Partner Spotlight: Wendy Ash

Welcome back to, "Beyond the Bind" Stories from Brokers that go deeper than the coverage Shepherd provides, into partnership, speed, and technology. Next up: Wendy Ash, SVP Senior Vice President – Construction Broking, WTW, shares her perspective on the importance of speed and quality when it comes to underwriting.

Speed only matters if it’s paired with accuracy, context, and confidence.

In construction, time kills deals. Projects move fast, and delays at any stage – from bidding to binding – can cost contractors real money. That’s why responsiveness from insurance partners isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a must.

At Shepherd, we believe speed only matters if it’s paired with accuracy, context, and confidence. That’s exactly what Wendy Ash of WTW experienced working with our team. “With the use of technology, Shepherd does a good job at quickly assessing risk,” said Wendy. “They still ask for the key critical items… but they’re able to quickly review and get to a place of go or no-go.”

For brokers and contractors alike, that kind of decisiveness makes all the difference. Bid deadlines are fixed. Clients don’t get to pick when a bid is due – and a slow ‘maybe’ from a carrier can be just as costly as a no.

Support That Doesn’t Stop at Bind

In many insurance programs, the post-bind phase becomes an afterthought. But for brokers and clients, that’s where disorganization can derail momentum. Certificates, policy numbers, and billing delays aren’t just paperwork – they impact operations, payments, and even jobsite mobilization.

“There's benefit and efficiencies in and how the process is managed, front to back, whether it's the quotes and how the quotes are delivered to right through the subjectivities and binding requirements and policy issuance” Wendy said. “It’s very organized, and it’s effective and thorough”

That same discipline continues after the policy is placed—driven by our platform and structured workflows.

“Shepherd has been able to support us in the post-bind process because of its technology – everything’s organized,” Wendy explains. “The subjectivities matter, the binders aren’t issued until all requirements are met, and everything is clearly organized and trackable through their platform.”

Because moving fast only works when the whole process – from first quote to final closeout – is just as disciplined as it is efficient.

Construction insurance is about more than just price – it’s about partnership, precision, and execution. At Shepherd, we’re proud to work alongside brokers like Wendy who demand more from their carriers. Together, we’re proving that when speed is paired with value, everyone wins.

If you missed the other post in the series, check out:

• Danielle Ross’ take on partnership to see how Shepherd shows up when it counts.

• Nils Sorenson’s perspective on how when builders invest in technology, everyone wins