2023 Reflections: Rancho Mesa Milestones and Triumphs

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

Rancho Mesa had an epic 2023. From moving offices to celebrating huge company milestones, the year was full of excitement for our team.

Launching SafetyOne™

Rancho Mesa launched it’s very own proprietary safety mobile app, SafetyOne™, in January kicking off the year with client demonstrations, trainings and webinars designed to get users up to speed quickly. The official launch was a colossal endeavor. After several years of research, planning, development, and focus group input, the mobile app and website was released to Rancho Mesa clients. We’re currently at 999 users and will soon cross the 1,000 user mark.  

Moving to Mission Valley

In typical Rancho Mesa fashion, the first day at the new Mission Valley office could not be just another April morning. Dubbed Opening Day, as a nod to the start of a new baseball season, the morning was carefully orchestrated to build excitement for the new space, the team would call their second home.  Smiling faces eagerly arrived and waited outside the office doors like they were anticipating entering a concert venue. As 8:00 am rolled around, “cel-e-brate good times, c’mon” could be heard coming from within the new office. As the banners were moved from the doorway and the crowd was let inside, the word “wow” could be heard over and over like seeing one of nature’s wonders for the first time. People hugged and shook hands as they explored the new space. Little touches like the naming of The Clubhouse (large conference room) and The Dugout (small conference room) to the concessions sign in the lunchroom all reinforced the feeling of Rancho Mesa’s team spirit.

Attending Summit Club

After settling into the new office, it was time to relax at Summit Club.  Every year, this trip is attended by the agency’s top producers, leadership team and admin staff who have reached certain milestones. June was the perfect time to escape to the St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City, Utah. For five days, attendees relaxed and explored the natural beauty of the area while strengthening their relationships with other Rancho Mesa team members.

Celebrating 25 years

Once the team came back from Summit Club, it was time for the entire agency, carrier partners and a few original Rancho Mesa clients to celebrate the company’s 25th Anniversary.  Held at the Skybox at DiamondView Tower in San Diego, CA on a warm July evening, the celebration overlooked the city’s baseball stadium and downtown’s stunning skyline. Guests enjoyed a look back at Rancho Mesa’s 25 years through a heartfelt video that featured the story of the agency’s beginning.

Earning the National Best Practices Agency title

In August, for the 17th year, Rancho Mesa was named an Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”) National Best Practices Agency. Of the roughly 35,000 independent insurance agencies in the U.S., only about 150 across the nation were chosen in 2023. In California, Rancho Mesa is among about a dozen agencies to earn this distinction.

Giving Back to the Industry

Throughout the year, team members were encouraged to develop their industry knowledge through earning new designations, researching and writing articles, and participating in the StudioOne podcast. As a result of their efforts, many appeared on third-party podcasts, as webinar expert panelists, and speakers for various events.

Along with developing industry expertise, our team is also encouraged to take on leadership roles within various organizations. For the second year in a row, Christina Haake has accepted the role of Secretary of the PWI San Diego. Jeremy Hoolihan has joined the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of San Diego board. Andy Roberts has been elected President of the Surety Association of San Diego for 2024. And I, Alyssa Burley, continue to serve on the National Association of Women in Construction San Diego board.

Our team not only volunteered their time with industry associations but also throughout the community. We supported organizations like Nativity Prep, MAAC Project, Family Health Centers of San Diego, United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego and many others.

With an incredible year behind us, Rancho Mesa is grateful for our clients and partners for their support. The success and excitement of 2023 leaves us hopeful and optimistic for the 2024 year to come.

Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcome Diana Venegas as Client Coordinator

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

In our continued growth as a team, Rancho Mesa would like to welcome its newest addition, Diana Venegas, as client coordinator.

Diana’s experience in business administration and billing has given her strong customer service, communication, and technical skills vital to the client coordinator role.

Born and raised in San Diego, Diana enjoys spending her free time creating memories with her three children, cooking and spending quality time with her family and loved ones.

Rancho Mesa is excited to be expanding its client coordinator team with valuable members like Diana and we look forward to her future at the company.

Employee Spotlight: Whitney Chiriboga Attains MLIS Designation

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

Rancho Mesa is proud to announce that Assisant Client Manager Whitney Chiriboga has earned the Management Liability Insurance Specialist (MLIS) designation.

The MLIS program is designed to equip insurance professionals with a comprehensive understanding of management liability exposures and insurance coverage. The program provides Whitney with fundamental knowledge in areas such as professional liability insurance, directors and officers (D&O) liability, employment practices liability (EPL), and fiduciary liability exposures and insurance.

This accomplishment reflects Whitney's dedication to enhancing her expertise and better serving her clients, particularly in the human services and nonprofit sector.

Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Grows with Newest Addition Brenda Khalil

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

Rancho Mesa is excited to announce the newest member of our team, Client Coordinator Brenda Khalil.

Brenda brings with her over 15 years of experience in various office administrative roles, more recently as an accounting/bookkeeping associate. She has also worked as the Education & Customer Relations Coordinator at an animal sanctuary.

