Employee Spotlight: Alyssa Burley Joins NAWIC Board of Directors

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

On Tuesday, June 14, 2022, Alyssa Burley was elected to one of six director positions on the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego chapter Board of Directors for the 2022-2023 term.

Since joining NAWIC in 2017, Alyssa has been a dedicated member, spending countless hours serving as the Newsletter Editor, Golf Committee Member, WIC Week Committee Member, and Professional Development & Education Committee Chair. Last year, she was proudly presented with the NAWIC Member of the Year Award for her ability to take on multiple leadership roles within the organization, all while being a leader for her department within Rancho Mesa.

"I am so excited to be on the NAWIC San Diego Board of Directors and look forward to supporting the chapter this coming year," says Alyssa.

Alyssa is not the only Rancho Mesa employee that is part of the NAWIC San Diego Chapter. Account Executive Amber Webb is heavily involved in NAWIC, serving on the board of directors for the past four years and chapter President from 2020-2021. Rancho Mesa’s Surety Relationship Executive Anne Wright has also been a long-time NAWIC San Diego Chapter member.

Rancho Mesa is proud to support its leaders within the community and women in construction!

Rancho Mesa Welcomes Back In-Person Workshops with Captive Resources

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

Information provided by Captive Resources.

On Thursday, April 28, Rancho Mesa held its Control Your Insurance Costs with a Captive Workshop at the Mission Trails Visitor Center, the first in-person workshop in two years.

Captive Resources’ Doug Hayden explained the benefits of business involvement in a captive to attendees while they enjoyed light refreshments amidst the beautiful hills of Mission Trails Regional Park. 

Captive Resources is an independent consultant insurance firm that represents over 5,500 shareholders and exceeds $3.1 billion in combined premiums for its clients.

In his workshop, Hayden shared how captives work and offered advice on ways businesses can get the most out of them. Captives are a valuable way companies can achieve both professional and fiscal success through controlling their insurance premiums, Hayden explained

Rancho Mesa is excited to reintroduce in-person seminars such as these for its clients, and looks forward to hosting future workshops, this year.

The next live webinar is Fleet Safety: Above and Beyond Compliance on Thursday, May 26. Register today.

About Captive Resources

Our mission is to help companies control their insurance costs through the member-owned group captive model. Our industry-leading insurance professionals support every aspect of the group captives they advise, from claims advocacy to operational oversight, risk management, financial services, investment services and more. For more information, visit www.captiveresources.com.

Rancho Mesa Honored at NAWIC Anniversary Celebration

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

Rancho Mesa’s Amber Webb and Alyssa Burley pictured holding their NAWIC award plaques.

Information provided by NAWIC.

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.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter held its annual anniversary night celebration. Rancho Mesa was named the Company of the Year for “contributions to advancing the education and careers of women in construction.”

“We are so honored to be recognized as the Company of the Year by NAWIC, it’s an outstanding organization that’s dedicated to the career growth and development for women in construction. We are very proud to be a part of their efforts,” Rancho Mesa President, Dave Garcia said.

Account Executive Amber Webb was presented with the President’s Award for her strong leadership and dedication to the organization.

“I feel honored to be given the 1st NAWIC San Diego Chapter President’s Award. When I went to my first NAWIC meeting back in 2015, I knew this group of women was special and that I wanted to be part of it,” Webb said. “I want to thank Madam President, Shelby Ballow, for this recognition, her friendship, and all her hard work getting our chapter back up and running after all that we have been through.”

Media Communications and Client Services Manager Alyssa Burley also took home the 5-year membership award during the award ceremony. Attendees enjoyed dinner, scholarship winner announcements, and a presentation regarding the Terminal 1 redesign of the San Diego Airport by keynote speaker, Robert Bolton.

Rancho Mesa and its employees are passionate about supporting the career opportunities for women in construction, and we are proud that our employees can make a difference through this organization.

