Rancho Mesa News
Safety Spotlight: Century Painting Corporation Safety Van
Author, Lauren Stumpf , Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc .
Century Painting Corporation acquired the innovative Safety Training Unit, also known simply as the Safety Van, in May 2018 and the benefits have been endless. The Safety Van is equipped with safety training topics, tools, and protective equipment. Safety meetings were previously held at the Century Painting office, but now Eddie Lopez, Safety Coordinator of Century Painting Corp. travels to the jobsites and trains the employees on the spot; saving time and reducing hassle for the workers. The Safety Van has job specific trainings loaded onto the TV mounted to the back of the van, making it convenient for Eddie to open the van, set up chairs, and give safety presentations to the workers at the jobsite.
Author, Lauren Stumpf , Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc .
Century Painting Corporation acquired the innovative Safety Training Unit, also known simply as the Safety Van, in May 2018 and the benefits have been endless. The Safety Van is equipped with safety training topics, tools, and protective equipment. Safety meetings were previously held at the Century Painting office, but now Eddie Lopez, Safety Coordinator of Century Painting Corp. travels to the jobsites and trains the employees on the spot; saving time and reducing hassle for the workers. The Safety Van has job specific trainings loaded onto the TV mounted to the back of the van, making it convenient for Eddie to open the van, set up chairs, and give safety presentations to the workers at the jobsite.
“The reason Century Painting has this van is because we strive for Safety which is our number one core value. Also to make sure all of our guys go home safe to their families every day” says Eddie Lopez, Safety Coordinator at Century Painting. “We really do care about them [the employees], it’s not all about just working. We care about how they get here and how they go back home every day.”
Century Painting Corporation has 5 core values; safety being number one followed by quality, integrity, team work, and organization. These show in every aspect of their company; the Safety Van being just one.
“Arturo, Victor, and Eddie have really made safety the core of Century Painting Corporation. It is really easy to be their insurance agent when you get to go out to carriers and show them really the crème de la crème of a safe company” says Kevin Howard, Account Executive of the Construction Group at Rancho Mesa. “The main focus of safety for them is the culture; they care about the employees. They treat every single employee like they are a family member.”
About Century Painting Corp
Century Painting Corporation is a California based commercial painting contractor and industrial painting company known for quality workmanship and consistent, on time completion of painting projects. Providing excellent service with unparalleled results is second nature for Century Painting. With two generations of experience working on commercial buildings, Century Painting specializes in product applications such as elastomeric coatings, epoxy coatings, two part polyurethane, and waterproofing, exterior condominiums, apartment complexes, hotels, hospitals, commercial buildings, malls, tenant improvements, clean rooms, biotech, property managements, senior living facilities, resorts, parking structures, high rise painters, office buildings, industrial parks, gas stations, warehouses, projects and more.
First RM365 Advantage Safety Star: Eddie Lopez of Century Painting Corp.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc .
On February 12, 2019, in a close race to become the first Safety Star, Eddie Lopez, Safety Coordinator at Century Painting Corp. was the first to complete the RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program in Construction Safety.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc .
On February 12, 2019, in a close race to become the first Safety Star, Eddie Lopez, Safety Coordinator at Century Painting Corp. was the first to complete the RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program in Construction Safety.
On March 12, 2019, Kevin Howard from Rancho Mesa Insurance presented Eddie with his certificate of completion and stickers to display his accomplishments on a hard hat and company vehicle.
“I mainly decide to do [the RM 365 Advantage Safety Star Program] because of my passion and for the workers. I know how important it is for the company to also make sure that safety is with them everyday. That’s the reason I did it,” said Eddie Lopez when asked about why he decided to participate in the program.
The RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program is available to Rancho Mesa Insurance clients. To enroll in the program, visit www.ranchomesa.com/rm365-advantage-safety-star-program and complete the enrollment form. Or, contact the Client Service department at (619) 438-6869.
Century Painting Corporation is a California based commercial painting contractor and industrial painting company known for quality workmanship and consistent, on time completion of painting projects. Providing excellent service with unparalleled results is second nature for Century Painting. With two generations of experience working on commercial buildings, Century Painting specializes in product applications such as elastomeric coatings, epoxy coatings, two part polyurethane, and waterproofing, exterior condominiums, apartment complexes, hotels, hospitals, commercial buildings, malls, tenant improvements, clean rooms, biotech, property managements, senior living facilities, resorts, parking structures, high rise painters, office buildings, industrial parks, gas stations, warehouses, projects and more.
Expand Your Understanding of Captive Insurance Options
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Sam Clayton, Vice President of the Construction Group at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services discusses the captive insurance option and upcoming workshop.
The workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at the East County Boys & Girls Club located at 8820 Tamberly Way, Santee CA 92071.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Sam Clayton, Vice President of the Construction Group at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services discusses the captive insurance option and upcoming workshop.
The workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at the East County Boys & Girls Club located at 8820 Tamberly Way, Santee CA 92071.
To register visit www.RanchoMesa.com/workshops or follow the registration link below.
Demand Rock Candy
Author, Dave Garcia, President & Chief Executive Officer, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
With the end of Spring Training and the start of the Baseball Season just around the corner I am reminded of all the valuable life lessons I learned from my managers and coaches during my professional career. I have always leaned on those experiences as a way to challenge, grow, motivate, and differentiate Rancho Mesa. Today I want to share a lesson I learned from one of my Managers as our team was leaving Spring Training and headed out to begin the season. Determined to help us have a great year, our Manager shared with the team some information about the pitchers we would be competing against in the coming year. He described them to us as being one of three types.
Author, Dave Garcia, President & Chief Executive Officer, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
With the end of Spring Training and the start of the Baseball Season just around the corner I am reminded of all the valuable life lessons I learned, from my managers and coaches, during my professional career. I have always leaned on those experiences as a way to challenge, grow, motivate, and differentiate Rancho Mesa. Today I want to share a lesson I learned from one of my Managers as our team was leaving Spring Training and headed out to begin the season. Determined to help us have a great year, our Manager shared with the team some information about the pitchers we would be competing against in the coming year. He described them to us as being one of three types.
The Marshmallow - Soft on the outside and soft on the inside. This is the type of pitcher who will go to the mound afraid and unsure of himself. He might be 6’4” and weigh 220lbs but if he got in a jam he would fold quickly. Certainly not someone the other team could count on – one we needed to beat every time.
The Jelly Bean - Hard on the outside but soft in the middle. In baseball this is the intimidating 6”4” 220lbs pitcher who takes the mound with a scowl. They appear confident and may have a little early success, but eventually, when adversity comes, they crumble. As the game situation tightens they fold and want no part of a tough situation. Typically they are not team players, they only care about their own success, and they want out of any uncomfortable situation.
Rock Candy - Hard on the outside and hard on the inside. Think Nolan Ryan, Sandy Koufax, and Bob Gibson. They know they are good; they don’t have to tell you how good they are. As the game gets tighter their pitches get better. They find a few more miles per hour on their fastball, their location improves, they are not going to fold, and they are simply tough to beat.
Winning teams surround themselves with Rock Candy. Before you add someone to the team, or while you are evaluating your current roster, ask yourself these questions:
Are they a cultural fit for my company?
Do they have a specific industry expertise aligned with my company?
Are they interested in my company beyond the initial transaction?
How will they continue to help my company become stronger?
Will they be there in the bottom of the ninth and bases loaded to close the game, or will they fold?
In choosing my teammates and surrounding business partners at Rancho Mesa I continue to ask myself these same questions. Don’t be fooled by a Marshmallow, learn and move on from a Jelly Bean, demand Rock Candy. I encourage you to consider this valuable lesson I learned, accept the challenge that I took when I started Rancho Mesa, and reach for that jar of Rock Candy. In fact, stop by Rancho Mesa and enjoy a piece of Rock Candy. We have a jar at our front desk to remind us each day of our Rock Candy commitment to our clients.
Good Luck
NAWIC Celebrates WIC Week at RDO's Demo Day
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter concluded its celebration of Women in the Construction (WIC) Week at RDO Demo Day on March 7, 2019 at RDO Equipment Co. in Lakeside, CA.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter concluded its celebration of Women in the Construction (WIC) Week at RDO Demo Day on March 7, 2019 at RDO Equipment Co. in Lakeside, CA.
RDO Equipment Co.’s staff and WIC Week committee members welcomed attendees with savory tacos, good music, goodie bags that included personal protective equipment like a pink hard hat, safety vest and safety glasses, and a John Deere pink/camouflage cap, sticker and key chain.
The evening’s main event was the mini excavator competition. Using the excavator’s bucket, participants tried to scoop up three basketballs that were balanced on safety cones, then drop the basketballs into a box. Participants were given a quick instructional lesson on safety and how to operate the Deere 35G excavator. Then, they began their timed run. Ashley Landers from Bay City Electric Works won the competition with the most number of balls dropped in the box in the fastest time.
“At first it was very scary,” said Shelby Ballow from Dowling Construction, Inc. when asked about her experience operating the excavator. “But, my adrenaline was pumping the whole time and it was really fun. I got one ball - first try. And then, it went downhill from there. But, it was really cool and every girl should try an excavator.”
