Those looking to learn more about the surety market need look no further than Sheila E. Thompson – she literally wrote the book (three in fact) on Canada’s bonds business.
The president of Rosenberg & Parker Canada has contributed to several editions of Wiley’s
Surety for Dummies series, covering the commercial, contract and international aspects of the business – so it’s safe to assume she knows her stuff.
In fact, surety and bonds account for 100% of Rosenberg & Parker’s business, which specializes in both commercial and contract surety, and services both domestic and international clients for their bond needs. This central focus gives them a clear edge in the market, Thompson says.
“I think it means that we are very aware of what’s going on in the surety world. We build and foster relationships with the senior officials at all the different surety companies,” she says. “When we’re looking after our clients they can be assured that we are talking to the decision makers.”
Thompson, who says she “accidentally” ended up in the surety industry following a summer job working with her father in high school, built her decades of experience working for Morris and Mackenzie and HKMB. Following the latter’s sale to
HUB International eight years ago, she joined Rosenberg & Partner to open their Canadian arm.
“I decided then to do something different,” she says. “I decided the idea of Rosenberg & Parker’s to open an office in Canada was very engaging, and very exciting – and I thought I would have the most fun.”
Beyond the office she’s an avid participant in the industry, chairing a number of committees including former chair of the Ontario committee of the Surety Association of Canada, sitting on the Surety subcommittee of the Canadian Construction Documents Committee, as well as co-chair of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers’ International Committee.
“My reputation in the industry is extremely important to me – I always work with the utmost good faith,” she says. “I always feel it’s important for me to give back to my industry, so I do a number of volunteer activities within my industry and I think that’s one of the most important things I do for the industry as a whole, and I find it very satisfying to do that.”
She says the constantly evolving landscape and relationship building of the surety business keeps her engaged – and is very happy that it’s an industry boasting a wealth of talented women.
“I started my career a long time ago when I was very much a woman in a man’s world – and I am very, very thrilled to see the number of women in the surety industry who are in senior roles,” she says. “When I started, there weren’t that many, so it’s exciting to see that happen.”
