I have always wanted to be a business owner.  I started my career in the surety industry in 2009, amid the most severe recession of our generation.  Businesses were struggling to survive, and the surety market was an extremely difficult environment.  In some ways I consider this a blessing.  It forced me to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to help contractors maintain appropriate bonding support so that their businesses could weather the storm. 

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In 2014, I set out on my own and founded Kotula Group in my Chicago apartment.  Like any other business, there were many challenges to overcome in the first few years.  Today, Kotula Group services over 75 clients in 12 states.  My favorite aspect of working as a surety broker is meeting other like-minded entrepreneurs.  While times have certainly changed since 2009, almost every new opportunity we are presented with starts with a “problem.”  Any surety agency can provide a contractor with a bond, but I believe the top agencies are those who can be the best problem-solvers.  At a national brokerage, a contractor can get passed around between personnel for their bonding program (salesmen, account executives, internal underwriters, etc.).  At Kotula Group, Brian and I strive to take a more personal approach.  We have developed trusting relationships with our front line and home office underwriters.  Our goal is to gain an intimate knowledge of your business, your future goals, and be an advisor for maximizing your surety support.

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Experiencing the risk of starting a business has given me a deeper understanding of the contractors I represent.  After all, most of our clients at Kotula Group are entrepreneurs themselves.  Whether you are a small emerging business or a national contractor, we have the tools and experience to improve your overall surety program.  I truly enjoy being able to help other businesses succeed and am grateful for the clients who have chosen to work with Kotula Group.