The RDO Demo Day event was part of WIC Week which is designed “to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry,” according to NAWIC. “WIC Week also provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry. It is also a time for local chapters to give back to their communities.”
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is pleased to support the National Association of Women in Construction San Diego and its mission.
About NAWIC San Diego Chapter
The 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.
About RDO Equipment Co.
RDO Equipment Co. in Lakeside, California, serves the greater San Diego and surrounding areas. We sell and service John Deere construction equipment, Hitachi equipment, and Vermeer equipment as well as provide construction technology solutions from Topcon and more. Whether your job calls for paving, excavation, utilities, concrete, demolition, or landscaping work, our experienced sales department will help you find the right equipment for your needs. Our large inventory of parts ensures you get the right parts fast to reduce any costly downtime. We also have highly trained and certified technicians to get your equipment back up and running as quickly as possible. Contact us day or night for your service needs. For more information, visit www.rdoequipment.com.
NAWIC's Toast to the Trades Fundraiser Brings Awareness to Future Construction Leaders Foundation
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter kicked off the Women in the Construction (WIC) Week with a ‘Toast to the Trades’ fundraiser benefiting the Future Construction Leaders Foundation (FCLF) on March 5, 2019 at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse on San Diego Bay.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter kicked off the Women in the Construction (WIC) Week with a ‘Toast to the Trades’ fundraiser benefiting the Future Construction Leaders Foundation (FCLF) on March 5, 2019 at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse on San Diego Bay.
The nearly 200 people in attendance raised $10,000 through ticket sales, silent auction and sponsorships. The funds will be donated to the FCLF, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of programs focused on educating youth about career opportunities in the construction industry and encouraging them to pursue careers in this field.
Kayleen McCabe, the evening’s keynote speaker, is a general contractor, TV host of DIY Network’s Rescue Renovation, and trades advocate. She spoke about the rising demand for trade professionals and how it is currently outpacing vocational training. McCabe advocates for the restoration of America’s respect for the trades. She also enlightened the audience with anecdotes from her TV show and how the popularity of the DIY movement has gotten some homeowners in over their heads with renovation projects.
Ana Gutierrez, tradeswomen at Clark Construction and former Camp NAWIC participant, spoke about her journey from attending camp as a high school student and learning about the various construction trades to her successful career in the industry.
The ‘Toast to the Trades’ event was part of WIC Week which is designed “to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry,” according to NAWIC. “WIC Week also provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry. It is also a time for local chapters to give back to their communities.”
Sponsors for the event included:
Project Manager Sponsors - DPR Construction, Tru-Duct Sheet Metal Fabrication, and MC Painting
Superintendent Sponsors - Paradigm Mechanical Corp., SMART, Titan Fire Protection, RDO Equipment Co., and Wateridge Insurance Services
Foreman Sponsors - Herc Rentals, Harper Construction Company, Inc., Ryan Companies, ROE Strategic, Sunrise Bobcat & Hauling Service, Inc., and Women’s Construction Coalition
Journeyman Sponsors - Clairemont Equipment, C-SOS Consulting, Denning Moores, SASC Surety Associates
Apprentice Sponsors - D3 Construction Services, Inc. and Ferguson Commercial
About NAWIC San Diego Chapter
The 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.
About Future Construction Leaders Foundation
The Future Construction Leaders Foundation of San Diego is dedicated to providing opportunities for young men and women to investigate the many private and public construction career opportunities available. From kindergarten to college, we have hands-on, free programs that expose students to various trades and the corresponding seasoned professionals who can guide and coach them. For more information, visit www.futureconstructionleaders.org.
Rancho Mesa Walks for Charity
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
At the office we sit at the desk quite a bit. If you’re not careful the only time you are getting up throughout the day is at your break and lunch. So, about four years ago Rancho Mesa started a routine as part of their Health and Wellness Program. The daily walks, also known as the 7th Inning Stretch, provide an opportunity for the staff to get away from their desks, get moving, and enjoy the outdoors. This year employees wanted to expand the benefits of the 7th Inning Stretch outside of the office.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
WHAT IS THE 7TH INNING STRETCH?
At the office we sit at the desk quite a bit. If you’re not careful the only time you are getting up throughout the day is at your break and lunch. So, about four years ago Rancho Mesa started a routine as part of their Health and Wellness Program. The daily walks, also known as the 7th Inning Stretch, provide an opportunity for the staff to get away from their desks, get moving, and enjoy the outdoors. Every day at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. a song will play throughout the Rancho Mesa office and when that song concludes, everyone that wants to participate will stand up from their desk, walk to the front door, and head out for some fresh air. Employees walk to the end of the street, turn around and walk back, totaling a distance of a little over a half of a mile. When returning to the office, employees grab a marble. At the end of each quarter they turn in all the marbles collected from each walk. Prizes are awarded based on the number of marbles each person has earned.
