Rancho Mesa’s 2025: Our Year in Review

With 2025 now behind us, Rancho Mesa reflects with pride on a year defined by progress and strength. The past year produced continued momentum, strengthening our team, building on record-setting success, and navigating ongoing changes in the insurance landscape. Our focus remained firmly on delivering OneofOne® service. We continued to equip our clients with the tools and resources that matter most by maintaining our high standards and expanding our SafetyOne™ training offerings, we pushed ourselves to stay proactive, prepared, and client‑focused, while enjoying ourselves along the way.

Below are a few highlights from our year in 2025.

IIABA Best Practices Agency Designation for 19th Consecutive Year

In August, Rancho Mesa was recognized Best Practices Agency for the 19th consecutive year by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”). This special award is only given to a select group of agencies that are carefully evaluated based on their practices, methods, and finances to find the top performers in the industry. We were proud to stand out as one of a select few agencies to earn the Best Practices status in California.

Employee Success

Our team celebrated many professional achievements in 2025, including impressive career milestones.

• Greg Garcia joined the Ownership Team as a new Partner.

• Kristi Kamenski was promoted to Assistant Client Manager.

• Brenda Colby was promoted to Client Technology Specialist.

• Natalie Aguayo was promoted to Client Manager.

• Andy Roberts took a new role as Surety Group Leader.

• Maria Lotta was promoted to Client Manager.

Along with our team’s internal achievements, we also welcomed 8 new employees across a diverse range of roles, to our RMI family last year.

Christina Haake receiving the Emerging Leader Award at IIAB’s
I-Day with her parents.

Rancho Mesa employees dove into the industry’s community last year, taking on impressive leadership roles.

• Partner Alyssa Burley served as Parliamentarian for NAWIC San Diego Board.

• Partner Jeremy Hoolihan served as Secretary/Treasurer on the IIAB San Diego board.

• Senior Client Manager Christina Haake served as President for PWI San Diego and accepted IIAB’s Emerging Leader Award at I-Day.

• Olivia Velasco served as Secretary for PWI San Diego.

Client & Industry Involvement

Rancho Mesa stayed active and engaged in both our clients’ industries and the insurance community last year. Our account executives and administrative staff attended numerous conferences and industry events in order stay updated on the trends that affect our clients. Here are the highlights.

Landscape Group VP Drew Garcia attended NALP’s Leaders Forum in Costa Rica.

The team attended I-Day this year, connecting with insurance professionals at our booth.

Construction Group Vice President Sam Clayton and Partner Alyssa Burley attended NAWIC San Diego Chapter 21 EXPO.

Human Services Group VP Sam Brown attended Philadelphia Insurance’s Big Hitters event.

Partner Rory Anderson attended Tree Care Industry Association’s TCI EXPO in St. Louis, MO.

Construction Group VP Sam Clayton represented Rancho Mesa at the Artisans Captive Board of Directors meeting in Cabo San Lucas, MX.

Drew Garcia and Greg Garcia attended NALP’s 2025 ELEVATE Conference in Phoenix, AZ

Surety Group Leader Andy Roberts and Surety Relationship Executive Anne Wright attended Associated Subcontractors Alliance’s 35th Annual Awards and Installation Banquet.

Client Services

Rancho Mesa is proud of the services and added resources we offered clients last year. We hosted 8 live workshops and streamed 43 virtual webinars for our clients to attend.

Additionally, our Safety and Risk Management Network, StudioOne™, published 103 podcast episodes in the 2025 year, and brought in 15 outside professionals as guests.

Our Employment Law Update workshop, hosted in November 2025 and presented by attorney Thomas E. Daugherty of Klinedinst San Diego, was highly anticipated and covered employment law changes in the 2026 year.

Family Health Centers of San Diego's Spirit of the Barrio raised funds for the San Diego community

2025 MAAC Project Soirée, which Rancho Mesa is proud annual sponsor, makes impactful change in the San Diego community.

Annual support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October

United Cerebral Palsy Association’s Celebrity Waiters Lunch raised funds for those with disabilities.

Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation San Diego Bowling Tournament raised money for San Diego communities.

Community Involvement

In addition to our industry involvement, Rancho Mesa remained dedicated to supporting the San Diego community by participating in sponsorships and events that align with the initiatives we proudly advocate.

Team Enrichment

Rancho Mesa takes pride in fostering a dynamic work environment and creating camaraderie among our team. In 2025 we enjoyed celebrations and social activities beyond the office, which strengthened our team’s bonds, helping us serve our clients effectively. Here are the highlights.

