Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes Account Executive, Trevor Frank

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

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is pleased to announce the hiring of Trevor Frank, an Account Executive for Plumbing and HVAC contractors.

Trevor grew up in San Diego East County. He recently moved back after seven years of playing baseball in over half of the United States and three different countries. In his free time, Trevor enjoys many outdoor activities.

Trevor’s background in management, customer service, and teamwork make him an ideal fit for Rancho Mesa’s growing team. He specializes in Risk Management for plumbing and HVAC contractors.

Trevor played seven years professionally in the most stressful job there is in baseball, a closing pitcher. Being in that role, he had to understand the meaning of teamwork, goals and plan of attack. When things were on the line he had to study the situation at hand, relax and get the job done for the team. In the off-seasons, he worked to perfect his communication and customer service skills, while building strong relationships. As a pitching coordinator for a very successful player development facility, Trevor used his skills and knowledge to inspire and fine tune the potential within his pitchers. His team-focused attitude and dedication translates well into coaching his construction clients with their insurance needs.

Rancho Mesa is excited to welcome Trevor Frank to the RMI team!

A Day at Petco Park

Rancho Mesa employees Daniel Frazee and Shane Medlin shared in a wonderful afternoon playing a new type of golf at The Links at Petco Park. Hosted by LISI Insurance’s Regional Sales Manager Tommy Gaffney, the foursome also included Stacy Moskowitz, Kaiser Permanente’s Senior Sales Executive.

The group immersed themselves in the nine-hole course which featured a combination of signature holes throughout the stadium. Golfers were escorted by their own dedicated caddy for the entirety of the course and finished their day on the Western Metal Rooftop, which was transformed into a socially distanced “clubhouse” with the opportunity to relax with additional food and beverages.

No Tricks by Rancho Mesa, Just Treats for the Boys & Girls Club

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

Over the last few weeks, as we’ve heard more and more about what a different Halloween this is going to be for children everywhere, we wanted to try and help put a few smiles on children’s faces. “With COVID-19, we all feel a sense of fatigue and desire to go back to life as it once was. But, for now that isn’t possible,” said Dave Garcia, President of Rancho Mesa. “We thought, as the Rancho Mesa family, we could maybe bring some joy to a few children this Halloween.”

So, we came up with the idea to package 500 trick or treat bags; loaded with candy, a gaiter facemask, and mini hand sanitizers donated by Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, and distribute them through two of our clients: the Boys & Girls Clubs of both East County and South Bay.

Rancho Mesa team members, Kim Vasquez, Lori Stone, Alyssa Burley, and Sierra Stone ordered all the goodies and for the last four weeks have been filling the treat bags during lunch. 

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the four of them stepping up and finding the time to make this happen – and I can’t wait to see pictures of the smiles on those children’s faces,” says Dave.

Beginning this week, the Boys & Girls Clubs will begin handing out the trick or treat bags to all the kids that visit the clubs. With each bag, there is a printed card asking them to take a picture of themselves and send it back to us so that we can post their smiling faces for everyone to enjoy.

Be sure to check back next week as we post all those smiling faces. Happy Halloween from the Ranch Mesa family!

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Ghosts, goblins and pumpkins, oh my! 

Witches flying on brooms through the sky. 

Halloween is particularly spooky this year,

Thanks to the Evil Dr. COVID we had extra to fear.

But fear not, our RMI team quickly got to work,

On a special surprise that would surely bring a smirk.

Bags filled with candy, toys and masks,

Even some hand sanitizer for those everyday tasks.

Then off to the Boys & Girls Club 500 bags went,

For all the sweet little ones whose days are spent,

With the amazing staff and team at the Boys & Girls Club,

So of course, we couldn’t help but want to spread the love.

From all of us at the Rancho Mesa Team,

We want to wish you all a fun, and safe, Halloween!

Rancho Mesa Named "Best Practices" Agency in National Competition for 14th Consecutive Year

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

Santee, CA, August 2020 - Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc., a leading Southern California-based commercial insurance brokerage firm, has been awarded the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's (Big “I”) Best Practices Agency designation for the fourteen consecutive year.

An elite group of agencies endure a comprehensive analysis of their methods, practices and financials to determine the best agencies in the industry. Of the roughly 36,500 independent insurance agencies in the U.S., only about 250 across the nation are chosen each year for this distinction. In California, Rancho Mesa is among about a dozen agencies to earn the Best Practices status.

The data collected from these Best Practices independent insurance agencies is studied and used to establish benchmarks in which other agencies can measure their performance and adjust their businesses based on the best practices guidelines established through the study.

