This book is formatted as an interview with Jonathan , a layperson who had no surety knowledge when the conversation began. Many contractors avoid potentially profitable bonded jobs because they don’t understand Surety, they think bonds are “too difficult”, or that they don’t qualify. My hope is that you will use this book as a handbook. You might not read it cover-to-cover, but get the general idea in the first few chapters and use the rest as a reference, as needed. As a reference book, this might be something that you can keep in your desk (or your truck) when an invitation to bid or a contract or a permit leads you to think, “I need a bond.” I hope you will pull out your handy little book for reference, so you’re prepared when you call your surety bond producer and they ask, “What kind of bond do you need?” This book will provide enough insight for you to be confident when applying for surety credit. Because surety is such an unusual and complicated financial product, having just a small amount of knowledge to talk to others about the topic of surety will give you an edge over your competition. To Your Success! Kara Skinner