About / Our Team / Dave Garcia
Phone: (619) 937-0170
David Carucci, United Cerebal Palsy of San Diego County
“Since we have been a client of Rancho Mesa, Dave Garcia and his staff have helped us here at UCP be better at managing our employee needs for safety training and injury awareness. They have on many occasions brought us new and innovative ways to manage our insurance costs, keep our staff safe and make certain that we are always in a position to point our efforts at what matters the most … serving persons with cerebral palsy and other disabilities and their families here in our community. In plain English, they are innovative, professional and they care!”
Bruce Neufeld, CFO, United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County
"You think outside the box and come up with ways of improving and preventing issues from arising. You are the Best!"
Bruce Neufeld, CFO, United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County
"The team you have built is top notch. Every interaction I have with your staff has immediate responses with accurate useful information."
David J. Garcia, AAI, CRIS
President & Chief Executive Officer
Dave & his wife Charlotte launched Rancho Mesa in 1998 under the philosophy of a Carl Samberg quote "Nothing Happens Unless First a Dream." They envisioned that they could create an Agency that offered innovative insurance solutions and unprecedented client services. In doing so they hoped to protect the dreams of the clients they served.
Dave and Char also have a deep sense of community and believe strongly in giving back. Thru their individual commitments and those of Rancho Mesa, they have supported a broad range of non-profits throughout San Diego. For ten years Dave served on the Foundation Board of Family Health Centers of San Diego, one of the largest community clinics in the United States.
Recently Dave and Char started their own family foundation, “ChangeOne.” Its focus will be to help change the lives of individuals and animals, one by one.
Experience
President / Chief Executive Officer, July 1998 - Present
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Area Vice President, 1992 - 1998
Arthur J. Gallagher
Partner, 1987 - 1990
Pacific Insurance Agency
Sales Manager, 1981 - 1987
Xerox Corporation
Education
Bachelor of Science in Real Estate, 1981
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Designations
Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI)
Construction Risk Insurance Specialists (CRIS)
Associations & Organizations
Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA)
President Advisory Councils (for several carriers)
About
Dave has a love of all sports, in particular baseball. His father was in professional baseball for 60 years managing both the California Angels and Cleveland Indians. Dave spent many summers traveling with is dad and living the baseball life.
After playing baseball in college, Dave enjoyed a brief career playing professional baseball for the New York Yankees. As his sons were growing up, he remained active in youth sports by coaching many of their baseball teams. One of his proudest memories is from 1995 when he started the Rancho San Diego Little League “Dawgs.” His vision gave the league an identity that is still in existence today.
His other interests include golf and enjoying his collection of "sipping" tequila's.
Podcast
Industry News
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In two previous articles/podcasts, we explored “below the surface” impacts from payroll inflation and lost time workers’ compensation claims. We provided detail on how these can negatively impact a business’s productivity and profitability and what companies can do to mitigate those impacts. Today, let’s look at another area where you need a keen awareness to really understand all the impacts.
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In the three preceding articles in this series, we took a deep dive into some areas where a business’s productivity and profitability could be impacted by various factors emerging in the insurance marketplace. In the course of those articles, we also examined some tools, strategies and ideas that a company might implement to help manage and mitigate those impacts. Today, we will look at a way to exert the most control over your insurance program and premium outcome through performance-based insurance programs.
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Inflation is rampant everywhere from consumer goods like groceries and gasoline to increased housing costs to labor. Today, I want to talk with you about the specific impact that payroll inflation is having on the workers’ compensation marketplace and ultimately on your premium cost.
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
There are many insurance professionals that have tried to quantify the real cost of indemnity or lost time claims, using multipliers anywhere from 2 to 4 times the claim amount in an effort to determine what the real cost of a claim will be to a company. While this may be true, it remains subjective to many. Let me help you understand the ways this type of claim will impact you and then you can decide the real impact to your business.
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
“What?” You’re probably asking yourself; “Did I read that wrong? How can my insurance program improve the productivity and profitably of my company?” Trust me, I understand your confusion.
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As a business owner preparing for 2022, what areas of insurable risk should cause you the biggest concerns? During the 2021 year, we experienced a hardening insurance market. All lines of insurance were negatively impacted as a result of the catastrophic events we experienced such as wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, and the emergence of COVID-19. Large national and worldwide crises like these caused underwriting losses in the billions of dollars to both front line insurers and reinsurers.
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In the past, we explored performance-based workers’ compensation programs. These plans can create a competitive advantage and an opportunity to monetize your company’s insurance program.
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Many years ago, when I was a young producer, one workers’ compensation carrier legend pulled me aside and told me never to forget that a workers’ compensation decision is not a one-year decision, but at least a 4-year decision. Of course, policies are only written on a one-year basis but what he was teaching me was that the carrier you choose will handle all the claims you have through your Experience Modification cycle. So, evaluating and recommending a workers’ compensation partner for my clients just became a much more thorough analysis of many critical factors beyond just the premium.
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As expected, California Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 1159 (SB 1159) into law Thursday, September 17, 2020 and it will have several impacts on workers’ compensation and the presumption of the claim. Below is an outline of some of the more important elements of SB 1159. In simple terms, just remember three numbers, 4/4/14 - I’ll explain, later.
