Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Celebrates Two More Safety Stars

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

Rancho Mesa employees continue to go above and beyond by gaining knowledge of their clients’ risk exposures with the RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ Program.

Account Manager Kelsey McPherson and Media Communications & Client Services Coordinator Megan Lockhart recently became Safety Star certified in construction safety. The safety program required them to study incident investigation, along with at least two additional safety topics based on industry-specific risks such as fall protection, fleet safety, ladder safety, mobility & stretch, and heat illness prevention.

Rancho Mesa is proud of their employees stepping up to understand the potential risks their clients are facing in the field. Ultimately, this will help our employees better serve the needs of their clients.

The RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program is designed for construction and human services industries. If you, or a member of your team, is interested in becoming a Safety Star, please visit the RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program webpage and complete the online application.

Rancho Mesa President Receives ICW Coin Designation

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

On Tuesday, November 23, 2021 Rancho Mesa’s President Dave Garcia received an eminent award from ICW Group.

Dave is the first outside of ICW Group to receive ‘The Coin,’ for embracing above and beyond characteristics and visionary business practices.

‘The Coin’ encompasses four main qualities; honor, integrity, passion, and focus. From valuing our commitments, our communities and each other, to focusing on the details and putting our customers first, Rancho Mesa has indeed embodied these attributes.

“I was completely surprised and honored to receive this recognition and be the first outside of their company to receive it – a true OneofOne moment I will always remember,” says Dave Garcia, President of Rancho Mesa.

About ICW Group
Based in San Diego, ICW Group Insurance Companies is the largest privately held group of insurance companies domiciled in California. ICW Group is recognized nationally as an industry leader in helping policyholders achieve fewer and less costly claims, and is committed to meeting the needs of its policyholders and elevating the trusted agents and brokers who advise them. To learn more, visit www.icwgroup.com.

IIAB San Diego Hosts Celebrity Waiters Holiday Party for Charity

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

For 31 years, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of San Diego (IIAB San Diego) have hosted its Annual Celebrity Waiters Holiday Party for Charity. 

Industry leaders gathered on Friday, December 3, 2021 at the Bahia Resort Hotel on San Diego’s Mission Bay to raise funds for the Burn Institute and Healing Wave Aquatics.  Toys and canned foods were also collected for the El Nido Transitional Housing Program at Interfaith Shelter Network.

Rancho Mesa Vice Presidents Sam Clayton and Sam Brown along with Account Executives Kevin Howard and Amber Webb, Associate Account Executive Jack Marrs, Account Managers Christina Haake, John Parker, and Megan Smidt, with Account Coordinator Rachel Bristol celebrated the holidays and the spirit of giving while supporting the IIAB‘s efforts to raise awareness and much needed funds for local charities.

Sam Clayton, the outgoing IIAB San Diego President, introduced the incoming Board of Directors at the annual event. While his term nears its conclusion, it’s not the end to Rancho Mesa’s support of the philanthropic endeavors of the organization.

Rancho Mesa is proud to be a member of the IIAB San Diego.

Understanding Client Risk: Rancho Mesa Account Executives Become Safety Star Certified

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

Pictured: Rancho Mesa’s Assistant Account Executive Jack Marrs and Account Executive Greg Garcia.

Earlier this year, several Account Executives at Rancho Mesa earned their Safety Star certification as part of the RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ Program.

Account Executives Amber Webb and Greg Garcia earned their certification in Construction Safety and Associate Account Executive Jack Marrs earned his Safety Star in Human Services.

“I personally decided to complete the Safety Star Program so that I could have a better understanding of the most frequently exposed risks my clients and prospects are facing,'' Amber Webb, Account Executive in the Construction Group said. 

The Safety Star Program is important for all business owners and their employees as it teaches important topics relating to safety in the workplace in order to mitigate job-related injuries.

“The Safety Star Program is an important tool that our clients can use to bring common safety topics to the forefront of their workforce and ensure they are properly trained on these topics. It also allows me to showcase my client’s dedication to safety to our carrier partners,” Webb said. 

Rancho Mesa takes safety seriously. We aim to be as knowledgeable and prepared as possible in order to meet our clients’ needs and understand their industry.

“It was important for me to complete the RM365 Advantage Safety Star Program because I wanted to make sure I understood the courses and training that I was sending out to my clients, and how and why it can benefit them,” Greg Garcia, Account Executive in the Landscape Group, said. “Now that I have my Safety Star certification I can better understand the value and content this training can bring to my customers.”

Employee Spotlight: Sierra Stone Promoted to Account Manager

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

Rancho Mesa is excited to share the official promotion of Sierra Stone to Account Manager.

Sierra started with Rancho Mesa in May 2016 as a receptionist and Certician®. She has since worked her way up to an Account Coordinator, and then to an Assistant Account Manager position where she diligently showed the grit necessary to take on her new role and responsibilities as Account Manager.

“Her attention to detail, desire to learn and willingness to accept new challenges will make her an exceptional Account Manager within our construction unit,” says Kim Vasquez, Vice President of Account Services with Rancho Mesa.

Please help us congratulate Sierra on her promotion!

Listen to Ep. 120 Getting to Know Your Rancho Mesa Family with Sierra Stone to learn more about Sierra!

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.