Let's Get Surety

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

Chris Lafakis, Director at Moody's Analytics who forecasts macro, energy, and climate risks, joins to map the economic outlook. He discusses why 2026 looks stable. Conversation covers slower job growth, AI's early disruption to hiring, risks that could trigger a downturn, and how mortgage rates, housing, construction, and fiscal policy shape near-term prospects.

Cory Hamling, Bond Director at EMC, keeps field and home-office teams aligned. Rocky Pofahl, AVC at EMC, drives underwriting strategy and culture. Justin Tomlin, SVP at FNIC, brings deep construction surety experience. Bob Bowman, underwriting manager turned broker, blends technical and production know-how. They explore teamwork, communication, avoiding surprises, improving submissions, mentoring newcomers, and collaboration on big, complex projects.

Marcus Carter, president of La Mesa Fund Control & Escrow with 18+ years in construction fund control and lending. He explains how funds control verifies work before payment, speeds disbursements with inspections, and changes pricing to add value. Marcus also discusses using funds control to boost bonding capacity and monitor subs to catch risks early.

Steve Ruschak, Executive Vice President of Surety at Arch Insurance Group, shares insights from his impressive career spanning claims, underwriting, and leadership. He discusses pivotal moments, including his transformative experience in Bermuda and how it shaped his professional growth. Ruschak emphasizes the importance of building strong producer partnerships and urges industry volunteers to foster talent development. He also raises concerns about market complacency and highlights Arch's strategic focus in the surety landscape.

Join marketing guru Andy Crestodina, Co-founder of Orbit Media Studios, as he spills the secrets on optimizing your online presence using AI. Learn how to audit your LinkedIn profile to better connect with your target audience and craft a compelling buyer persona. Andy shares practical AI prompts that can transform everything from your sales decks to your profiles—no marketing degree required! He emphasizes the importance of treating AI as a helpful collaborator rather than a perfect source. Tune in to elevate your personal branding and B2B marketing strategies!

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 engaging conversation, Brad Robinson, a Partner at Ward & Robinson LLC and former financial leader in construction, shares insights on contractor and subcontractor risk management. He discusses the critical importance of prequalification and how to navigate common pitfalls. Brad recounts his experiences with surety relationships, explaining why they are invaluable. He highlights the evolution of SDI practices and the benefits of proactive communication with sureties. Ultimately, his advice guides professionals in making informed decisions to mitigate risks effectively.

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 Stephen Haney, Vice President, Chubb Group, and President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Surety with Chubb. Steve shares his journey and insights on industry trends. Tune in as we dive into AI, labor challenges, and the future of surety. With special guest: Stephen Haney, Vice President, Chubb Group, and President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Global Surety, Chubb Hosted by: Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!

David Timm, an Associate at Burr & Forman LLP specializing in government contracts, dives into the complex world of federal bid protests. He shares insights on the critical differences between agency reviews, GAO processes, and the Court of Federal Claims. David discusses the unexpected challenges posed by AI, including hallucinated legal citations that can jeopardize a protest's credibility. He emphasizes the importance of consulting a specialized attorney and provides practical tips for safely integrating AI in bid submissions.