Keep Bailing

Technology isn’t the only thing that’s changed since my father, Cal Rynerson, opened his Orange County bail bonds company in 1971. The Internet, fax machines, and cell phones have all changed how customers find us and how we do business. Another big change has been in how bail bondsman are trained and licensed.

Unlike 30 years ago, it’s now possible to wake up one morning, say: “Hey! I think I’ll become a bail bondsman!” and about 6 months later open your own company. Sometimes, the old ways really were better.

When Dad became a bondsman, he was required to complete what was called an apprenticeship with another licensed California bail agent. After learning the business and basically getting the approval of the licensed agent, the apprentice could get licensed and go out on his own. The licensed agent would invite an apprentice into the business and sponsor him.

My father worked with a bondsman named Pete Devitch. Pete is a bit of legend in the bail industry. I remember Pete as a colorful guy, full of great stories, who always carried around a wad of hundreds. Read more »