“I want to help encourage as many women as possible to see their potential in this male dominated industry,” Webb said. “Over the years, I have learned so much from all the people I have had the pleasure of meeting through NAWIC and feel so fortunate to be able to give back to the community.

About NAWIC
NAWIC has over 115 chapters throughout the United States that provide its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, public service and more. NAWIC continues the vision of its founding members by advocating for the value and impact of women builders, professionals and tradeswomen in all aspects of the construction industry. To learn more, visit www.nawic.org.

Rancho Mesa President Writes for Construction Business Owner Magazine

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.

“No matter what your policy looks like today, the goal of any renewal is finding coverages that fit your business and keep it protected,” Garcia says in the article.

Read “4 Steps to Clarity in Construction Insurance,” in Construction Business Owner’s April 2022 issue linked below.

Hands-On in Her Industry: Account Executive Amber Webb Takes on the AHR Expo

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

Beginning January 31 through­ February 2, 2022, Rancho Mesa’s Account Executive Amber Webb attended the 2022 AHR Expo, in Las Vegas, an event for those who work in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) industry to showcase new technology and share ideas.

Webb specializes in risk management for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractors, so the AHR Expo was a great opportunity for her to network with the HVACR community and learn more about the industry she insures.

“My goals for attending the Expo included learning about all the new technology being presented to the HVACR industry, networking and getting to know people from all facets of this community, and learning from the educational sessions that I attended to gain a better understanding of what my clients are curious about or having issues with,” Webb said.

The event was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and consisted of two expo areas filled with booths of contractors, manufacturers, and industry vendors.

In addition to the expo vendor floor, several separate areas held presentations on specific topics. Notable sessions included “How to be Human in a Technical World” presented by Karine Leblanc from US Air Conditioning Distributors, and “Hire + Fire + Retention = Culture”, presented by Women in HVACR.

“I really enjoyed the entire event, but if I have to pick a favorite part, I would say exploring the two different show floors where all the exhibitor booths were set up. It was extremely impressive to see all of the massive equipment they were able to bring in and actually show demonstrations to the attendees,” said Webb. “I was also able to do some hands-on demonstrations of my own for a couple of the tool vendors, which was great.”

Rancho Mesa encourages its team to immerse themselves in their clients’ industries in order to best support them in their insurance needs.

“I think it’s important for insurance companies such as Rancho Mesa to play a role at events like these because we focus on specialization for our brokers. For me personally, I specialize in MEP Contractors and being able to attend an event that is specifically designed for the HVACR community, allows me to grasp a better understanding of what these companies are going through,” said Webb. “Attending the educational sessions not only gives me an opportunity for professional and personal development, but it allows me to learn about the topics that are of highest concern to my clients.”

About AHR Expo
The AHR Expo provides a unique forum where manufacturers of all sizes and specialties come together to share ideas and showcase the future of HVACR technology. Since 1930, the AHR Expo has remained the industry’s best place for OEMs, engineers, contractors, technicians, facility operators, architects, educators and other industry professionals to explore the latest trends and applications and to cultivate mutually beneficial business relationships. The event is co-sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI, endorsed by many industry leading organizations, and is held concurrently with ASHRAE’s Winter Conference.

Understanding Client Risk: Rancho Mesa Account Executives Become Safety Star Certified

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

Pictured: Rancho Mesa’s Assistant Account Executive Jack Marrs and Account Executive Greg Garcia.

Earlier this year, several Account Executives at Rancho Mesa earned their Safety Star certification as part of the RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ Program.

Account Executives Amber Webb and Greg Garcia earned their certification in Construction Safety and Associate Account Executive Jack Marrs earned his Safety Star in Human Services.

“I personally decided to complete the Safety Star Program so that I could have a better understanding of the most frequently exposed risks my clients and prospects are facing,'' Amber Webb, Account Executive in the Construction Group said. 