The team cheered on the Aztecs at many SDSU football games in Rancho Mesa’s suite at Snapdragon Stadium.

We hosted clients and carrier partners on the lawn at our Mission Valley office with Fiesta Friday.

Our annual Summer Party was a blast for the whole family at the Mission Bay Resort.

We celebrated the season with our annual Holiday Party, this time at the Coronado Golf Course on Coronado Island.

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View Our Rancho Mesa Recap

What a year! Rancho Mesa takes pride in our achievements of 2025, and we’re grateful for our clients, partners, and fellow team members that have made them possible. As we embark on the new year, we continue our commitment to delivering OneofOne© service and are excited for the 2026 journey ahead.

Values in Action: Rancho Mesa Kicks Off for 2026

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing and Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Friday, January 16th, the Rancho Mesa team gathered for our annual Kick-off meeting, this year, at The Remy in Mission Valley.

Led by RMI President David Garcia, we reflected on this past year's achievements and set goals for 2026. The team also enjoyed connecting with each other over a delicious lunch.

Garcia also revealed the theme for the coming year, Values in Action, which speaks to the core values that lead us in our work: integrity, accountability, collaboration, community, and passion.

Rancho Mesa is grateful for the loyalty and relationships we've cultivated with our clients and carriers partners this year as we look forward to 2026.

View the Rancho Mesa 2026 Video:

Rancho Mesa Celebrates the 2025 Holidays

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Saturday, December 6th, the Rancho Mesa team enjoyed a night of festive fun at its annual Holiday Party, at the Coronado Island Golf Course.

Attendees celebrated the season among family and friends with delicious food, drinks, games, a "cash" tunnel, and raffle prizes.

Rancho Mesa is grateful for the clients and partner relationships we’ve strengthened this year, and we wish you a Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Gaining Landscape Industry Insight: Drew Garcia and Greg Garcia Attend NALP’s ELEVATE Conference

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

From left: Landscape Group Partner Greg Garcia and Landscape Group VP Drew Garcia at RMI’s ELEVATE booth.

On November 2-5, 2025, Vice President of the Landscape and Tree Care Group, Drew Garcia, and Partner, Greg Garcia represented Rancho Mesa at the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ (NALP) ELEVATE Conference and Expo in Phoenix, Arizona.

Now in its fourth year as a standalone event, ELEVATE brought together professionals from across the country to share insights, explore new technologies, and discuss trends shaping the landscape industry.

This event served as a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and innovations that impact Rancho Mesa clients.

“We get a lot of our industry knowledge from the event and we bring that back to our team

and try to make it make sense for how we deliver our product to our customers,” Drew said. “So [attending ELEVATE] is huge for us in terms of just overall knowledge of the industry.”

In addition to attending educational sessions and networking with peers, Rancho Mesa hosted its third annual client cocktail hour, a relaxed evening that allowed industry professionals to connect beyond the conference floor.

“It's something I look forward to every year,” Drew said. “It's such a great time for us to relax, catch up with people … and then allow our clients to meet each other, too. So, another opportunity for networking.”

Through participation in events like ELEVATE, Rancho Mesa continues to further its commitment to supporting the landscape industry with tailored insurance and risk management solutions.

Rancho Mesa’s Rory Anderson Attends TCI EXPO 2025

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

From left: Tree Care Group Partner Rory Anderson and Newbury Park Tree Services, Inc. owner Dean Lappinga.

Tree Care Group Partner, Rory Anderson, recently represented Rancho Mesa at the 2025 TCI EXPO, which took place November 6-8 at the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, MO.

Hosted by the Tree Care Industry Association, the event brought together thousands of professionals and over 200 exhibitors for three days of networking, education, and innovation in the tree care industry.

At our sponsored booth, Rory connected with tree care professionals and gained deeper knowledge about their unique business needs.

“TCI Expo once again proved why it’s the premier event for our industry [with] education, innovation, and connection all in one place,” Anderson said.

Attending TCI EXPO 2025 emphasizes Rancho Mesa’s commitment to the tree-care industry. We’re proud to support our team staying involved and up-to-date on the industries we insure.

Rancho Mesa Earns Insurance Journal’s Best Agencies to Work For List

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc

This month, Rancho Mesa Insurance is proud to be featured on Insurance Journal’s 2025 Best Insurance Agencies to Work For. The October issue of the magazine ranked agencies across the country based on nominations from their employees. Rancho Mesa was among the top three agencies in the West who made the list.

