Last Updated on: July 3, 2025
The Surety Sales Advantage
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
In this episode of the Power Producers Shop Talk, David Carothers shares an insightful conversation with Ciara Gravier from The Bunker Insurance & Risk Management and Zach Matter from ZipBonds. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved with contractors, particularly those navigating the world of surety bonds. Ciara and Zach discuss how contractors can face challenges with messy financials and how these issues can impact their ability to qualify for larger projects. They dive into the importance of having tidy books, understanding bond requirements, and using bonds as a way to build strong client relationships. Zach also highlights the essential three C’s for bond approval—character, capacity, and capital—and explains how producers can add value by properly presenting these factors to underwriters. This episode is packed with practical strategies for agents to help contractors and clients navigate the complexities of surety bonds while building stronger, more profitable relationships.

Key Highlights:

Understanding Bonds for Contractors

Ciara explains how she used bonds as an educational tool to connect with contractors and help them understand the importance of having clean financials. She also shares how SEO and email marketing strategies can help agents engage contractors on bond topics.

The Three C’s of Bond Approval

Zach breaks down the three key factors for bond approval: character, capacity, and capital, and how agents can provide valuable insights to help contractors qualify for bonds.

Expanding the Bond Conversation Beyond Construction

Zach emphasizes that bonds aren’t just for construction. From liquor licenses to ERISA bonds for 401(k) plans, many industries require bonds, making it an essential conversation for all agents to have with their clients.

Using Bonds as a Client Relationship Builder

Ciara shares how she leveraged bonds to build relationships with CPAs, contractors, and even business attorneys, turning bonds into a valuable revenue stream and referral source.

Subcontractor Default Insurance vs. Surety Bonds

Zach talks about the growing use of subcontractor default insurance (SDI) and how it can impact the bond process. He explains the additional work involved when a subcontractor cannot qualify for SDI and how to handle it as a producer.

Connect with:

Visit Websites:

The Power Producers Podcast where we are refining and redefining the sales game.

Kyle Houck

Insurance

How AI and Automation Are Reshaping Independent Insurance Agencies

In an industry where tradition often outweighs innovation, artificial intelligence and automation are slowly but steadily reshaping how independent insurance agencies operate. The push toward smarter, more efficient workflows is no longer a matter of if—but when. While many agencies are still evaluating how AI fits into their operations, early adopters are already reaping the benefits of streamlined submissions, faster processing, and actionable data insights.

Read More »
Producers

Coaching, Competition, and Consolidation: Inside the Protege Mindset That’s Reshaping the Future of Insurance Producers

The commercial insurance industry is changing faster than ever—and not always for the better. Consolidation is accelerating. Service levels are declining. Private equity is pushing agencies to scale in ways that strip out the personal touch that once defined the independent channel. But for the producers willing to do the work, lean into mentorship, and sharpen their craft, this isn’t a challenge—it’s an opportunity.

Read More »
Insurance

From Submission Bottlenecks to Scalable Growth: How AI is Empowering Independent Insurance Agencies

The commercial insurance industry is in the midst of a major evolution. The traditional workflows that once drove agency productivity are now dragging down growth, overloading staff, and frustrating owners who are trying to scale efficiently. For independent insurance agencies—especially those in the middle market—adapting to these challenges without increasing overhead is a tightrope walk.

Read More »
Market

The Power of Patient Prospecting: How Education, Niching, and Mindset Drive Middle-Market Success

Few industries reward consistency, discipline, and patience quite like middle-market commercial insurance. Initially, every producer starts with a different story, background, and path into the business. However, the ones who rise are the ones who learn to embrace the long game. Moreover, while success may take time, those who persevere ultimately reap the benefits. Furthermore, this industry values resilience, and those who remain committed often find themselves achieving great success in the end.

Read More »
Work

Reclaiming Purpose in a Distracted World: Empowerment, Emotional Intelligence, and the Future of Work-Life Balance

In today’s performance-obsessed culture, achieving elite status in your profession can often come with a hidden price. Tania Khazaal, known to many as Tanya the Herbalist, knows this truth firsthand. After climbing the ranks in the insurance industry and landing in the top 1% of sales professionals, she found herself at a crossroads. Despite the accolades, international travel perks, and consistent recognition, she was suffering from a quiet crisis: burnout.

Read More »

Test Message

Killing Commercial Login