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
California Insurance Commissioner Lara has approved, as filed, the proposed special regulatory filing submitted by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) concerning proposed amendments addressing the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). The special regulatory filing is effective July 1, 2020 and will apply retroactively starting March 19, 2020, the day California Governor Newsom issued the Stay-at-Home Executive Order N-33-20. Those amendments are as follow…
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The Workers Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) voted unanimously this past Friday, April 17, 2020, on a special filing and sent it to the Insurance Commissioner for signature. If approved, this order would…
Author, Dave Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Last week the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) began developing emergency regulations resulting from the COVID-19 crisis that will be presented to the Insurance Commissioner in the coming weeks. The major areas to be addressed are…
Author, David J Garcia, A.A.I, CRIS, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
I’ve written at length on the negative effects distracted driving is having on the automobile insurance industry and its impact on the rise in accidents, claim costs, and increases to your automobile premiums. But, have you considered its effects on your Experience Modification Rate (EMR) and ultimately workers’ compensation cost?
Author, David J. Garcia, AAI, CRIS, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
With the recent ruling by the California Supreme Court concerning how 1099 employees (independent contractors) are defined, the construction industry's approach to utilizing these workers has changed significantly. The Court adopted a new test to determine whether the worker should be classified as an employee or independent contractor. The previous test to determine if a worker was an employee or independent contractor was whether the employer had the right to direct the manner and means by which the worker performed the services.
Author, Drew Garcia, NALP Program Director, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) and Rancho Mesa Insurance Services (RMI) teamed up at the annual LANDSCAPES 2017 convention, the Green Industry & Equipment (GIE) Expo, and the Hardscape North America (HNA) Tradeshow, in Louisville, Kentucky, on October 17-20, 2017.
Author David J. Garcia, C.R.I.S., A.A.I., President Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In an effort to keep you informed, so that you can begin to plan your 2018 budget, we wanted to let you know of a potential change in the dual wage classes, for many but not all, the dual wage construction class codes.
Author, David J. Garcia, A.A.I., CRIS, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Earlier in the year, we published the article "Commercial Auto Premiums Are Rising - What’s Driving the Increases?," which addresses how insurance companies are all experiencing adverse loss experience within their commercial automobile books of business. The result of these mounting losses is causing a dramatic rise in commercial Auto premiums for most policyholders.
Author, David J. Garcia, A.A.I., CRIS, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Studies have shown, by reporting your workers compensation claims in a timely basis, not only will your injured employee receive better medical treatment, it will boost company morale. Both the injured worker, as well as other employees, will see your sincere concern for their wellbeing. In addition, timely reporting practices will also improve your risk profile through reducing the overall cost of the claim, which leads to lower loss ratios and lower experience modifiers, thus, resulting in lower premiums and improvement in your bottom line.
Author David J. Garcia, C.R.I.S., A.A.I., President Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The insurance industry is experiencing record losses on their commercial auto books of business, which is dramatically driving up insurance premiums for business owners. There are many factors that are contributing to this increase in losses; let’s take a look at six of the most prevalent.
Authors, Dave Garcia, AAI, CRIS, President and CEO, and Drew Garcia, NALP Program Director from Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
When a workers’ compensation claims occurs, in order to both control the costs of the claim and look for preventive measures to reduce or eliminate similar claims from reoccurring, it is vital that a thorough accident investigation report is completed.
Author, Dave Garcia, AAI, CRIS, is the President and CEO of Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
It has become more common for construction companies to use temporary or leased labor in order to meet the demands of their work. While this is a useful tool it can create some unintended gaps in coverage for the contractor hiring the temporary or leased labor. These gaps potentially exist for on-the-job injury claims suffered by the temporary or leased workers.
Dave Garcia in the News
Rancho Mesa President, David Garcia, spend the past few days at the Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Compnaies Producer Council Meeting, at Boulders Resort in Scottsdale, AZ. Garcia is grateful for the first class accommodations that the BHHC leadership team provided, including welcome gifts, meals, leisure activities, engaging conversations, and breakout sessions with other agency colleges and their leadership teams.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa President Dave Garcia, Vice President of the Landscape Group Drew Garcia, and Account Executive Greg Garcia attended the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Leaders Forum in Litibu, Nayarit, Mexico last week, January 17 to 20.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Thursday, December 14, 2023, Rancho Mesa President David Garcia and his wife Charlotte had the pleasure of hosting two students and the Director of Donor Relations, Brian Hickey from the Nativity Prep Academy in San Diego, at our Mission Valley office.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Friday, September 22, 2023, United Cerebral Palsy Association of San Diego County (UCP) hosted their 40th Annual Celebrity Waiters Luncheon on Coronado Island, CA. The anticipated event featured San Diego firefighters, local personalities, the Padre’s Swinging Friar, celebrities, Hollywood look-a-likes, and generous supporters in a beautiful outdoor setting overlooking the San Diego Bay.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Sentry Insurance, a renowned name in the insurance industry, recently made a captivating visit to the Rancho Mesa office for an exciting promotional venture.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Saturday, July 15, 2023 Rancho Mesa celebrated 25 years of providing risk management solutions to organizations across the country.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Monday, April 25, 2023 was an exciting day for the Rancho Mesa family, as the company officially moved into their new office location in Mission Valley, San Diego, CA.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. would like to formally announce the launch of its very own SafetyOne™ Mobile and Desktop Application, a platform that will allow clients to integrate risk management with mobile convenience.
