Daniel Frazee and Paul Zamora Team up for the Win

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

Rancho Mesa’s Executive Vice President Daniel Frazee and ICW Group’s Senior Vice President of Workers’ Compensation Paul Zamora pose together with the coveted trophy signifying their win at last year’s golf retreat.

In preparation for this year’s trip, Zamora brought the perpetual trophy into the Rancho Mesa office which allowed for a quick photo op and friendly banter about the games to be played in a few weeks.

Annually, the pair team up to play a few rounds against Standard Drywall’s President Bob Caya and Rancho Mesa’s President Dave Garcia, while in Lake Tahoe.

Outings like these allow for carriers and insureds to get to know each other on a more personal level.

In a few weeks, the 2022 winning team will be added to the trophy.

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.”

Video: Lead the Way in 2022

Rancho Mesa’s annual video highlighting the company’s theme for the year premiered at the company-wide virtual kick-off meeting on January 14, 2022.

Whether your organization’s specialty is building our community’s infrastructure or molding our communities’ character and well-being, Rancho Mesa is here to lead the way in 2022.

© Copyright 2022. Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

Transcript

Through our workers’ compensation Key Performance Indicator dashboard, we’ll provide the data and analysis your organization’s leadership needs to make informed business decisions.

Minimize the impact of workers’ compensation claims on your organization using our in-house claims advocacy service and ensure your employees get the care and respect they deserve throughout the process.

Our innovative technology platforms and personalized approach to risk management ensures you have the right tools and expertise when you need them.

Build confidence that your business is in compliance with the latest legislative requirements with our smart employee handbooks. Get personalized expert advice from live human resources professionals when you need help navigating the ever-changing labor market.

Our RM365 HRAdvantage™ portal is your one-stop-shop for managing your human resources.

Establish a safety culture with our Risk Management Center. Show your employees their well-being is most important to you and directly affects the overall health of the organization. 

Your dedicated client services coordinators will guide your team on a path to risk management, pointing out best practices along the way for generating OSHA logs, and implementing effective training programs.

Stay informed with StudioOne™, our safety and risk management network. Listen to interviews with industry leaders on your favorite podcast platform. Gain access to safety and risk management experts at our workshops and webinars. Tune in for on-demand video tutorials and training classes that fit your schedule.

Your Rancho Mesa team is here to walk you through managing your risks.

Join us, we’ll lead the way.

Developing solutions, building trust, protecting clients - one relationship at a time.

Rancho Mesa President Receives ICW Coin Designation

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.

Dave is the first outside of ICW Group to receive ‘The Coin,’ for embracing above and beyond characteristics and visionary business practices.

‘The Coin’ encompasses four main qualities; honor, integrity, passion, and focus. From valuing our commitments, our communities and each other, to focusing on the details and putting our customers first, Rancho Mesa has indeed embodied these attributes.

“I was completely surprised and honored to receive this recognition and be the first outside of their company to receive it – a true OneofOne moment I will always remember,” says Dave Garcia, President of Rancho Mesa.

About ICW Group
Based in San Diego, ICW Group Insurance Companies is the largest privately held group of insurance companies domiciled in California. ICW Group is recognized nationally as an industry leader in helping policyholders achieve fewer and less costly claims, and is committed to meeting the needs of its policyholders and elevating the trusted agents and brokers who advise them. To learn more, visit www.icwgroup.com.

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.

IIAB Celebrates Another Successful I-Day

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

Rancho Mesa’s staff celebrated with Sam Clayton, the company’s Vice President of the Construction Group and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of San Diego (IIAB) President, at the annual Greater San Diego Insurance Day (I-DAY) on October 27, 2021.

I-DAY is known within the insurance industry as the largest one-day trade fair and seminar in California. The event hosted insurance companies, their agents, carriers, vendors, sponsors and others who support the industry.

The highlight of the event was the luncheon.

“It's hard to believe that we're finally here,” Sam began his address to a ballroom of industry leaders. “Our last I-DAY was almost two and a half years ago in April 2019. I just want to say thanks for being here and your support over the last 18 months. Without all of you in this room, there is no association.”

He acknowledged the efforts of past association presidents, current committee chairs and directors while adapting to the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

Despite pandemic restrictions, he mentioned the good that came from the last year.  

“We were able to raise over $7,000 for the Burn Institute,” Sam praised the membership for their efforts. “We were able to raise $5,000 for the San Diego Foundation's COVID 19 Response Fund.”

Guest speaker, MLB Studio analyst, and former outfielder/first baseman Mark Sweeney closed the luncheon with an inspirational talk about how certain people can change their lives.

The day was a success as Rancho Mesa staff was able to visit with long-time industry partners in the exhibit hall while learning about new players in the insurance space.

