Merchants Bonding Company Announces Retirement of Longtime Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (June 17, 2025) – Merchants Bonding Company announces the planned retirement of Therese Wielage, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, in January 2026. Wielage’s 17-year tenure leaves an indelible mark on the company, the surety industry, and the broader business and nonprofit communities in Iowa.

Joining the company in 2008, Wielage was the visionary architect behind Merchants’ marketing and communications function. Under her leadership, the department grew into an industry-leading team, with award-winning branding and customer engagement strategies. She launched the company's first national agent loyalty programs, established the company’s brand including the widely recognized quill logo, and introduced data-driven marketing practices that enhanced Merchants’ customer relationships and reputation.

“Therese has been instrumental in Merchants’ growth and national visibility,” said Larry Taylor, Chairman and President of Merchants Bonding Company. “Her leadership helped drive our ascent from the 20th to the 8th largest surety company in the nation and our growth from two offices to more than 30 across the country. Achieving a top 10 ranking was one of her personal goals—and she delivered.”

Wielage also made history as the first woman to serve on Merchants’ executive committee. As a passionate advocate for developing women leaders, she has mentored countless professionals and shaped the company’s internal culture with integrity, creativity, and care.

Outside of Merchants, Wielage has been a dedicated civic leader, serving in prominent roles on numerous nonprofit and business boards in the Des Moines area. She was named a Business Record Woman of Influence in 2019 and helped found the EPIC Iowa initiative to elevate women in leadership. Nationally, she contributed her expertise to the Surety & Fidelity Association of America as the chair of its Communications Advisory Committee, as well as serving on committees and consulting for agent leaders of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers.

Therese shared a heartfelt reflection on her time with Merchants Bonding Company: “It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to establish and lead the marketing organization at Merchants Bonding Company. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, the privilege of working alongside an exceptional executive team, an outstanding marketing department, and the most trusted and dedicated surety associates and agent partners in the industry. I will truly miss being part of the next exciting chapter for Merchants, but I leave with immense pride in all we’ve accomplished together and great confidence in the company’s continued success.”

Therese Wielage’s retirement comes as Merchants Bonding Company continues its strategic expansion, including a recently announced 34,000-square-foot addition to its West Des Moines headquarters and plans to hire at least 35 new employees across IT, underwriting, marketing, and finance.

“Therese’s impact on Merchants is lasting and profound,” added Taylor. “We look forward to celebrating her achievements in the months ahead and wish her the very best in retirement.”

Merchants Bonding Company is the largest surety in Iowa and the 8th largest in the United States with an A.M. Best Rating of “A” excellent or better since 1958. Merchants is unique in the property and casualty insurance industry, focusing solely on surety bonding since it was founded in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1933. Merchants is privately held and led by fourth generation descendants of its founder, with more than 30 offices across the United States and its corporate headquarters in West Des Moines, Iowa.