The article highlighted agencies for competitive pay and benefits, as well as strong culture, supportive leadership, high job satisfaction, and a genuine sense of community.

Rancho Mesa is honored to be nominated by its employees. This recognition reflects the dedication and spirit of its entire team, and also reaffirms the survey conducted last year through MarshBerry, in which 93.5% of our employees said they have a high level of overall job satisfaction, and 97.4% of employees say their careers are being advanced by working at Rancho Mesa.

“I’m truly honored by this recognition, but what makes it meaningful is it’s a reflection of the amazing people who make up our company,” Rancho Mesa President and CEO, David Garcia, said. “Their passion, teamwork, and commitment to excellence create the culture that makes this recognition possible.”

About the Insurance Journal

The Insurance Journal is considered the most read national property and casualty publication for independent insurance agents and brokers, which kicked off its legacy in the 1920s. It is one of the most respected insurance trade publications in the country with a bi-weekly circulation of more than 40,000 readers in every state. Over 250,000 insurance professionals read more than 1.5 million pages of Insurance Journal Online every month.

Rancho Mesa Shows Support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Throughout the week of October 13-17, our team donned the color pink to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year in particular, our Rancho Mesa family stood together to honor our friend and fellow co-worker, Kim McCoy, who lost her battle with breast cancer after a courageous five-year fight.

We hold Kim and the entire McCoy family in our hearts, celebrating her amazing life and the lasting impact she made on all of us.

The month of October is important to our team as we show our continued support for those affected by breast cancer, and participate in furthering awareness.

Representing RMI at the 2025 Philadelphia Insurance Big Hitters Event

Author, Sam Brown, Vice President, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

From left: Human Services Group VP, Sam Brown with Philadelphia Insurance Senior VP, Mike Freeman

On October 12th, I attended the 2025 Philadelphia Insurance Big Hitters event in New Orleans, Louisiana. The two-day conference allowed attendees, which included insurance agency leaders and Philadelphia Insurance executives from around the country, a chance to learn from one another, share insights on what the near and long term future holds for insurance stakeholders, and look back fondly on the previous year of positive client outcomes.

Philadelphia remains committed to insuring non-profit and human service organizations, despite the challenging underwriting climate. Part of that is educating and listening to its partner agencies. Over the course of two days, leadership invited the gathered agents to explore what makes Philadelphia successful, but also asked agents as many questions as they answered. Everyone can improve and learn from the attendees’ combined client interactions, successes, and lessons learned.

Business discussions included a sobering presentation on the state of legal system abuse as well as easing property market conditions. To create shared experiences and grow relationships, we had the opportunity to join a local food tour or visit the city’s World War II museum.

Meeting the Philadelphia leaders who make decisions impacting Rancho Mesa clients is the true highlight. I went to advocate for our clients and learn how we can uncover opportunities to produce more successful client outcomes. You don’t always hear a “yes,” but I see possibilities in the “maybes,” too.

 Rancho Mesa has been a Philadelphia appointed agency since 2010.

Rancho Mesa Hosts BHHC and Clients at Aztec Football Game

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

On Saturday, September 20, 2025 Rancho Mesa employees were joined in the Snapdragon Stadium suite box by members of Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, E.L. Hobbs and Fuller Electric to witness a historic night of San Diego State football.

“We are always so grateful for time spent with our friends at Berkshire,” said Daniel Frazee, Executive Vice President with Rancho Mesa. “They are truly a part of our Rancho Mesa family and we feel so fortunate to be partnered with them. Go Aztecs!”

The Aztecs put on quite the show, beating the California Golden Bears 34-0 and improving their record to 2-1. The shutout marks the first time SDSU has held a current team from a power conference scoreless since 1975.

Rancho Mesa Strengthens Industry Bonds at IICF San Diego Bowling Tournament

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

On Thursday, August 28th Rancho Mesa attended the IICF San Diego Bowling Tournament at Mira Mesa Lanes.

Members of the Rancho Mesa team spent the afternoon throwing strikes and spares alongside our carrier partners and other insurance professionals. The event was a positive way to strengthen relationships within the industry while also giving back to the community.

“Relationships are crucial for our business, and they make it possible to more effectively serve our clients,” said Matt Gorham, Account Executive with Rancho Mesa. “Events like this create opportunities to foster and further connections with our carrier partners, helping to promote open, honest communication with underwriters and underwriting managers.”

Rancho Mesa was proud to support the event, as over $40,000 was raised to benefit local San Diego nonprofits through the IICF Community Grants Program.

Visit IICF San Diego’s website to learn more about the organization and how you can get involved.