WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION — Insurance and Bonding Donna Anderson continued from page 45 Anderson says it’s important to do background re- search and show a genuine interest in the contractor’s business. Brokers, she says, are understandably sensitive when it comes to individuals they are willing to introduce to their clients to so professionalism and preparation are key. She says this is one lesson any new underwriter should learn quickly and one she works to impart on new staff. “Donna has been a tremendous mentor for many of Trisura’s staff,” says Sekine. Anderson says the fast-pace today has created many different changes and challenges. “Thirty years ago we would perform our underwriting exercises on an annual basis – set up the program and issue the required bonds until the next year. Not so today. It is not uncommon for a contractor’s financial position to swing in a matter of months.” She says a deeper knowledge of construction law is also required because of increased litigation. The biggest challenge for anyone in the field, she says, is the ability to make quick decisions based on analysis and gut instinct and then committing to those decisions. 46 – Spring 2014 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report “If you’re not confident in your decision-making you can expect a lot of sleepless nights.” That decision-making is what she likes most about the business. “There is no greater feeling than to be involved in a decision to support a contractor on a key project and it’s even more rewarding when the contractor appreciates the role we play in helping them grow their businesses,” Anderson says. She says surety underwriting is an invisible industry to the general public, adding this is unfortunate because the business is both fascinating and challenging. Trisura recruits students with backgrounds in finance and accounting and those in the banking industry for their financial skills. Anderson graduated in 1985 with a Certi- fied General Accountant's designation to ensure she had the skills required for the financial analysis side of the un- derwriting process. She says has been hooked on the business since day one. Learning every facet of the construction industry from road building to general building construction, living life and making fast-decisions has kept her completely en- gaged. “This job becomes part of who you are,” she said. “It has been a pleasure working in the industry and to have had the opportunity later in my career to be part of build- ing Trisura and contributing to its success.” For more information, visit trisura.com.