Gene Lilly Surety Bonds

12/01/2025

Advocating for our clients when it matters most.

In our latest newsletter, we share how a Nebraska contractor had fully approved pay applications that were hung up due to the federal government shutdown. Our team stepped in and reached out to Governor Jim Pillen’s office directly. He personally helped cut through the red tape and pushed the matter forward with the federal agency. The funds were released within days.

That’s the value of real advocacy and strong relationships — not just paperwork. If you want a surety partner who shows up when it counts, let’s talk.

https://tinyurl.com/GLSBnewsletter13

10/13/2025

Gene Lilly Surety Bonds had the privilege of keeping everyone hydrated and fueled at this year’s annual NUCA of Nebraska Clay Shoot at Oak Creek Gun Club.

With nearly 150 participants, it was a fantastic turnout and a great day to connect with industry friends. We’ve proudly sponsored the snack cart for many years and value our ongoing partnership with NUCA and its members.

Thanks to Janet and her team for putting on a great event!

08/28/2025

The Three C’s of Surety Underwriting

When a contractor seeks bonding, surety companies don’t just look at the numbers. They evaluate the overall health and stability of the business through a framework known as the Three C’s of Underwriting.

Our latest video breaks down these three key factors sureties consider when evaluating a contractor for bonding:

✅ Character – Reputation, integrity, and a history of honoring commitments.
✅ Capacity – The ability to successfully complete projects with the right people, equipment, and systems in place.
✅ Capital – Financial strength to manage obligations and sustain operations throughout a project.

Contractors who demonstrate strength in all three areas are better positioned not only to secure bonds but also to build long-term business growth.

Watch the full video here:

Surety companies analyze contractors based on 3 core principals, Character, Capital, and Capacity. If a contractor is sufficient in these three key areas whe...

08/15/2025

Surety is all we’ve done since 1965.

For nearly 60 years, Gene Lilly Surety Bonds has focused exclusively on contract surety. We’re not a multi-line agency—our team helps contractors maximize surety credit so they can focus on building with confidence.

Why construction companies across the Midwest choose us:

▪️ Decades of deep expertise in surety
▪️ Strong relationships with top surety markets
▪️ Guidance beyond bonds, focused on business growth

Watch our latest video to see why specialization matters—and how we’ve built our reputation on it:

Surety is all we do—and we've been doing it since 1965.At Gene Lilly Surety Bonds, we don’t sell insurance. We specialize in one thing: helping contractors l...

08/05/2025

Is EOS Right for Your Construction Company?

You’ve probably heard other contractors mention EOS—but what is it really, and can it help my business?

Our July newsletter breaks it down:
▪️What EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) actually is
▪️How it helps leadership teams gain clarity, accountability, and alignment
▪️Why contractors are using it to build more stable businesses (which sureties like!)

Also in this issue:

Bonding 101 Video – A quick breakdown of bid, performance, and payment bonds.

Industry reads on cash flow management and how the big, beautiful bill is impacting construction.

Read the full newsletter here:

You may have heard another contractor mention “EOS” and wondered if it’s just another buzzword. Here’s a quick breakdown:

07/25/2025

What actually makes a great surety agent?

It’s not just about getting a bond—it’s the value and service behind it.

Building on last week’s video, this next installment explores what qualities a strong surety agent should bring to your business.

A great agent provides:
▪️ Deep knowledge of your business
▪️ Clear, consistent communication
▪️ Advocacy that adds value throughout the bonding process
▪️ Strong relationships with top surety markets

The right agent isn’t just a bond provider—they’re a trusted partner in building your business.

Good agents don’t cost more than bad agents—but they can save you a fortune.In this episode, we dig into what separates a top-tier surety bond agentIn a worl...

07/16/2025

Today, you can get a bond a lot of places — so what’s the real value of working with a dedicated surety agent?

Our latest video highlights how the right surety agent can make a meaningful difference for contractors:

✅ What a great surety agent really does
✅ The long-term value of the agent–contractor relationship
✅ Expertise in the surety process

It doesn't cost extra to work with a knowledgeable agent—so why not choose one who adds real value and truly understands your business?

You can get a bond from just about anywhere these days—so why work with an agent?Because a good surety agent does more than push paperwork. They help you:Sec...

07/09/2025

Ever wondered who is behind Gene Lilly Surety Bonds and what we truly do?

Our team answers those questions and more in the first video of our series on bonding and the importance of a knowledgeable surety agent.

Discover how we go beyond providing contract and commercial bonds, acting as dedicated advisors to help contractors grow.

Watch now:

We’re not just a surety bond agency—we’re a long-term partner to contractors who build America.Founded in 1965, based in Nebraska, and focused exclusively on...

06/30/2025

Halfway through 2025! This is the perfect time to pause and assess where your company stands through the first half of the year. Our latest newsletter dives into key mid-year check-ins:

▪️ Financial Performance: Are job margins holding strong? Do adjustments need to be made?

▪️ WIP Schedules: What story does your WIP tell about the remainder of the year?

▪️ Strategic Plans: How are those long-term goals progressing?

▪️ The "People Side": Are the right team members in the right roles for success?

We're here to help you navigate these crucial conversations and capitalize on opportunities in the second half of the year.

We also just launched a 10-part Bonding 101 YouTube Series on the basics of surety bonds and highlighting the role of a knowledgeable agent. Stay informed and subscribe!

Year-to-Date Financial Performance – Are your jobs holding the margin expected on bid day? Are we maintaining the backlog forecasted in Q1? If not, what needs adjusting?

06/08/2025

🚨 We’re in Lincoln, Nebraska!
Looking for a long-term home with a team that knows your name, your family, and your favorite breakfast order?

Gene Lilly Surety Bonds is hiring a full-time Customer Service & Support Rep to help serve our amazing construction clients across the Midwest.

💼 Office-based, full-time
💰 $42–$55K + PTO + 401(k) match
👥 Small, friendly team — no call center vibes

Know someone who deserves a better work family? Tag them or send them our way. Let’s talk.
📩 Apply at [email protected] or send us a message and we can talk.

04/18/2025

Reflecting on a great evening at the ABC Nebraska/South Dakota EIC Awards dinner last week, where we were proud to be recognized as a Project Partner for the $350 million Lincoln South Beltway project. A big thank you to ABC for hosting and congratulations to all the other award recipients!

04/11/2025

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Insights from GLSB Newsletter # 9

In today's competitive landscape, securing projects has become increasingly challenging. GLSB's latest newsletter emphasizes that while the market is tight, it's also a prime time for companies to innovate and strengthen their operations.

Read the full newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/GLSB-Newsletter

The best companies don’t just survive difficult markets; they find ways to turn constraints into an advantage. With fewer projects available, competition is fierce. Everyone is looking for work, but not all opportunities are created equal. The companies that position themselves well now will be th...