Garcia Brothers Attend LANDSCAPES 2021

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

Pictured left to right: Margaret Hartmann, Senior Vice President & Cheif Marketing Officer, Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies; and Greg Garcia, Account Executive of the Landscape Group, Rancho Mesa.

Rancho Mesa’s Landscape Group headed back to Louisville, Kentucky for LANDSCAPES 2021, the largest annual conference for the landscape and lawn care industry. Hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP),  the event took place on October 19-22nd, during which landscape professionals were able to learn from industry leaders and connect with peers.

Rancho Mesa’s Vice President of the Landscape Group Drew Garcia, Account Executive Greg Garcia, and President Dave Garcia walked away with gained knowledge of industry techniques, challenges, new technologies, and best practices through peer-to-peer discussions and insightful seminars.

“This event is a great opportunity for Rancho Mesa to network with other landscape industry professionals, from software providers, manufacturers, contractors and other industry leaders,” says Drew. “It’s important for our team to remain in the loop on things impacting the industry so we can remain proactive for our customers and anticipate change before it becomes an issue. The education sessions offered by NALP are incredible, it’s a great chance to learn and prepare for the future.”

Also in attendance, were Rancho Mesa partners Margaret Hartmann, Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer and Steve Hamilton, Loss Control Manager with Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies.

Pictured left to right: Greg Garcia, Account Executive of the Landscape Group, Rancho Mesa; Margaret Hartmann, Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, BHHC; Steve Hamilton, Loss Control Manager, BHHC; and Drew Garcia, Landscape Group Leader, Rancho Mesa.

LANDSCAPES is held every October in Louisville, KY. We hope you mark your calendar to join us, next year, for another incredible event!

Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes Daniel Bondesson to the Team

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

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is excited to announce the newest addition to our ever growing team, Surety Account Coordinator, Daniel Bondesson.

Daniel grew up in San Diego. After graduating from UC Davis with his bachelor’s degree in international relations, Daniel worked in the hospitality industry. He then decided to switch paths to pursue a career in surety.

In his free time, Daniel enjoys outdoor activities such as surfing, rock climbing, and camping, as well as playing music.  

Daniel is excited to be joining the Rancho Mesa team and we are proud to have his intelligence and perspective in the surety department.

IIAB Celebrates Another Successful I-Day

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

Rancho Mesa’s staff celebrated with Sam Clayton, the company’s Vice President of the Construction Group and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of San Diego (IIAB) President, at the annual Greater San Diego Insurance Day (I-DAY) on October 27, 2021.

I-DAY is known within the insurance industry as the largest one-day trade fair and seminar in California. The event hosted insurance companies, their agents, carriers, vendors, sponsors and others who support the industry.

The highlight of the event was the luncheon.

“It's hard to believe that we're finally here,” Sam began his address to a ballroom of industry leaders. “Our last I-DAY was almost two and a half years ago in April 2019. I just want to say thanks for being here and your support over the last 18 months. Without all of you in this room, there is no association.”

He acknowledged the efforts of past association presidents, current committee chairs and directors while adapting to the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

Despite pandemic restrictions, he mentioned the good that came from the last year.  

“We were able to raise over $7,000 for the Burn Institute,” Sam praised the membership for their efforts. “We were able to raise $5,000 for the San Diego Foundation's COVID 19 Response Fund.”

Guest speaker, MLB Studio analyst, and former outfielder/first baseman Mark Sweeney closed the luncheon with an inspirational talk about how certain people can change their lives.

The day was a success as Rancho Mesa staff was able to visit with long-time industry partners in the exhibit hall while learning about new players in the insurance space.

Happy Halloween from Rancho Mesa

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

Happy Halloween from the Rancho Mesa Santee and La Mesa, CA offices. This year the Rancho Mesa team was able celebrate Halloween together once again. On Friday, October 29, 2021 team members Sierra Stone, Whitney Chiriboga, Megan Lockhart, Sara Scheuneman, Yvonne Gallagher, Christina Haake, Ashley Hunter, Alyssa Burley, Megan Smidt, Daniel Bondesson, Maria Lotta, Daniel Frazee, and Rachel Bristol put on their costumes and participated in the Halloween spirit.

We hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween!

Rancho Mesa’s RM365 HRAdvantage™ Portal Update Introduces New Look and Features

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

On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, users of Rancho Mesa’s RM365 HRAdvantage™ portal were introduced to the platform’s brand new look and enhanced features.

The platform redesign includes not only changes to the site visually with different fonts and colors, but also how the resources are organized to improve functionality.

The dashboard is now customizable with an HR business news feed, favorites, to do list, and more. Users can contact the HR Experts for advice and view open cases directly from the new dashboard.  

Users also will notice some labels have changed like “Learn” and “Comply” are now “Trainings” and “HR Compliance,” but access to high-quality content is still available and easily accessible.    

“What I like about the new design is that the user can customize what they want to see,” Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager with Rancho Mesa, said. “So, if it’s HR news that is important or having quick access to the HR experts, the end user has control over what they see.”  

Rancho Mesa values keeping our clients informed of the changes made to our programs and resources. If clients have any questions regarding these new updates to the RM365 HRAdvantage™ Portal, please contact your Client Services Coordinator.

