From guest blogger, and Old Republic Surety agent, Kara Skinner gives a glimpse into her "why" behind her book The Little Black Bond Book.
When I first entered the world of surety bonds, it was a landscape dominated by experienced professionals, most of whom didn’t look like me. As a young woman in a male-dominated industry, I quickly realized that I needed to be on top of my game. I knew I had to study harder and be more prepared. That’s when I started a little habit that would eventually become The Little Black Bond Book.
I kept a small notebook in my desk, filled with lessons learned, new terms, and insights about surety bonds. This notebook became my secret weapon, a place where I could track what I needed to know to hold my own in meetings and conversations. But as time went on and I grew more comfortable in my knowledge, I stopped using it regularly. It was tucked away in a drawer for years, forgotten as my career progressed.
Years later, I found that little notebook again. Reading through it, I realized that the insights I had jotted down all those years ago could be incredibly valuable to others who are starting out in the industry or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of surety bonds. That's when the idea hit me: why not turn this into a book that others could benefit from?
But I didn’t want this to be just another textbook. I wanted it to feel accessible, especially for people who might find surety bonds overwhelming at first. So, I decided to format it in a unique way: an interview. I asked someone who knew absolutely nothing about bonds to sit down with me and ask all the questions they had. We recorded our conversation, which became the heart of the book. The interview format makes it easy to follow, like a conversation between a beginner and an experienced professional.
To make the book even more practical, I added a section with a glossary and notes, giving readers the tools they need to dive deeper into the world of surety. My goal is to make sure that no one feels as lost as I did in the beginning.
The Little Black Bond Book is designed to be much more than just a read—it’s a resource you can actively use in your daily work. It is printed in sections that allow the reader to read what they need and skip what is not. Whether you’re an insurance agent, a construction contractor, or anyone involved in bonding, there are several ways this book can support you.
Surety bonds can be confusing for insurance agents and their clients, so having a resource that breaks down the basics in an easy-to-understand way can be a game changer. Share the book with your team to get everyone on the same page, or even give copies to clients who are new to bonding. It’s an approachable way to explain what bonds are and why they’re necessary.
Bonds are often a requirement in construction projects, but many contractors don’t fully understand the process or how to improve their bondability. This book can help demystify the surety bond world for contractors, offering insights into what surety companies look for and how to be prepared for bonding requirements on future jobs.
At the end of the day, The Little Black Bond Book is about sharing knowledge. It’s a personal journey that I hope will serve as a roadmap for anyone looking to navigate this industry. Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the field for years, this book is designed to be a tool you can turn to again and again.
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