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

How do strong relationships within underwriting teams and between underwriters and producers shape the surety business? In this episode, we sit down with Bob Bowman of Holmes Murphy, Justin Tomlin of FNIC Group, and Rocky Pofahl and Cory Hamling of EMC to explore the vital collaboration between home office, field underwriters, and producers — and why trust, clarity, and communication drive success. Don't miss this look at the people and relationships inside the business of surety!

With special guests:

• Bob Bowman, Surety Underwriting Manager, Holmes Murphy
• Justin Tomlin, Senior Vice President – Surety Manager, FNIC Group
• Rocky Pofahl, Assistant Vice President-Bond Underwriting Superintendent, EMC
• Cory Hamling, Bond Director, EMC

Hosted by:
Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP

How can funds control serve as an important tool in construction risk mitigation and elevate bonding capacity? In this episode of "Let's Get Surety," Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum sit down with Marcus Carter, president of La Mesa Fund Control, to explore proactive tools that streamline payments, boost transparency, and help contractors grow. Learn how modern funds control can deliver real-time insights and minimize risk. You may also want to check out this Surety Bond Quarterly Article, "Changing Attitudes Towards Funds Control Companies," for more insights!

With special guest:
Marcus Carter, President, La Mesa Fund Control & Escrow Inc.

Hosted by:
Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

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 Steve Ruschak, Executive Vice President - Surety at Arch Insurance Group Inc., to explore Steve's dynamic career path, leadership lessons, and surety insights—from Bermuda to boardrooms. Hear how he's shaping Arch's future and giving back to the industry.

With special guest:
Steve Ruschak, Executive Vice President - Surety, Arch Insurance Group Inc.

Hosted by:
Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Curious how AI can supercharge your LinkedIn profile or website? In this episode of Let's Get Surety®, marketing pro Andy Crestodina joins Kat Shamapande and Mark McCallum to share hands-on AI prompts and tips for optimizing personal branding and B2B marketing on LinkedIn and beyond. Discover tactical, real-world ways to make your online presence work harder for you—no marketing background required.

With special guest:
Andy Crestodina, Co-Founder / Chief Marketing Officer, Orbit Media Studios, Inc.

Hosted by:
Kat Shamapande, Director, Professional Development, NASBP and Mark McCallum, CEO, NASBP

Sponsored by Liberty Mutual Surety!

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!