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... controller from a construction firm office up the street walked in and asked if we had a contractor surety questionnaire, ' recalls John Ward, one of two principals in the family-owned business. The contractor had messed up the form provided by an out-of-town agent and needed a clean version to fill out. I said I could provide the same service for him locally, ' says Ward. We had never done surety bonds before and I thought it would be like writing a fire policy. It was a real learning experience. Today, due ... interested carriers, launch their own programs-and kiss competition good-bye. Open Doors For Ward Insurance Agency of Gatesville, opportunity did more than just knock. It walked in the front door and asked for an application. In about 1980, a controller from a construction firm office up the street walked in and asked if we had a contractor surety questionnaire, ' recalls John Ward, one of two principals in the family-owned business. The contractor had messed up the form provided by an out-of-town agent and needed a clean version to fill out. ... said I could provide the same service for him locally, ' says Ward. We had never done surety bonds before and I thought it would be like writing a fire policy. It was a real learning experience. Today, due to a lot of hard work and a common sense approach, construction surety bonds-guarantees that contractors will complete construction projects-account for about 15 percent of the agency's $2.25 million in annual premiums. Three-quarters of the agency's business is in commercial lines, and about half of that is with construction businesses, Ward says ...

... an out-of-town agent and needed a clean version to fill out. 'I said I could ...ght quote ten customers and get three. Now, I quote ten and get nine or ten. I...