Rancho Mesa Hosts PWI San Diego’s Membership Kick-Off Social & Game Night

Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Thursday, January 23, 2025 over 50 insurance professionals and members of PWI San Diego gathered at Rancho Mesa’s Mission Valley office for the PWI 2025 Membership Kick-Off Social & Game Night.

Attendees were invited to enjoy food, drinks, and games, along with a chance to grow and strengthen relationships with other specialists in the insurance industry. The event featured speeches from Rancho Mesa’s Vice President of the Construction Group Sam Clayton, former PWI San Diego President Cheena Malicki and Business Office Technology Coordinator Sosha Thomas from Grossmont College’s OPT Program.

Through all the fun and excitement, Rancho Mesa and PWI San Diego still kept their focus on helping the community by hosting a charity drive to collect over a dozen rolling backpacks for OPT students.

“It was a great start to the new year for PWI,” said this year’s PWI President and Rancho Mesa Senior Client Manager Christina Haake. “I loved seeing everyone gathered together and having a great time.”

If you missed out on this event, there are still plenty more exciting networking opportunities coming up in the rest of the year.

“2025 is going to be a really fun year for PWI,” Haake said. “We have some really exciting events coming including Paint Night in March and our first Pickleball Tournament in June. I'd like to encourage people to come to an event and see what we are all about if they have not done so before. It's always a good time”

To become a PWI member, or for details on upcoming events, visit the PWI San Diego website.

About PWI San Diego
PWI provides people in the insurance industry (and those who support the insurance industry) opportunities for networking, business development, idea exchange, career enhancement, education and giving back to our community. They do so through general membership meetings and through special events like golfing, shopping events, happy hours, and more.

Rancho Mesa Hosts PWI San Diego Kick-Off Night

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Thursday, February 15, 2024 PWI San Diego hosted their Membership Kick-Off Social and Game Night at the Rancho Mesa office. Rancho Mesa Senior Client Manager and PWI San Diego Secretary Christina Haake planned the event which yielded an exciting turnout with over 60 attendees.

The fun filled night consisted of a selection of sushi and Thai food cuisines, drinks, games, prizes, and the opportunity to foster relationships with insurance professionals.

Julie Brown, one of the founding members of PWI San Diego, shared the heartwarming story of the group's origins. Since its start in 1981, the organization has expanded to include 33 active members and attracts many more insurance professionals to their monthly networking events.

"It was exciting to see so many new faces and a lot of returning PWI attendees. Hopefully this will inspire people to get a membership with PWI and/or attend other events this year,” said Christina Haake, Client Manager, Rancho Mesa. “We raised $1,000 for OPT of Grossmont College Students and were able to get 12 brand new rolling backpacks for them as well." 

Rancho Mesa is very excited to have contributed to bringing together insurance professionals for an event aimed at nurturing connections.

About PWI San Diego
PWI provides people in the insurance industry (and those who support the insurance industry) opportunities for networking, business development, idea exchange, career enhancement, education and giving back to our community. They do so through general membership meetings and through special events like golfing, shopping events, happy hours, and more. To learn more, please visit pwisd.org.

PWI San Diego's Paint and Wine Night: An Evening of Networking and Creativity

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Thursday, November 2, 2023, Rancho Mesa team members gathered at Pinot’s Palette in Liberty Station for PWI San Diego's Paint and Wine Night. PWI San Diego is an organization that offers insurance industry professionals with opportunities, including networking, business development, idea exchange, career enhancement, education, and community service.

The Paint and Wine Night was a unique blend of socializing and creativity. This is just one of PWI’s many events. They host an impressive lineup of gatherings, including their annual golf tournament, fashion show, and holiday party.

One of Rancho Mesa’s employees, Senior Client Manager Christina Haake, takes an active role in PWI San Diego as the Secretary. Christina’s involvement highlights her dedication to not only excel in her career but also to support the community. To learn more about PWI San Diego, please visit PWISD.org.

Uniting the Team: Rancho Mesa Announces Move to New Office

Author, Megan Lockhart, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Thursday, March 10th, 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.

Excitement flooded the room amid the appetizers and cocktails as Garcia outlined the long-awaited reuniting of the two offices into one space in April 2023.

“When I made the announcement I was blown away with the excitement I saw and felt from the group,” Garcia said. “They all have missed being together and can’t wait for next February when this becomes a reality.”

The presentation showed a video created by Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Alyssa Burley, which outlined the new features of the larger floor plan, one being the expansion of our safety and risk management network, StudioOne™. 

“I’m excited for the new office. We’re completely reimagining our StudioOne™ by incorporating new technology and improving its functionality. I can’t wait to see what the Media Communications and Client Services Group will accomplish in this new space,” Burley said.