The Safety Star Program is important for all business owners and their employees as it teaches important topics relating to safety in the workplace in order to mitigate job-related injuries.

“The Safety Star Program is an important tool that our clients can use to bring common safety topics to the forefront of their workforce and ensure they are properly trained on these topics. It also allows me to showcase my client’s dedication to safety to our carrier partners,” Webb said. 

Rancho Mesa takes safety seriously. We aim to be as knowledgeable and prepared as possible in order to meet our clients’ needs and understand their industry.

“It was important for me to complete the RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program because I wanted to make sure I understood the courses and training that I was sending out to my clients, and how and why it can benefit them,” Greg Garcia, Account Executive in the Landscape Group, said. “Now that I have my Safety Star certification I can better understand the value and content this training can bring to my customers.”

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.

NAWIC SD Holds 12th Annual Golf Tournament

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

It’s a birdie! It’s an eagle! It’s a bogey?! It’s the 12th annual National Association of Women in Construction golf tournament. On August 26, 2021, NAWIC San Diego hosted its golf tournament at the Twin Oaks Golf Course. The yearly event raised nearly $17,000 for Rady’s Children’s Hospital and the Future Construction Leaders Foundation.

It was a warm one but that didn’t stop participants from having a tee-rific time. Teams puttered around the course in friendly competition but in the end the golf-father was Team Kohler.

Thanks to all Rancho Mesa par-tees involved; Kevin Howard, Casey Craig, Andy Roberts, and Jeremy Hoolihan. We hope it was an event to never fore-get.

About National Association of Women in Construction San Diego Chapter
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter, chartered on April 30, 1959, is very active and involved in the construction industry and the community. Each year the chapter participates in a variety of events including educational seminars and conferences, Women in Construction Week (WIC Week), Block Kids (construction awareness program for children in grades 1 thru 6), CAD/Design/Drafting Contest (High School student activity), Camp NAWIC (a week long program designed to mentor high school girls planning to enter the construction industry), college scholarships, joint meetings with other San Diego professional organizations and various activities with local charities. For more information, visit www.nawicsd.org.

Client Spotlight: Advanced Painting Shines like a Star!

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

Advanced Painting & Wood Repair has been in the industry for over 40 years and with that comes experienced and expert staff.  The proof is in the pudding. Or, is it in the paint?  Recently, the Advanced Painting team had a number of their staff enroll in the RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ program.  In just a few weeks they had a record number of participants achieve their certificates’ of completion and more keep coming in each week.

"Companies like Advanced Painting are exactly who carriers want to pair with when it comes to safety. Programs like Safety Star can help lower the probability of accidents on the job site, promote a safer culture and potentially lower your overall insurance costs," says Casey Craig, Account Executive with Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. 

Rancho Mesa congratulates to the entire Advanced Painting team for their achievements.

The RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program is designed for supervisors, foremen, safety coordinators, and upper management in the construction industry, or administrators, directors of human resources, facilities/operations managers and safety committee members in human services organizations.  

To get your team on the path to becoming Safety Stars, please visit our RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program webpage and fill out the application form.

Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Congratulates Jose Cuellar in Becoming a Star in Construction Safety

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

Recently, Rancho Mesa’s Jose Cuellar, Senior Account Manager for the construction industry, earned his RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program™ certificate in Construction Safety.

The RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program is designed for construction and human services supervisors, foremen, safety coordinators, upper management, and administrators, directors of human resources, facilities/operations managers and safety committee members, respectively.

The safety program requires its participants to study incident investigation, along with at least two additional safety topics based on their industry-specific risks. Jose chose courses that directly reflect the risks his clients face in the field.

Jose has been in the insurance industry for 20+ years specializing in the construction industry. He has been a member of the Rancho Mesa family for 5 years and continues to excel in his career in the commercial insurance industry.

If you, or a member of your team, are interested in becoming a Safety Star, please visit our RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program webpage and fill out the application form.