Employee Spotlight: Megan Lockhart Takes on Media Communications & Client Services Coordinator Role

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

Rancho Mesa team member, Megan Lockhart, has been promoted from Surety & Media Communications Assistant to Media Communications & Client Services Coordinator. While Megan gained valuable skills and enjoyed her time in the surety department, she has fully transitioned to the media communications & client services department to allow her to pursue her true passion in a marketing and client facing role.

"We are excited to have Megan as our newest Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator," said Alyssa Burley, Media Communications and Client Services Manager. "Her attention to detail, willingness to learn, and pleasant demeanor is perfect for this role."

Please help us congratulate Megan on her promotion!

Employee Spotlight: Greg Garcia Joins Rancho Mesa’s Landscape Group

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is thrilled to announce the hiring of Account Executive Greg Garcia, as he joins his father Dave Garcia and brother Drew Garcia in the commercial insurance industry. 

Greg grew up surrounded by the game of baseball, it was the “family business.” After 10 years of professional baseball, five of which came at the major league level playing for the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres, it was time for Greg to join another team.

Greg arrives at Rancho Mesa eager to make his mark. He is working in tandem with Drew specializing in only insuring landscape professionals. Rancho Mesa is excited to have Greg’s dedicated work ethic, team mindset, and drive to excel as a part of the landscape group.

Employee Spotlight: Whitney Chiriboga Promoted to Assistant Account Manager

Author, Lauren Stumpf, Media Communications and Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Whitney Chiriboga began her career with Rancho Mesa in December 2017 as a Receptionist and Certician®. In less than a year, her strong work ethic led her to being promoted to Account Coordinator. After she quickly mastered her new role, her true team building spirit gave her the initiative to assist in training fellow team members in their new positions.

Recently, Whitney earned her Property & Casualty Broker-Agent License, making her qualified to advance to her new role as Assistant Account Manager.

“Whitney’s strong work ethic, quality of work, and attention to detail has proven she is ready to take the next step in her insurance career. We are excited to see her step into this new role,” says Kim Vasquez, Vice President, Account Services Manager.

Please help us congratulate Whitney on her promotion! We look forward to her bright future.

Rancho Mesa Mixes Drinks and Makes Memories at CompWest Event

Author, Megan Lockhart, Surety and Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Information provided by CompWest.

On Wednesday, September 29, several members of our Rancho Mesa team attended the End of Summer Thank You Event hosted by CompWest as a thank you for Rancho Mesa’s partnership and hard work with the organization.

Rancho Mesa coordinators and executives mingled with CompWest representatives at You & Yours Distilling Co. and concocted unique cocktails at their own mixing stations. 

“I really liked meeting Jeraldine [Hartson] and James [Ruby]. It was nice to put faces to the names and to try two different cocktails that I would normally not order,” Ashley Hunter, Account Coordinator with Rancho Mesa, said. “We learned how to measure, shake, stir and pour two cocktails, a Prized Pony and a Chai Maple Old Fashioned. I liked the Old Fashioned better than the Prized Pony because it wasn’t as sweet.”

Through her experience making her own cocktail, Hunter learned new techniques.

“I learned that you put all the ingredients into the cocktail first and add the liquor last. I always did the opposite of this at home,” Hunter said.

The event also allowed Rancho Mesa’s Account Executive Jeremy Hoolihan to gain new knowledge about the history of some cocktails.

“I learned that a Gin & Tonic was originally introduced to the British army to stop the spread of malaria and scurvy. A natural ingredient in gin fended off malaria while the lime added to the drink worked against scurvy,” Hoolihan said.

Rancho Mesa is thankful for its partnership with CompWest and for hosting us for a social event that facilitated community between our two companies.

“These types of social events… build community and strengthen relationships between carriers and brokers,” Amber Webb, Account Executive with Rancho Mesa, said. “I was able to learn about the background of both Jeraldine and James with CompWest and how they have arrived at their current positions. We discussed the appetite of CompWest and some of their underwriting tactics. This allows me and the rest of the RMI team to better understand how best to represent our clients to them as well as help them to understand what types of clients we are working with.”

About CompWest Insurance
CompWest Insurance Company, part of the AF Group, is a dynamic provider of workers’ compensation insurance in California and select Western states, targeting customers in health care, hospitality, manufacturing, professional services, retail and wholesale services, and artisan contractors, ranging in premium up to $1,500,000 (maximum of $500,000 for artisan contractors). They provide leading strategies to small and mid-market employers who desire to achieve long-term cost savings. To learn more, visit www.CompWestInsurance.com

Client Spotlight: Annual Celebrity Waiters Luncheon Returns to Raise Funds for UCP San Diego

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

Coronado Island welcomed back San Diego firefighters, local TV personalities, Hollywood celebrities, look-a-likes, and caring patrons on Friday, September 24, 2021 to raise funds for United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County (UCP) at the 38th Annual Firefighters & Friends Celebrity Waiters Luncheon.

Rancho Mesa’s Kim Vasquez, Lori Stone, Alyssa Burley, Sierra Stone, and Jack Marrs were gratified to attend as guests of Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies. The event was filled with live and silent auctions, generous tips and sponsorships that raised funds for the organization whose mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people affected by cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

Rancho Mesa is truly honored to have UCP San Diego as a client.

About United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County

UCP is an agency committed to serving people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities and their families since 1958. Working throughout the years to improve services with every step, UCP has program centers in San Diego and Escondido and numerous community based programs serving hundreds of local citizens on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.ucpsd.org.