The building includes a gym, outdoor seating area, and a rustic industrial interior. The location is also within walking distance of the Snapdragon Stadium, aka Aztec’s Stadium, where Rancho Mesa plans to hold meetings with clients in its box suit. 

The move marks an important goal achieved since 2019 when the team was divided into two offices. Garcia has worked hard since then to make the transition back into one office a reality.  

“I couldn’t be more excited to have everyone back together. This will not only enhance our abilities to serve our clients and their needs but allows our team to interact and grow on a daily basis,” Garcia said.

The presentation also featured words from Vice President Sam Clayton, and Account Manager Christina Haake who praised the work environment and employee opportunities Rancho Mesa offers.

“I was honored that he picked me to speak about the career opportunities that are offered here.  It's really incredible to see how much we’ve grown over the years, especially up to this point now that we're moving to such a bigger space,” Haake said. 

Rancho Mesa is thrilled to make this long anticipated announcement and looks forward to how it will benefit the company’s success as well as the clients we serve.

“Probably a little contrary to the current business climate as to the need for office space, we’ve taken the opposite position and are adding several thousand square feet to what we have now in two offices,” Garcia said.  “Everyone here believes very strongly that we will continue to grow at 15% a year and I for one am not about to doubt this amazing team and their abilities to make this happen.”

IIAB San Diego Hosts Celebrity Waiters Holiday Party for Charity

Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

For 31 years, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of San Diego (IIAB San Diego) have hosted its Annual Celebrity Waiters Holiday Party for Charity. 

Industry leaders gathered on Friday, December 3, 2021 at the Bahia Resort Hotel on San Diego’s Mission Bay to raise funds for the Burn Institute and Healing Wave Aquatics.  Toys and canned foods were also collected for the El Nido Transitional Housing Program at Interfaith Shelter Network.

Rancho Mesa Vice Presidents Sam Clayton and Sam Brown along with Account Executives Kevin Howard and Amber Webb, Associate Account Executive Jack Marrs, Account Managers Christina Haake, John Parker, and Megan Smidt, with Account Coordinator Rachel Bristol celebrated the holidays and the spirit of giving while supporting the IIAB‘s efforts to raise awareness and much needed funds for local charities.

Sam Clayton, the outgoing IIAB San Diego President, introduced the incoming Board of Directors at the annual event. While his term nears its conclusion, it’s not the end to Rancho Mesa’s support of the philanthropic endeavors of the organization.

Rancho Mesa is proud to be a member of the IIAB San Diego.

Rancho Mesa Congratulates Christina Haake in Becoming a Star in Safety!

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications & Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurances Services, Inc.

March 2021, Rancho Mesa’s own Christina Haake, Account Manager for the construction industry, earned her RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ in Construction Safety Certificate.

The RM365 Advantage Safety Star certificate program requires it’s participants to study incident investigation, along with at least two additional safety topics based on their industry-specific risks. Christina chose courses that directly reflect the risks her clients face in the field.

Christina has been a member of the Rancho Mesa family for 10 years and continues to excel in her career in the commercial insurance industry.

If you or a member of your team are interested in becoming a RM365 Advantage Safety Star reach out to us or visit our Safety Star webpage.

A Silver Lining

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Day 92 in quarantine: you’re starting to forget what day of the week it is, wondering if your jeans remember who you are, and thinking about when this pandemic might be behind us for good. It’s hard to think of a silver lining through all of this, but there are glimmers of hope. 

Many are working from home and some are only beginning to return to work. At Rancho Mesa, we are lucky to have continued business as usual - well, as usual as it can be given most of us have not been in the office for months. Christina Haake, Account Manager, says she misses her friends and family in Santa Barbara most, but misses being spontaneous. “Now everything has to be planned and timed: going to the store, video calls, etc.” When asked what she has learned from the stay-at-home order, she said it has made her realize how important it is to show affection as much as possible because you never know the next time you will have the chance. Christina is a Disneyland annual pass holder and is counting down the days until she can sport her favorite pair of ears, once again.

Pictured: Christina Haake.

Pictured: Kimmie Parker and John Parker.

Then, there are the anxious sports fans. Quiet nights on the diamond, the void of fantasy league notifications and reruns on Monday nights take the place of watching the ol’ pigskin fly live on TV. John Parker, Account Manager, from our La Mesa office, is currently sheltered-in-place with his family and has been collecting baseball cards to occupy his free time over that last few months. His wife, on the other hand, has been enjoying virtual baby showers for their first child, who is due this Summer! Their babymoon to Palm Springs may be on hold, but John says it gives them something to look forward to when life gets back to normal. Both of them love music and going to local concerts, so they can’t wait to be outside again enjoying their favorites with friends.

