Employee Spotlight: Megan Smidt Earns MLIS Certification

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

Client Manager in the Human Services Group, Megan Smidt, took an important new stride in her career by earning her MLIS® certification on Tuesday, January 24.

The Management Liability Insurance Specialist (MLIS®) designation is an educational program for insurance professionals and risk managers. It requires five core courses as well as 6 hours of approved continuing education credits to maintain the designation each year.

“Megan's achievement demonstrates such a strong commitment to her craft and Rancho Mesa's clients. I honestly couldn't be prouder to have her as a Human Services Group team member,” Sam Brown, Vice President of the Human Services Group, said. “She is setting the bar high!”

Megan has nearly a decade of experience working in the insurance industry. Rancho Mesa is proud of her hard work and dedication to advancing her career and for setting a OneofOne® example in the industry.

Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes Robin Quiroz as Client Coordinator

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

As Rancho Mesa continues to grow our team, we would like to welcome our newest addition, Robin Quiroz, as Client Coordinator.

Robin’s experience has given her strong customer service and training skills. Her career background will be a valuable asset to the position.

Originally from Central California, Robin recently moved to San Diego and looks forward to exploring and enjoying the city. She spends her free time with her four children and her cats, and enjoys hiking and beach trips.

“I am looking forward to being able to provide roots here in the San Diego area for my children,” Quiroz said. “I’m always excited to learn new things and am thankful for the opportunity to be able to branch out into a new career with RMI.”    

Rancho Mesa is happy to be expanding its team with valuable members such as Robin and we look forward to seeing her thrive in her new role.

Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes Kristi Kamenski to the Team

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

With our team ever-growing, Rancho Mesa is pleased to welcome aboard Kristi Kamenski, as our newest client coordinator.

Kristi was born and raised in San Diego. After graduating from Monte Vista High School, she studied Business Administration and Accounting at Cuyamaca College.

Kristi resides in Lemon Grove and enjoys spending time in her garden alongside her three sulcata tortoises.

With her relevant education and skill set, we look forward to Kristi being a valuable addition to the team. We are excited for her future at Rancho Mesa.

Employee Spotlight: Ashley Hunter Promoted to Assistant Client Manager

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

Rancho Mesa congratulates team member Ashley Hunter on her promotion to Assistant Client Manager within the Landscape Group.

Ashley joined Rancho Mesa in 2018 as a receptionist and Certician®. Since then, she has worked as a client coordinator on various teams within the agency before joining the Landscape Group.

As an Assistant Client Manager, Ashley is honing her skills, learning essential job functions and responsibilities while working alongside other client managers on her team.

“I am excited for this opportunity and eager to step into this new role while continuing to learn more about the industry,” Hunter said.

Rancho Mesa commends Ashley for her hard work and accomplishments. We can't wait to see all she will achieve in her new role.

Employee Spotlight: David McCoy Joins the Surety Team

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

Rancho Mesa is pleased to welcome David McCoy to the team as Surety Client Coordinator.

David’s past experience in the hospitality and customer service industry makes him a great asset to the company, where he will be utilizing his skills in the growing Surety group.  

“I am so thankful for the opportunity and cannot wait to get to know everyone,” McCoy said.

David has lived in San Diego his whole life. In his free time he enjoys taking his dog places, spending time with friends, and watching movies.

Employee Spotlight: Andy Roberts Earns Highest Surety Designation

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

Surety Account Executive Andy Roberts has earned his Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bonding (AFSB) designation. This is the highest designation for the surety industry.

Andy joined Rancho Mesa in February of 2018. With a desire to further strengthen his expertise within the industry, Andy began the journey to earning his AFSB designation in 2020.

Over the course of almost 2 years, Andy completed a series of well-rounded curriculum, expanding his knowledge of finance, law, professional ethics, and over-all comprehension within the surety industry. On December 8, 2022, Andy passed the AFSB exam, officially earning his designation.

According to an article published by The Business Professor, “The designation puts an individual in a better position where he or she can effectively communicate and negotiate with underwriters on behalf to clients.”

To learn more about the AFSB designation, please visit the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) website.

Rancho Mesa celebrates Andy Roberts in his outstanding accomplishments, and his professional dedication to the surety insurance industry and Rancho Mesa clients.

Employee Spotlight: Alyssa Burley Instated Into NAWIC Board of Directors

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

On Tuesday, September 13, 2022 the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter held their Installation Dinner at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse in San Diego, CA. During the celebration, Rancho Mesa’s Media Communications & Client Services Manager Alyssa Burley was installed into the NAWIC San Diego’s Board of Directors for the 2022-2023 term.

Alyssa has taken on multiple leadership roles since joining NAWIC in 2017; going above and beyond in every position she has held within NAWIC and Rancho Mesa.

Congratulations to all of the newly appointed NAWIC officers and board of directors. Rancho Mesa is proud to support its leaders within the community and women in construction!

About NAWIC 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. For over 65 years they have been providing education, professional development, networking and more to their members. Learn more at www.nawicsd.org.

Employee Spotlight: Rachel Bristol Promoted to Assistant Account Manager

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

Rancho Mesa would like to congratulate team member Rachel Bristol for her well-deserved promotion from Client Coordinator to Assistant Client Manager.

Rachel joined Rancho Mesa in 2019 as a receptionist and Certician® and was promoted to Client Coordinator in 2020. Throughout the past 2 years, she has assisted in training many current client coordinators. Bristol also gained valuable experience working closely with client managers to prepare for her new role.

“This promotion means so much to me. It has truly been a journey for me over the past three years, and I feel like I have come so far and learned so much,” Bristol said. “I look forward to building relationships with clients and continuing to master the ins and outs of their accounts. I am grateful to be a part of the Rancho Mesa Team.”

We are proud of Rachel’s career milestone and look forward to seeing all she will accomplish in the future.

New Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes Aboard Lauren Koblischke

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

Rancho Mesa is excited to welcome Lauren Koblischke to the Surety Group as Surety Client Coordinator. With an impressive professional background in legal, licensing, and cause marketing, we are thrilled to have her on the team.

Lauren grew up in San Diego and after graduating with her bachelor’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene University, she acquired experience in the legal, marketing and administrative fields, working for organizations such as Simone & Associates and San Diego Wildlife Alliance.

“I'm most looking forward to starting new in the insurance world and being a part of the Rancho Mesa culture. My team is so supportive and I already enjoy so many people here,” Koblischke said.

Lauren has a love for animals, most particularly dogs. She resides in Alpine with her husband and dog. In her free time, Lauren enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family and friends.

With her diverse professional knowledge and an impressive career background, Rancho Mesa is proud to welcome Lauren as a valuable addition to the Surety team.

Employee Spotlight: Greg Garcia is Guest on Baseball Radio Show 97.3 The Fan

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

Rancho Mesa’s Greg Garcia was recently interviewed on 97.3 The Fan Ben & Woods show. Before joining the Rancho Mesa team, Greg played 10 years of professional baseball, five of which came at the major league level playing for the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres.

Host Steven Woods, along with producer Paul Reindl, interview Garcia about what life was like during and after professional baseball. Greg specifically speaks about his time with the San Diego Padres, the overwhelming support he felt from the community of fans, and the fortunate opportunity to join Rancho Mesa with his father President Dave Garcia and brother Vice President of the Landscape Group Drew Garcia.

Listen to Greg’s interview below (starting at 30:15). To learn more about the Ben & Woods show on 97.3 The Fan, please visit www.audacy.com/973thefansd/authors/ben-woods