Industry News
Exit Strategies for Construction Companies
Author, Anne Wright, Surety Relationship Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
For years, I’ve heard various clients’ explain their plans to ensure both retirement and business continuity as their key people plan to exit the workforce. Depending on the company, some plans have gone well, and others not quite as well. And, some plans are ever evolving. Typically, this process will take a lot of time and thought, and rethinking in order to make sure it is done right.
Staying Up-to-Date with OSHA 300 Logs
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Employers who maintain accurate OSHA logs not only avoid costly fines but also gain valuable insights into workplace safety trends by identifying hazards early and in real-time, thus strengthening the effectiveness of their safety programs.
WCIRB Approves Dual Wage Threshold Increases for 2026: What California Contractors Need to Know
Author, Jeremy Hoolihan, Partner, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) has reviewed and approved a proposal to increase the hourly wage threshold for 13 out of the 16 dual wage classifications by $2 to $5 per hour that would go into effective September 1, 2026, once Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara agrees.
Three Key Elements in A Fleet Safety Program for Plumbers and HVAC Contractors
Author, Matt Gorham, Account executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Commercial auto insurance continues to be problematic for plumbers and HVAC contractors as skyrocketing premiums are eroding profitability.
Using Rancho Mesa Resources to Prepare Drivers for Winter Weather Conditions
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Temperatures are beginning to drop across the United States, exposing companies to a number of dangerous weather conditions. Depending on where your company performs work, employees will encounter rain, ice, snow, and fog while performing job duties.
Mitigating Risk on the Move: The Case for Third-Party Subhauler Agreements
Authors, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Street and road, general engineering and trade contractors understand the importance of having a written and executed subcontract agreement in place when using different subcontractors to complete a project. This agreement serves to protect both parties by clarifying responsibilities, managing risk and providing legal protections in the event of a dispute.
Workplace Etiquette Guidelines for New Employees and Those New to the Workforce
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Starting a new job brings opportunities to learn and grow, but it also can be challenging for new employees to navigate if they are unprepared. Understanding proper office etiquette is key to finding success in the workplace. Office etiquette can include behaviors, communication styles, and social norms that can help maintain a respectful and efficient work environment.
Beyond Blood Sugar: How Diabetes Impacts Workers’ Compensation Claims
Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
November is National Diabetes month and a chance to pause and think about prevention, early detection, and long-term care. For companies, it is also a reminder that chronic health conditions can quietly influence safety, mental health, work performance and even workers’ compensation exposures.
California Employment Law Updates for 2026
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As California’s 2025 legislative session comes to a close, changes are coming to the state’s employment law landscape. Governor Gavin Newsom has made his final decisions on a number of bills which introduce changes to workers’ rights, paid family leave, and recovery of lost wages, among others.
Fleet Safety Starts with Strong MVR Guidelines
Author, Greg Garcia, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
One of the biggest liabilities that any landscape company faces occurs every day. This liability has nothing do with planting, mowing, trimming or irrigation work, in fact this exposure begins before any of the actual work takes place. Auto liability continues to be one of the most significant exposures every landscape company takes on when sending commercial vehicles out onto the road.
OSHA Requirements for Weekly Safety Meetings
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Employee safety should always be a priority for business owners, and that means fostering a safety culture throughout the year. Weekly safety meetings are a great way to curb risk on a job site and ensure employees are prepared to handle an unsafe situation at any time.
Kidnap, Ransom & Extortion Insurance: A Board-Recruitment Advantage for Nonprofit
Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
High-caliber directors—retired Fortune 500 leaders, public figures with reputational exposure do not join boards on faith. They review bylaws and audited financials, D&O policies and look for a solid approach to managing risk.
Avoiding Halloween Horrors: Tips for a Workplace-Friendly Halloween
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Halloween is a fun and festive time of year, and many companies will choose to celebrate with decorations, costumes, and themed events. While embracing the holiday spirit in the workplace can boost morale, it’s important to prioritize safety, for both employees and clients. A thoughtful approach can ensure that Halloween celebrations remain inclusive, appropriate, and risk-free.
Private Equity and Bonded Contractors: Building a Foundation through Communication
Author, Andy Roberts, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Private equity firms have been actively purchasing construction companies. For the firms that are acquiring the construction companies that perform bonded work, it is highly important that they know there is a stark difference between how surety companies underwrite standard construction bond programs and how they underwrite private equity-owned construction bond programs. Matt Gaynor discussed this in detail in a previous article. Because of these differences, it important that the firms involve their agent and surety company early in the acquisition/due diligence process. This is to ensure the firms know the specific information that the surety company will want to see in order to advise regarding the impact the acquisition will have on the bond program.
Preparing the Next Generation of Construction Leaders
Author, Casey Craig, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
This year has brought significant challenges for many of our clients. Amid economic shifts, project delays, and labor uncertainty, one concern has become increasingly common in conversations with construction leaders: the difficulty of attracting qualified younger employees and the growing struggle to replace retiring leadership.
Insuring the Future: AI Tools for Modern Brokers
Rancho Mesa President David Garcia and Erik Vandermaus, Executive Vice President with BrokerPRO, a data and insight company that’s transforming the insurance industry. Discover how their technology is empowering brokers to streamline workflows, personalize client interactions, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. discuss how to deal with current or former employees who post slanderous videos online, and ways to prevent it from occurring.
New AI Regulations for California Employers
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On October 1, 2025 California employers with five or more employees will be required to follow new Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulations. The amended regulations address the use of automated-decision systems (ADSs) in employee or prospective-hire evaluations, applying existing antidiscrimination laws to new AI technologies.
Maintaining Strong Banking Relationships Supports Surety Bonding Capacity
Author, Josh Hill, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Having a good relationship with your bank can pay dividends for your business when obtaining bonds from your surety. Managing that line of credit appropriately can be a resource of available working capital which surety carriers likes to see, but when it is not utilized as expected by your bank, it could become a substantial detriment to your operations and ability to secure bonds.
Doubling Down on Safety in California’s Janitorial Industry
Author, Jeremy Hoolihan, Partner, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
For those that run janitorial businesses in California, you have probably heard the news that workers’ compensation rates are on the rise. Insurance Commissioner Lara recently approved a recommended rate increase of 8.7% on average across all classification codes effective September 1st 2025. For the janitorial industry specifically, the pure premium increase was 11%. These increases will result in higher costs for employers across the board.
Dealing with Employees Who Post Slanderous Videos Online
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
With today’s widespread use of social media, false or damaging claims from a current or former employee can pose serious risks to a company’s reputation. Slanderous online content can include text, videos, or images posted to social media platforms or blog sites that falsely accuse an employer of actions that can damage an individual’s reputation or the reputation of a company.