who have taken advantage of PPP loans similar to that we have seen of other businesses like Shake Shack. Read a full explanation of the PPP Loan Forgiveness Update or for more information on the PPP you can go to both NASBP's Coronavirus Resources Page or CohnReznick's Coronavirus Center!

Hosted By:

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

On this episode, Jack Callahan CPA, Partner - Construction Industry Leader at CohnReznick joins us in this first of a two-part series on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). On this first of two episodes, we discuss the updates and changes that have come out as of the date we recorded on June 26, 2020. Jack chats with us about the changes to the covered period, Loan Forgiveness and EZ Forgiveness Applications, changes in the ratio of forgivable costs, deferral of payroll taxes, FTE Reduction Exceptions, and Safe Harbors, and the changes on the maturity of the loan. As well, as discussing the importance of documentation and audits. This is important information for everyone who has been able to take advantage of the PPP loans and their team of advisors!

Hosted By:

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

In this episode, NASBP CEO Mark McCallum and General Counsel Martha Perkins join us to shares insights into the world of Individual Sureties. They share insights into loopholes that individual sureties take advantage of and often don't come to light until a claim is made against the bond. They also discuss revised federal regulations proposed earlier this year and will begin to eliminate some loopholes. As well as reviewing examples and some easy ways to identify individual sureties.

Hosted By:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

In this episode, Aldo Pasquariello, Executive Vice President with Insurance Associates an MMA Company, walks us through a case study of a local high school project strained by a subcontractor default. He discusses how this project could have become a disaster, but due to the cooperative efforts of the surety team facilitating a speedy resolution became an unqualified success! If you are interested in learning more about this project check out the Surety Bond Quarterly article by the same title.

Hosted By:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

In this episode, guest Peter Gibbs, Director, Office of Surety Guarantees at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), shares insights into the SBA's bonding assistance program and how they are helping contractors. He shares some history of the program, news of exciting updates, and outlines both Plan A and Plan B programs. He also highlights how the great support for the program through the participation of surety company's and surety bond producers has helped the program grow!

Hosted By:

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

In this episode, guest Dr. Tom Schleifer, retired construction executive, Arizona State University professor, and author of the blog, "Let's Talk Business", shares insights into how construction firms can survive the current COVID-19 crisis and resulting economic downturn hitting the construction industry. He cautions contractors to be wary of the wait and see a model of managing the current downturn, and to take a hard look now at cutting expenses to better weather this downturn. He discusses his analysis of data coming in now and compares it to the data and models from past economic downturns in the construction industry. For more information, you can also read a compilation of blog posts that Tom has shared on this topic, "Crisis-Era Message to Contractors: A Series from Dr. Tom Schleifer."

Hosted By:

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

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!

In this episode, guest Julian Xavier with CLA shares some insights into the COVID-19 stimulus law Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) from a CPA's perspective. He shares a high-level overview of the PPP loan, what happens once you receive the funds, what's covered, or not covered, FTE requirements, the importance of tracking the funds, safe harbor, and steps for forgiveness. Julian helps to sort through the many questions around the Paycheck Protection Program as we await more guidance!

Hosted By:

Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

In this episode, guest David Robbins with Crowell & Moring share some insights into the COVID-19 stimulus law Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the False Claims Act Risk. He shares insight regarding the safe harbor time frame ending on May 7th, what to expect from impending audits and enforcement, and lessons learned from past disasters and the first round of PPP fund disbursements. You can also listen to the NASBP Virtual Seminar that David presents for a deeper dive into this important and timely topic, "False Claims Act and Enforcement Risks of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)." 

Hosted By:

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

In this episode, guests Lori Demeyer and Kim Orsolits with CLA share some insights into managing the workplace without pandemonium during the COVID-19 pandemic and moving forward in the new world. They will share HR insight and advice for policy review, tailor-made plans that work best for each workplace, resources to help employees manage higher levels of stress, and planning for both coming into our offices or job sites and teleworking. You can also read the NASBP blog that our guests co-authored for additional information, "Pandemic Doesn't Have to Mean Pandemonium in the Workplace."

Hosted By:

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