Happy Halloween from Rancho Mesa

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

Happy Halloween from the Rancho Mesa Santee and La Mesa, CA offices. This year the Rancho Mesa team was able celebrate Halloween together once again. On Friday, October 29, 2021 team members Sierra Stone, Whitney Chiriboga, Megan Lockhart, Sara Scheuneman, Yvonne Gallagher, Christina Haake, Ashley Hunter, Alyssa Burley, Megan Smidt, Daniel Bondesson, Maria Lotta, Daniel Frazee, and Rachel Bristol put on their costumes and participated in the Halloween spirit.

We hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween!

Rancho Mesa Mixes Drinks and Makes Memories at CompWest Event

Author, Megan Lockhart, Surety and Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Information provided by CompWest.

On Wednesday, September 29, several members of our Rancho Mesa team attended the End of Summer Thank You Event hosted by CompWest as a thank you for Rancho Mesa’s partnership and hard work with the organization.

Rancho Mesa coordinators and executives mingled with CompWest representatives at You & Yours Distilling Co. and concocted unique cocktails at their own mixing stations. 

“I really liked meeting Jeraldine [Hartson] and James [Ruby]. It was nice to put faces to the names and to try two different cocktails that I would normally not order,” Ashley Hunter, Account Coordinator with Rancho Mesa, said. “We learned how to measure, shake, stir and pour two cocktails, a Prized Pony and a Chai Maple Old Fashioned. I liked the Old Fashioned better than the Prized Pony because it wasn’t as sweet.”

Through her experience making her own cocktail, Hunter learned new techniques.

“I learned that you put all the ingredients into the cocktail first and add the liquor last. I always did the opposite of this at home,” Hunter said.

The event also allowed Rancho Mesa’s Account Executive Jeremy Hoolihan to gain new knowledge about the history of some cocktails.

“I learned that a Gin & Tonic was originally introduced to the British army to stop the spread of malaria and scurvy. A natural ingredient in gin fended off malaria while the lime added to the drink worked against scurvy,” Hoolihan said.

Rancho Mesa is thankful for its partnership with CompWest and for hosting us for a social event that facilitated community between our two companies.

“These types of social events… build community and strengthen relationships between carriers and brokers,” Amber Webb, Account Executive with Rancho Mesa, said. “I was able to learn about the background of both Jeraldine and James with CompWest and how they have arrived at their current positions. We discussed the appetite of CompWest and some of their underwriting tactics. This allows me and the rest of the RMI team to better understand how best to represent our clients to them as well as help them to understand what types of clients we are working with.”

About CompWest Insurance
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

Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes Sara Scheuneman to the Team

Author, Megan Lockhart, Surety & Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is proud to announce the newest addition to our growing team, Account Coordinator Sara Scheuneman.

Sara grew up in San Diego. After graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in kinesiology, Sara worked in the sports medicine and fitness industry. She then decided to switch paths and pursue a career in commercial insurance.

Sara has a passion for physical and mental wellness. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, riding horses, fishing, weightlifting at the gym, and cooking for herself and her friends.

Sara’s diverse educational knowledge across multiple subjects such as health sciences, mathematics, and computer science, makes her a well-rounded asset to fill the Account Coordinator role. Rancho Mesa is thankful to have Sara’s intelligence and passion on the team and we are excited to see what she will achieve.

Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes Amber Webb to Account Executive Team

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

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is excited to announce the hiring of Amber Webb, newest Account Executive for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) contractors.

Amber started her career within the construction industry in 2005 and has worked for both a general contractor and several subcontractors. Her risk management experience began when she worked as a Safety, Environmental and Health Technician and has evolved into provided commercial insurance for MEP contractors.

Amber is heavily involved in the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego chapter, serving on the board of directors for the past four years. She was President from 2020-2021 and is currently the Immediate Past President which allows her to serve in an advisory role for the chapter. Amber has a true passion for connecting with people and helping the youth see construction as a viable career path.

“I really enjoy the relationship building aspect of the construction industry and I am excited to use my background and history to help companies with their insurance investments, as well as, support them with their risk management needs,” says Amber.

Amber’s extensive professionalism within the construction industry and impressive leadership skills makes her an ideal fit for this role.

Rancho Mesa is excited to have Amber on the team!

FUN FACTS ABOUT AMBER

Amber was born and raised in San Diego, CA. She is a former collegiate soccer player and golfer at Ottawa University. She lives in Bay Park with her fiancé, Nick, where they will soon be raising a puppy named Sierra! Amber loves riding her e-bike around the bay or to the beach to do yoga. She loves to travel, try different restaurants, and enjoys spending time with friends and family.