Gladys Keith: How One Woman’s Surety Skills Keep Florida Contractors on Track

In this episode of the Marquis Masters podcast, host Beth Mund sits down with Gladys Keith, the president of FSB Friends of Small Business Agency. Gladys recounts her unique journey, beginning with her studies in economics at the University of Miami, which laid the foundation for her future career. She explains how her path took an unexpected turn, leading her to specialize in surety bonds—a field where she now helps Florida construction companies secure the performance and payment bonds necessary for landing major contracts.Gladys delves into her early professional experiences, starting with her role at Florida Power & Light, where she gained valuable insights into the corporate world. She then describes her transition into banking, a move that broadened her understanding of finance and risk management. It was during this period that a mentor recognized her potential and encouraged her to take over a surety agency, a pivotal moment that set her on her current trajectory as a leader in the industry.Throughout the conversation, Gladys emphasizes the importance of community involvement and family values in her life and work. She shares how these principles guide her decisions and interactions, both personally and professionally. Above all, Gladys underscores that integrity is the cornerstone of lasting business success, a lesson she strives to embody and impart to others in her field.This conversation explores:Explanation of what surety bonds are and their importance in construction contractsGladys's educational background and early career in corporate America and bankingThe role of a surety agency in helping construction companies secure necessary bondsMentorship and family influence on Gladys's career pathInvolvement with the Minority Business Development Agency and support for minority-owned businessesDiscover how Gladys Keith’s journey from economics student to surety bond expert reveals the power of mentorship, integrity, and community in building a successful business.Links Mentioned in This Episodehttps://marquiswhoswho.com/For more information about the Marquis Masters Podcast and other honorees, visit marquiswhoswho.com.