A sure bet

Published: November 1, 2009

Photo by Ray Guansing

At a time when money is hard to come by for construction companies, Larry Michael’s role in the surety bond industry is arguably more important than ever.

“Larry’s the go-to guy,” said Ken Voss, an attorney at DeWitt Ross & Stevens SC in Madison who’s known Michael for 20 years. “I’ve consulted with him on a number of cases. He’s very much the gentleman and the professional.”

It takes specialized expertise to get the bonding that companies need for projects, and Michael, a producer with Butler-based The Brehmer Agency Inc., is known industrywide for his depth of experience and strong guidance, Voss said. After years spent learning the ins and outs of construction, Michael has earned industry trust, which is invaluable when strong relationships mean the difference between securing bonds and being left out in the cold, Voss said.

Michael is happy to share that experience with his peers, volunteering his time to assist others in the industry and educate those inexperienced in the surety bond market, Voss said. The two became acquainted through the American Subcontractors Association of Wisconsin Inc., to which Michael has been very giving of his time, Voss said.

“He’s been particularly helpful to subcontractors and given numerous talks to our group,” he said, “giving the members ideas of what to watch for in connection with bonding,”

Tom Henke, president of Construction Supply & Erection Inc., Germantown, said Michael’s years of experience serving the construction industry are as valuable to customers as they are to his peers. Michael has served as CSE’s agent for years, Henke said.

“He’s very customer-oriented and very knowledgeable in the business of insurance and surety bonds, very professional,” Henke said. “He’s definitely focused on customer needs and putting together business packages tailored to the needs of the customer.”

Over the years, Michael has seen the ups and downs of the market, Henke said, and can apply that knowledge to any situation, a boon in today’s economic downturn.

“He’s seen everything happen a few times already,” Henke said. “He’s very knowledgeable in advising customers on pitfalls in business and guiding them to make smart decisions.”