In order to participate, an agency must first be nominated by the Big “I.” Then, it must submit detailed financial and operational information which is analyzed, scored, and ranked objectively based on operational excellence, including: outstanding customer services, growth, stability, and financial management.

Each year, the Big “I” publishes its "Best Practices Study" using financial and operational data collected from agencies throughout the United States. The 2020 Best Practices Study will be available later this year. It will include a list of all the Best Practices Agencies by state and the results of the study.

To learn more about what it takes to be a "Best Practices Agency," visit www.independentagent.com/best-practices.

About Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa was founded in 1998 and is regarded as a leading Southern California insurance agency with recognized expertise in construction, landscape and nonprofit/social services. The company provides its clients with risk management services, comprehensive insurance programs, bonding, employee benefits, and industry specific training.

Client Spotlight: UCP to Host 38th Annual Golf Classic

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

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of San Diego County is set to hold their 38th Annual Golf Classic, benefiting the programs and services provided to children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. The event will be held at El Camino Country Club in Oceanside, CA on Monday, August 17, 2020.

As an advocate for UCP's mission and 5th consecutive year grand sponsor, Rancho Mesa is honored to be a part of this event and help support the organization.

San Diego Padres Infielder Greg Garcia, Rancho Mesa President Dave Garcia’s son, is recognized by UCP Annual Golf Classic as a 2020 Honorary Chairman.

About United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County
The mission of UCP of San Diego County is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people affected by cerebral palsy and other disabilities. By making solid steps, UCP can build a better community for all in the process. For more information, visit ucpsd.org.

To become a sponsor or for upcoming event questions contact Marc Carucci at mcarucci@ucpsd.org or call (858) 571-5365 x112.

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’s 7th Inning Stretch Goes Virtual

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

Rancho Mesa’s staff is accustomed to their twice daily “7th Inning Stretch,” a walk around the neighborhood designed to get people moving and away from their desks. It’s a time to take a break from busy schedules, talk to coworkers, build strong relationships and get outdoors.

Since Rancho Mesa’s staff members are now working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some have found a fun way to continue their daily “7th Inning Stretch” as a group, while still practicing social distancing.

Using video group chats on their smart phones, coworkers are able to take their “7th Inning Stretch” walks with their peers.

As they each walk around their respective neighborhoods, coworkers chat and exercise while keeping a little sense of normalcy in this unprecedented time.

If you are working remotely and miss the face-to-face contact you used to have with your coworkers, consider incorporating your own virtual “7th Inning Stretch” at your company.

Stay healthy and safe!

Podcast Episode 3 Now Available

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

Episode 3 of the Safety and Risk Management podcast network is now available to be heard on demand.

In epsisode 3, Drew Garcia, Vice President of the Landscape Group at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, discusses landscape safety, operations, best practices, and industry advice with Fred Peratt, President of Enviornmental Enhancements.

About Enviornmental Enhancements
Founded in 2001, Environmental Enhancements is a landscaping company in DC and Sterling, Virginia that provides a full range of environmentally-friendly landscaping services to commercial property managers and homeowners. Washington Business Journal ranked them among the top ten leading landscaping companies in the DC and Sterling area. To learn more, visit eelandscaping.com.

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Subscribe to StudioOne™ Safety and Risk Management Network

Subscribe to the StudioOne™ Safety and Risk Management Network podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Breaker, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, or Spotify to never miss an episode!

To find the StudioOne™ podcast in any of the above apps on your mobile device, type in “StudioOne Safety and Risk” in the search box. You can also listen from your computer by visiting www.RanchoMesa.com/StudioOne or anchor.fm/ranchomesa.

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Latest Episodes

Employee Spotlight: Julie Eversoll Joins Surety Department

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

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is pleased to announce the hiring of Julie Eversoll as an Account Coordinator for the Surety Department.

Julie has years of experience working in customer service and managing accounts as she has previously held positions in accounting, finance, and sales.

Julie was born and raised in San Diego. She and her late husband of 33 years raised 2 sons together. Julie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, golfing, hiking, and loves spending time at the beach and desert.

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is excited to welcome Julie Eversoll to the RMI team!

Employee Spotlight: Sandra Broughton Joins Human Services Team

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

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is pleased to announce the hiring of Sandra Broughton as an Account Manager for the Human Services team.

Sandra has been in the insurance industry for 12 years. Her vast expertise and energetic personality makes her a perfect fit for the Rancho Mesa team.

Sandra enjoys hiking, gardening, playing sports, traveling, baking, spending time with her family & friends, and binge watching Netflix.

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is excited to welcome Sandra Broughton to the RMI team!