If you’re in the construction or architectural millwork world, you’ve probably heard the term “surety bond.” But do you know what it really means — or how it can help you win bigger, more profitable jobs?

In this episode of the Cabinet Maker Profit System podcast, host Dominic Rubino chats with Matthew Snowden, head of the surety division at The Mahoney Group. Matt explains the ins and outs of surety bonds and how they can serve as a ticket to growth.

What Is a Surety Bond (And Why Should You Care)?

A surety bond isn’t insurance — it’s a personal guarantee that you’ll do the job right and pay your people. In public and larger commercial work, bonds are often required to prove you’re serious, legit, and financially capable.

When You Need a Bond

• Any federal job over $150,000 (thanks to the Miller Act)
  
  
• Many state-level or municipal contracts
  
  
• Increasingly, private commercial work is also requiring bonding
  
  

Can You Qualify?

Here’s what bond companies want to see:

• Strong financials (internal and CPA-reviewed)
  
  
• Good personal and business credit
  
  
• Working capital in the black
  
  
• A history of delivering jobs profitably
  
  

The Risks of Getting It Wrong

If a job goes south, and you’re bonded, the bond company will come after your personal assets to cover the loss. This is serious grown-up business, not something to dabble in.

How Bonding Helps You Win

Being bonded opens the door to bigger, better, more reliable jobs — and a seat at the table with well-run, profitable competitors. In fact, some contractors even turn bonding into a profit center through smart markup.

🎧 Ready to learn more?
Catch the full episode now and hear Matt’s real-world tips to prepare your business for bonded work — before you need it.

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‍Guest: Matthew Snowden | Mahoney Group

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