PEMBROKE PINES, FL, October 21, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Gladys Keith has been recognized for achievement in surety bond services.

Ms. Keith, who will be honored in Who's Who of Professional Women in late 2026, serves as president of FSB Agency Inc., a company she incorporated in 2005 and began operating independently in 2007. The agency's name, "Friend to Small Businesses," reflects its mission to support small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly within the construction industry. FSB Agency Inc. specializes in surety bonds, providing performance and payment bonds for contractors and subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers and drywall workers, involved in building construction, roadwork and bridge projects. These bonds are essential for securing contracts with governmental entities, including the City of Miami, Broward County and the federal government. Ms. Keith's expertise in contract surety bonds has positioned her as a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex bonding requirements.

Ms. Keith's leadership at FSB Agency Inc. is distinguished by a commitment to empowering minority-owned businesses. Through her work with the Minority Business Development Agency, she has played a pivotal role in helping small businesses secure federal contracts. In recognition of her impact, she received an award in 2020 after facilitating over $1 billion in bonded contracts for these businesses. Her efforts have focused on fostering business growth and creating opportunities for young people to develop skills and enter the workforce.

Before establishing her own agency, Ms. Keith worked for a large insurance agency, gaining valuable experience that would later inform her approach as an independent business owner. Her career in surety bonds began in 2000, following her tenure on a project management team for Dade County. There, she contributed to a $240 million water and sewer project by helping small businesses secure working capital. Her meticulous preparation of loan packages drew the attention of the surety company's vice president, who encouraged her to transition to bond applications because of the overlap in required documentation.

Ms. Keith's transition from capital management to bonding was marked by perseverance and adaptability. She developed a system to track working capital requirements and found satisfaction in guiding clients toward financial improvement rather than turning them away because of credit challenges. Encouraged by her supervisor, she completed 200 hours of coursework to obtain her insurance license while balancing work responsibilities and caring for her newborn son.

Throughout her career, Ms. Keith has maintained active membership in several professional organizations, including the National Association of Black Women in Construction, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and the Broward County Chamber of Commerce. These affiliations reflect her dedication to advocacy and professional development within her field.

Ms. Keith's educational background includes earning a Bachelor of Science in economics from the University of Miami. This academic foundation provided her with the analytical skills essential for navigating the complexities of surety services and supporting business clients through financial processes.

Early experiences shaped Ms. Keith's values and leadership style. Raised as one of 10 children by a preacher father in Miami, she participated in community outreach from a young age, visiting elder care facilities and forming meaningful relationships with residents who became like surrogate grandparents. As the oldest living sibling, she assumed significant responsibility within her family — an experience that informed her sense of duty and integrity as a leader.

Ms. Keith's approach to business is rooted in sincerity and transparency. She is known for straightforward communication with clients about their needs, how she can assist them and what services she will not provide. She credits these qualities with contributing significantly to her professional success.

Ms. Keith has received multiple accolades throughout her career, including the Trailblazing Woman of the Year from Women Mean Business in 2023, the Access to Capital Awards in 2020, the Woman of the Year from the National Association of Professional Women in 2010, and recognition for outstanding achievements. A distinguished listee of Marquis Who's Who since 2025, she was featured in the 24th edition of Marquis Millennium Magazine and recognized as a Top Executive. She was also featured with a group of her peers in the Eastern edition of The Wall Street Journal on September 17, 2025, and in an article detailing her biographical narrative on Forbes online.

In her personal life, Ms. Keith was born in Miami and married her spouse in 1988. Together they have one son, whom she is currently training to take over FSB Agency Inc., ensuring continuity for future generations. Her husband previously held an executive position at Florida Power and Light before retiring. Ms. Keith enjoys golfing, reading, traveling and walking. She formerly taught aerobics exercise classes and also finds joy in dancing. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to expanding her client base at FSB Agency Inc. and to creating a lasting legacy for her son.

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