Daniel Frazee, Executive Vice President, is occupying his time by watching all the Avengers movies with his four children. As much as he loves having them home, Daniel is the office social butterfly and admits he misses the interaction with his co-workers. Through this ordeal, Daniel has continued to work from the La Mesa office, along with Account Executive Jeremy Hoolihan. “I’ve worked with Jeremy for years and this situation has actually brought us much closer.” 

Pictured: Emily Marasso and husband.

Personally, I can’t wait to hear the words, “may I take your plate for you?” Or, “would you like another refill?” But, in all seriousness, almost everyone I have spoken with about the temporary shutdown has said – don’t take the little things for granted like going to Costco without feeling like you’re standing in an amusement park line,  leaving the house without a facial covering, hugging your loved ones, or sitting at a restaurant to eat. Our daily routines are far from normal, but we are getting there as more and more businesses and services begin to open up. The silver lining in all of this is that we’ve learned to appreciate each other and the things around us. I am happy to say I know most of my neighbors now, thanks to this!

In a world where everything is becoming automated, digital and rushed, this pandemic is reminding us of a simpler time. What are you looking forward to when this has passed? "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light," Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Rancho Mesa Treats CompWest Underwriter to Basketball Game

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Kevin Howard and Christina Haake took Jeraldine Hartson, CompWest Insurance underwriter for Rancho Mesa, and her boyfriend Jim, to a San Diego State Aztecs basketball game at Viejas Arena located on the San Diego State University campus in San Diego, CA on December 28, 2019.

The Aztecs played the Cal Poly Mustangs, taking another win while keeping this season’s undefeated streak!

About CompWest Insurance Company
CompWest Insurance Company, part of the AF Group, is a dynamic provider of workers’ compensation insurance in California and select Western states, targeting customers in health care, hospitality, manufacturing, professional services, retail and wholesale services, and artisan contractors, ranging in premium up to $1,500,000 (maximum of $500,000 for artisan contractors). They provide leading strategies to small and mid-market employers who desire to achieve long-term cost savings. To learn more, visit www.CompWestInsurance.com.

Rancho Mesa Bowls for Charity at IICF 12th Annual Tournament

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Pictured left to right: Sam Clayton, Jeremy Hoolihan, Yvonne Gallagher, and Christina Haake of Rancho Mesa.

On Thursday, October 3, 2019 the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) put on their 12th Annual Bowling Tournament at Kearny Mesa Bowl.

Rancho Mesa’s Sam Clayton, Vice President of the Construction Group; Jeremy Hoolihan, Account Executive of the Construction Group; Yvonne Gallagher, Landscape Account Manager; and Christina Haake, Construction Account Manager, participated in the raffle, enjoyed delicious food, met fellow insurance professionals, and had fun bowling; all while contributing to a good cause! The annual event raises funds to support grants, volunteer service and leadership to local charities.

"The IICF Bowling for Charity event is always a blast," says Christina Haake, Construction Account Manager at Rancho Mesa. "Our Rancho Mesa team had such a great time competing in the tournament, but also catching up with our friends in the industry. We look forward to it every year."

About the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation
The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) is a unique nonprofit that unites the collective strengths of the insurance industry to help communities and enrich lives through grants, volunteer service and leadership. Established in 1994, IICF has contributed $36 million in community grants, along with 300,000 volunteer hours by more than 100,000 volunteers, to hundreds of charities and nonprofit organizations, reinvesting in local communities where funds are raised. To learn more, visit  www.iicf.org.

Rancho Mesa Attends Padres Game with IIAB San Diego

Author, Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Members of Rancho Mesa Insurance Services spent the afternoon with the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of San Diego (IIAB San Diego) at the organization’s Padre Game Event on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at San Diego’s Petco Park.

Account Executive Jeremy Hoolihan, Account Manager Christina Haake, Vice President Sam Brown, Account Manager Yvonne Gallagher, and Vice President Sam Clayton represented Rancho Mesa at the event.

The San Diego Padres did not disappoint their fans with a 5-2 victory over the Arizona D-backs. Rancho Mesa cheered for hometown favorite Greg Garcia. Read more about the game highlights on MLB.com.

About the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of San Diego

IIAB San Diego is a group of local insurance professionals dedicated to upholding the ideals of the American Agency System. Our Association is founded on mutual respect and support of its members. Through our Association, members access information necessary to further their business. The continuing work of our Association benefits our members, the insurance industry and the San Diego community at large. We stand ready to meet the challenges of both the present and the future through involvement in both profession and the community. For more information, visit www.iiabsandiego.com.