This not only gives staff the opportunity to get up and moving, but it gives them the chance to talk and get to know fellow employees. This has been the biggest success with the 7th Inning Stretch; the moral, the culture of our office that has increased as we get to know each other more each day.
HOW IT STARTED
Former employee Dede Pyle proposed the 7th Inning Stretch to Rancho Mesa in November 2014, as a means to stay healthy and focused during the agency’s 01/01 crunch, which is the busiest time of year in the insurance industry. The goal was to raise the energy level in a healthy, non-stressful way, have quality time away from the workstation and create camaraderie within the agency. In addition to the twice daily walks, Rancho Mesa provides healthy snacks on Tuesday, also known as Healthy Snack Tuesday which is an alternative to the vending machine snacks.
“RMI’s 7th Inning Stretch success could not have occurred without the tremendous support of Dave Garcia and the staff. Can you name another company who rewards their employees for time away from their desks?" said Dede Pyle.
WHAT’S NEW IN 2019?
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services Inc. believes it is extremely important to support efforts within the community. Rancho Mesa currently works with over 40 local non-profits and has donated over $1 million in the last 20 years. This year employees wanted to expand the benefits of the 7th Inning Stretch outside of the office. Now employees walk for a local non-profit in lieu of individual gifts. From the 40+ non-profits that Rancho Mesa supports, employees will pick one per quarter to walk for. At the end of the quarter and once the walk goal has been met, Rancho Mesa will donate $1,000 on behalf of their employees, to the non-profit chosen for the quarter.
Employees of Rancho Mesa say, “TOGETHER WE WALK – TOGETHER WE GIVE!”
Rancho Mesa Promotes Healthy Living with Healthy Snack Tuesday
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Every Tuesday following the morning 7th Inning Stretch walk, the Rancho Mesa team gathers in the lunch room for a quick health snack.
Author, Alyssa Burley, Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Every Tuesday following the morning 7th Inning Stretch walk, the Rancho Mesa team gathers in the lunch room for a quick health snack.
Fruits, vegetables, granola bars, trail mix, eggs, olives, hummus and other healthy snacks are skillfully displayed for employees and visitors to enjoy as an alternative to the vending machine options. The tradition is known as Healthy Snack Tuesday.
“We all look forward to Health Snack Tuesday,” said Lori Stone, Accounting Manager and Office Administrator for Rancho Mesa Insurance. “It’s a great way to encourage employees to be healthy.”
Healthy Snack Tuesday began in 2014 as an employee suggestion and was implemented in conjunction with the 7th Inning Stretch walking routine.
Rancho Mesa Hosts From Hire to Fire Workshop
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Friday, February 8, 2019 Rancho Mesa hosted their second workshop of the year at the San Diego Christian College in Santee, CA. The informative From Hire to Fire: Avoiding the Top 10 Legal Mistakes workshop was presented by Chris Frank, the founder of C Frank HR Consulting.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
On Friday February 8, 2019, Rancho Mesa hosted their second workshop of the year at the San Diego Christian College in Santee, CA.
The informative From Hire to Fire: Avoiding the Top 10 Legal Mistakes workshop was presented by Chris Frank, the founder of C Frank HR Consulting. The workshop sparked many questions and discussions of owners, human resource personnel, and office managers who attended.
Attendees walked away with a better understanding of current employment laws, how to minimize legal exposure for their company, and how they can apply law knowledge to effectively coach managers/supervisors and lead employees.
If you missed this workshop, a video of the presentation will be available through the Risk Management Center, along with a downloadable version of the presentation slides and handouts.
Contact Alyssa Burley at (619) 438-6869 for more information about Rancho Mesa’s upcoming workshops and webinars.
Employee Spotlight: Michelle Pandolfi Joins Account Management Team
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is pleased to announce the hiring of Michelle Pandolfi as an Account Coordinator.
Michelle’s experience working as a compliance coordinator and liaison, her great attention to detail, and strong multitasking ability makes her a great asset to the Rancho Mesa team.
Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is pleased to announce the hiring of Michelle Pandolfi as an Account Coordinator.
Michelle’s experience working as a compliance coordinator and liaison, her great attention to detail, and strong multitasking ability makes her a great asset to the Rancho Mesa team.
Michelle was born and raised in San Diego. After she graduated from San Diego State University in 2016, she enjoyed backpacking in Europe, during which she visited 6 countries. In her free time she enjoys wakeboarding, snowboarding, going to the beach, and traveling.
Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is excited to welcome Michelle Pandolfi to the RMI team!