Regions 4, 5, 6 and 7 Break Out Session: Where’s the Money? Being Proactive on Verification of Project Financing

Mr. Bustard joined King & Neel in 1976 and has been actively involved in providing bond expertise to their clients on a daily basis since he joined the firm. Born and raised in Honolulu, he is a graduate of Punahou School and the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business (Finance). He has been an active participant in the NASBP for decades and is currently the NASBP Immediat Past President. As a member of several committees at the Hawaii Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (GCA), John stays in touch with issues impacting the construction business in the State.

His primary responsibility at King & Neel is to provide advice to general contractors, subcontractors, and developers who rely on the often complex and misunderstood surety bond industry so they will be successful in maximizing their bond capabilities. An important aspect of this service involves developing and maintaining trusting relationships with all major surety companies who provide bonds to businesses operating in the Western Pacific, Hawaii and the US Mainland. John also remains abreast of the full range of bond-related products associated with the building industry, including, for example, bid, performance, payment, completion/subdivision, supply, and license & permit obligations.

Mike Pipkin’s wide range of experience allows him to be creative when crafting strategies and solutions for his clients. Throughout his 30+ year legal career, Mike has represented clients in complex business, surety, construction, bankruptcy, fidelity, and insurance litigation and trials, as well as legal analysis and counseling to businesses of all varieties.

Mike’s approach is to work with his clients to determine one or more desirable outcomes, then fashion the appropriate plan to achieve success. Throughout the course of the engagement, Mike and his team keep in close contact with the client, so that they are aware of current developments, and expectations are established and managed using the latest information.

Mike is recognized nationally as a thought leader in the legal industry. Mike serves on the Council for the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, with his term concluding in 2022. Mike’s election to Council is a reflection of his years of leadership within TIPS, including as Chair of the ABA/TIPS Fidelity and Surety Law Committee in 2014-2015, his continuing service as Co-Chair of the ABA/TIPS Book Publishing Editorial Board, Co-Chair of the TIPS Section Conference Task Force, and his contributions to the ABA/TIPS Content Management and Finance Standing Committees and CLE Board. Mike also serves as one of eight attorneys in the USA on the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) Attorney Advisory Council. Mike is also a member in the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC), an organization comprised of leaders in the insurance and corporate defense bar. FDCC membership is selective and by invitation to those who have been judged by their peers to have achieved professional distinction.

In 2017, Mike passed the Louisiana State Bar Examination, allowing WRP to expand its base of services beyond Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

Mike Heidrick is the AVP leader of The Hartford’s Surety Bond South and Central Regions. In this role, Mike is responsible for overseeing all underwriting, personnel, sales, training and staff development. He has overseen and driven the redevelopment of The Hartford’s corporate surety training program and field business plan. Hartford Bond is one of the largest writers of surety in the U.S. and has been in the surety industry without interruption for over 100 years providing consistent, reliable support to all types of businesses.

 Prior to joining The Hartford in 2002, Mike held management   positions with two other major surety companies and a bank.  Mike is a graduate of the University of Buffalo, B.S. Economics and Math, and received a M.B.A in accounting from St. Joseph’s University. He also holds the AFSB designation             from the American Institute of CPCU and is a qualified insurance continuing education instructor (AFSB). Mike is the    father of three and makes his home in Prosper, TX. He is a volunteer for Catholic Charities and has been a youth hockey coach for many years.