(South Coast Surety will post more on the passing of our founder Steven Swartz in the near future, but in the meantime here is our formal press release covering this unexpected, extremely unfortunate loss.)
May 9, 2019
Press Release
It is with great sadness that we report Steve Swartz, President of South Coast Surety suddenly passed away on May 8, 2019. Steve stood out in the surety and insurance industry for nearly 40 years. His knowledge of surety and his ability to put customers first was unparalleled.
Equally important to Steve was his community. Steve was the seated mayor of San Clemente and had previously served on the City Council since 2016. Steve served as Member and Chairman of San Clemente Beaches Park & Recreation Commission, an original member of San Clemente’s Coastal Advisory Committee, and a member and previous president of San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club.
A leader in the industry, his knowledge, ability to communicate, and genuine affability will be greatly missed. Many of the staff at South Coast are not just employees, they are family. They will work diligently to pick up the mantle and carry forward Steve’s vision for the company. Kelly Specht, vice president of operations, will continue in leading day to day operations as she has for the past three years. Kelly expressed, “We are devastated by our loss. What he meant to us can’t be put into words.” She continued, “We want to reassure our clients we will handle their accounts with the same care and attention Steve always expected from us. He would want nothing less.”
Steve had a passion for explaining how surety works and tirelessly worked building the South Coast brand throughout southern California. “The greatest testament we can give Steve is to pick up where he left off and continue his legacy,” Kelly explained.
South Coast Surety is a subsidiary of General Indemnity Group, Boston, MA. Future South Coast Surety leadership will be the focus of GIG moving forward. Customers should know that there are no personnel changes slated and that we will take our time in deciding the best course of action. Michael Scholl, President of GIG stated, “There is no replacing Steve, that’s not possible. We will instead take our time deciding the best way to move forward ensuring we continue to grow the company he built”.
Donations are being accepted in Steve’s name at Autism Speaks and San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club.
A Celebration of Steve’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 21st at Bella Colina Golf Club: 200 Avendia La Plata San Clemente 92673
Questions, comments and condolences can be sent to Kelly Specht, VP, South Coast Surety at 1060 Calle Cordillera, Suites 101-103, San Clemente, CA 92673.
Direct Inquiries to:
Kelly Specht
1-800-361-1720
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I have processed 2 defective title bonds through South Coast Surety and I am the type that gets worried for any little detail and want to make sure everything is done correctly the first time to prevent double work for myself and everybody. Knowing how I am both times I had to call customer service and they answered every little question I had in a very nice and gratifying way that made me feel I would not have any problems in which I did not. South Coast Surety has the ultimate best customer service.
Gaby - CA
May 2019
I was shopping for a surety bond for the first time and having trouble communicating with several different companies. When I contacted South Coast Surety they responded quickly and performed the transaction quick and easy. I might have been able to find a lower price, but their professionalism was worth a couple extra dollars.
KG C. - CA
April 2019
We are opening up a Mental Health Residential Treatment Center and needed a Surety bond since we will be handling some clients cash resources. I reached out to South Coast Surety, they sent me an application, paid our premium and had our bond sent to us immediately. Everyone I spoke to and emailed was courteous, attentive and responded very quickly. We will most definitely continue to get all of our bond services from South Coast.
John F. - CA
September 2021
Great customer service from South Coast Surety. When I had questions about the bond and process, their customer service team assisted me with a sense of urgency and answered my questions. I recommend using their services. I will be a returning customer.
P&C B. - CA
April 2021
I needed a surety bond and was referred by another company to south coast. I am very impressed with the level of customer service in every stage of issuing the bond, the rapid response to the get the bond issued and communication with the team. Great team and awesome service. I highly recommend South Coast Surety for you bond needs.
Mirwais A. - CA
March 2021
I was in need of obtaining my CA Insurance Bond. I was able to obtain my required Bond quote online within minutes. I approved the quote and requested the Bond to be issued. On the same day, I received the Evidence of Coverage. Could not ask for better pricing or better service. I highly recommend South Coast Surety to meet a wide range of Bonding needs.
Udo G. - NJ
January 2018
South Coast Surety has been proudly providing surety support to all fifty U.S. states for twenty years. Starting out as a small agency with a dream in San Clemente, California, we have steadily grown into one of the largest bond-only agencies in the nation. We write all commercial bonds and contract bonds for every American business and industry. Our greatest achievement is helping our clients grow their business alongside our own through coaching and obtaining larger bonding limits at the best rates. We work hard for our clients and take pride in bonding businesses that have been declined by our competitors.