In episode 269 of Rancho Mesa’s StudioOne™ Safety & Risk Management Network Podcast, Rancho Mesa's Alyssa Burley and President Dave Garcia look back at some of Rancho Mesa’s accomplishments in 2022, and hint to new exciting upgrades to come in the new year.
Rancho Mesa enjoyed hosting clients and Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies’ (BHHC) Executive Leadership Team in their suite for another fun night watching the SDSU Aztecs play against the SJSU Spartans.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa President Dave Garcia, a member of the ICW Trusted Advisor Group, recently joined ICW’s Executive Leadership Team at their annual meeting at the beautiful Pelican Hills Resort in Newport Beach, CA.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Wednesday, October 6, 2022, Rancho Mesa employees gathered in the Santee office conference room to hear about the importance of 401k plans while enjoying a catered lunch for its second “Lunch and Learn” event.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Saturday’s San Diego State Aztecs game made for an exciting watch at the Snapdragon Stadium as the Aztecs took a 17-14 win in a close game against the Toledo Rockets.
Legendary and former San Diego State head basketball coach Steve Fisher along with current San Diego State assistant basketball coach Matt Soria made a surprise visit to the Rancho Mesa Snapdragon Stadium suite to greet Dave Garcia, Drew Garcia, and the rest of the Rancho Mesa leadership team at Saturday’s opening game.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of San Diego County held their 40th Annual Golf Classic, benefiting the programs and services provided to children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. The event was be held on Monday, August 1, 2022 at El Camino Country Club in Oceanside, CA.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Friday, July 29th, 2022, Rancho Mesa’s President Dave Garcia, Executive Vice President Daniel Frazee, and Account Executive in the Landscape Group Greg Garcia were joined by President of Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies Rob Darby at the SDSU Football Golf Tournament at the Rancho Bernardo Inn.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance, Inc.
A group of eager Rancho Mesa employees gathered in the company’s Santee office on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 as part of the company’s effort to provide not only professional development, but also personal development education to its team members.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance, Inc.
Last week Dave Garcia, president of Rancho Mesa, met with the leadership team of State Comp Insurance Fund (SCIF) to assist SCIF in their plans to introduce a workers’ compensation training curriculum for industry producers.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In Ranch Mesa’s recent announcement of the location move to Mission Valley, it was revealed that Rancho Mesa has purchased a suite in the in the new home for Aztec football, the Snapdragon Stadium, steps away from the new office location.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Personal relationships often mean the difference between earning the client’s business or losing out on a deal. That’s why many organizations use golf as a backdrop to develop personal relationships with those in which they choose to do business.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The upcoming Rancho Mesa move to Mission Valley has become official with the signing of the office floor lease. On Monday, May 23, 2022 Rancho Mesa President Dave Garcia sat down with real estate brokers Liza Strom and Joe Virgilio of Strom Commercial to sign the lease.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa and its employees were honored to be presented three awards at the NAWIC San Diego 64th Annual Anniversary and Executive Night, on Tuesday, April 12.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
This month, Rancho Mesa’s President, Dave Garcia was published in Construction Business Owner magazine. His article “4 Steps to Clarity in Construction Insurance,” with John Fischl, Pacific regional executive for Sentry Insurance, highlights key advice for construction businesses to benefit from their next renewal.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa's President Dave Garcia and Vice President of the Landscape Group Drew Garcia discuss preparing for rising workers’ compensation costs, in a recent article published by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) The Edge.
Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Thursday, March 10, the Rancho Mesa team gathered at the La Mesa Brigantine Seafood Restaurant to hear President Dave Garcia announce the company’s plan to move to a new office, located in Mission Valley.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Tuesday, November 23, 2021 Rancho Mesa’s President Dave Garcia received an eminent award from ICW Group.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa’s Landscape Group headed back to Louisville, Kentucky for LANDSCAPES 2021, the largest annual conference for the landscape and lawn care industry. Hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), the event took place on October 19-22nd, during which landscape professionals were able to learn from industry leaders and connect with peers.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications & Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa’s Dave, Drew, and Greg Garcia headed to Gaithersburg, Maryland to attend the 2021 Field Trip at Ruppert Landscape. The two-day landscaping event is held by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), in partnership with Marty Grunder, CEO of Grunder Landscaping Co. and The Grow Group, and Frank Mariani of Mariani Landscape.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Alyssa Burley, Media Communications & Client Services Manager, has been with Rancho Mesa for nearly 5 years; stepping above and beyond not only in her role at Rancho Mesa, but as an active member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa Insurance is honored to announce that we have been named the CompWest Southern California Regional Agency of the Year!