As a San Diego native and the youngest of seven children, Brenda has a love for spending time with family and friends. She has a passion for the outdoors, enjoying activates such as hiking, camping, and exploring new towns. Additionally, Brenda has an enthusiasm for trying new restaurants and sharing her own culinary creations with others.

Rancho Mesa is fortunate to have Brenda’s diverse experiences and vibrant personality on the team. Welcome to the Rancho Mesa family, Brenda!

Rancho Mesa Hosts 2024 Employment Law Webinar

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

On Wednesday, November 8th, Rancho Mesa held its very popular 2024 Employment Law webinar for California Employers. The virtual event was presented by Thomas E. Daugherty from Klinedinst Attorneys and covered the laws affecting the workforce next year.

Daugherty covered both Federal and California State employment laws. He focused on laws specifically affecting California businesses beginning in 2024, such as increases in minimum wage and paid sick leave, along with workplace violence prevention requirements.

Daugherty expanded on the Cannabis discrimination law, which was mentioned in last years’ presentation, but officially takes effect in 2024. Additional updates included changes in non-compete agreements and the new reproductive loss leave.

The webinar welcomed questions from attendees as Daugherty outlined a plethora of important information for employers.

Rancho Mesa prioritizes hosting workshops and webinars such as this to ensure clients are best equipped to run their organizations. The webinar was recorded and will be broadcasted again on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Register today. 

Employee Spotlight: Becky Diaz Joins Client Coordinator Team

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

Becky Diaz has joined Rancho Mesa’s growing team as a Client Coordinator. Becky brings with her seven years of general office administrative experience, with a specialty in accounts payable. Most recently she was a client support specialist at a benefits and enrollment company in San Diego.

Currently pursuing Associate Degrees in Sociology and Communication Studies at San Diego Mesa College, Becky demonstrates a commitment to learning and personal development.

Becky is a San Diego native. Outside of the office, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family and dog, Simba.

Becky's enthusiasm, paired with her diverse skill set, make her a valuable asset to the Rancho Mesa team.

PWI San Diego's Paint and Wine Night: An Evening of Networking and Creativity

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

On Thursday, November 2, 2023, Rancho Mesa team members gathered at Pinot’s Palette in Liberty Station for PWI San Diego's Paint and Wine Night. PWI San Diego is an organization that offers insurance industry professionals with opportunities, including networking, business development, idea exchange, career enhancement, education, and community service.

The Paint and Wine Night was a unique blend of socializing and creativity. This is just one of PWI’s many events. They host an impressive lineup of gatherings, including their annual golf tournament, fashion show, and holiday party.

One of Rancho Mesa’s employees, Senior Client Manager Christina Haake, takes an active role in PWI San Diego as the Secretary. Christina’s involvement highlights her dedication to not only excel in her career but also to support the community. To learn more about PWI San Diego, please visit PWISD.org.

Happy Halloween from Rancho Mesa

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

Happy Halloween from the Rancho Mesa team! We're in the spooky spirit today. The team enjoyed a spooktacular potluck and costume contest, with Amy Johnston taking first place as a pink flamingo rider, Ashley Hunter winning second place as 'Holly Guacamole,' and Rachel Bristol snagging third place dressed as 'Jake From State Farm.'

We wish everyone a safe night filled with frights and delights! 🎃

Employee Spotlight: Rachel Bristol Earns CRIS Designation

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

In a notable achievement, Rachel Bristol, Assistant Client Manager at Rancho Mesa, has recently earned the prestigious Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS®) designation. This achievement highlights Rachel's commitment to serving clients with the utmost expertise in construction insurance and risk management.

Rachel began her career at Rancho Mesa in July 2019, as a Receptionist & Certician®. Her rise to the position of Assistant Client Manager showcases her dedication to professional growth and her ability to provide top-tier service to Rancho Mesa clients. Earning the CRIS designation enhances her ability to provide invaluable guidance to clients and work more effectively with carriers.

Rancho Mesa is committed to staying at the forefront of construction insurance and risk management, ensuring our clients receive the best guidance and support in this specialized field.

MAAC Soirée 2023: Uniting for a Stronger San Diego

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

MAAC, an organization dedicated to maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities, held its annual MAAC Soirée on October 26, 2023. The event brought MAAC supporters together to celebrate the organization’s impact on the San Diego community.

Rancho Mesa is honored to support MAAC and its mission. Thank you Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies for sharing this moment with us.

Rancho Mesa President Dave Garcia pictured with MAAC President & CEO Arnulfo Manriquez.

About MAAC
Today, MAAC provides life-changing services to over 100,000 individuals annually throughout San Diego County. Collaboration with community partners ensures MAAC remains on the forefront of the community’s ever-changing needs, while strong relationships with funders foster strategic planning around emerging trends. MAAC’s Pathways of Service — Advocacy & Leadership Development, Economic Development, Education, Health & Well-being, and Housing — support our mission of maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities. For more information, visit www.maacproject.org.