Representing RMI at the 2025 Philadelphia Insurance Big Hitters Event

Author, Sam Brown, Vice President, Human Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

From left: Human Services Group VP, Sam Brown with Philadelphia Insurance Senior VP, Mike Freeman

On October 12th, I attended the 2025 Philadelphia Insurance Big Hitters event in New Orleans, Louisiana. The two-day conference allowed attendees, which included insurance agency leaders and Philadelphia Insurance executives from around the country, a chance to learn from one another, share insights on what the near and long term future holds for insurance stakeholders, and look back fondly on the previous year of positive client outcomes.

Philadelphia remains committed to insuring non-profit and human service organizations, despite the challenging underwriting climate. Part of that is educating and listening to its partner agencies. Over the course of two days, leadership invited the gathered agents to explore what makes Philadelphia successful, but also asked agents as many questions as they answered. Everyone can improve and learn from the attendees’ combined client interactions, successes, and lessons learned.

Business discussions included a sobering presentation on the state of legal system abuse as well as easing property market conditions. To create shared experiences and grow relationships, we had the opportunity to join a local food tour or visit the city’s World War II museum.

Meeting the Philadelphia leaders who make decisions impacting Rancho Mesa clients is the true highlight. I went to advocate for our clients and learn how we can uncover opportunities to produce more successful client outcomes. You don’t always hear a “yes,” but I see possibilities in the “maybes,” too.

 Rancho Mesa has been a Philadelphia appointed agency since 2010.

Rancho Mesa Attends UCP's Annual Celebrity Waiters Luncheon

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Friday, September 26, 2025, United Cerebral Palsy Association of San Diego County (UCP) hosted its 42nd Annual Celebrity Waiters Luncheon on Coronado Island, CA.

The event featured San Diego firefighters, prominent local figures, Hollywood personalities, as well as dedicated supporters, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the San Diego Bay at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa.

The proceeds from the event supported UCP’s mission to empower individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

Our team was honored to attend as guests of Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies. Rancho Mesa looks forward to this event each year and is a proud sponsor of UCP and its mission.

About United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County
Since 1958, UCP is an agency committed to advancing the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people affected by cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Working throughout the years to improve services with every step, UCP has program centers in San Diego and Escondido that provide assistive technology, children's services, equipment recycling, family support, grants & funding, respitality, and more. For more information, please visit www.ucpsd.org.

Employee Spotlight: Emily Feemster Becomes Safety Star™ Certified in Construction

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa congratulates Client Data Analyst & Technology Coordinator, Emily Feemster, for earning her certification in construction safety as a part of our RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ program.

Emily joined the team in July 2025. The courses in the Safety Star program allowed her to learn about the safety issues that impact our clients, teaching important topics relating to construction safety in the workplace. Fall protection, ladder safety, heat illness prevention, and fleet safety are a few of the courses that must be passed in order to earn construction safety certification. Knowledge of these topics help employers mitigate job-related injuries.

The Safety Star program is one of the ways Rancho Mesa ensures clients are equipped with the tools and knowledge to navigate workplace risks effectively.

Rancho Mesa Hosts BHHC and Clients at Aztec Football Game

Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Saturday, September 20, 2025 Rancho Mesa employees were joined in the Snapdragon Stadium suite box by members of Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, E.L. Hobbs and Fuller Electric to witness a historic night of San Diego State football.

“We are always so grateful for time spent with our friends at Berkshire,” said Daniel Frazee, Executive Vice President with Rancho Mesa. “They are truly a part of our Rancho Mesa family and we feel so fortunate to be partnered with them. Go Aztecs!”

The Aztecs put on quite the show, beating the California Golden Bears 34-0 and improving their record to 2-1. The shutout marks the first time SDSU has held a current team from a power conference scoreless since 1975.

Rancho Mesa Strengthens Industry Bonds at IICF San Diego Bowling Tournament

Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

On Thursday, August 28th Rancho Mesa attended the IICF San Diego Bowling Tournament at Mira Mesa Lanes.

Members of the Rancho Mesa team spent the afternoon throwing strikes and spares alongside our carrier partners and other insurance professionals. The event was a positive way to strengthen relationships within the industry while also giving back to the community.

“Relationships are crucial for our business, and they make it possible to more effectively serve our clients,” said Matt Gorham, Account Executive with Rancho Mesa. “Events like this create opportunities to foster and further connections with our carrier partners, helping to promote open, honest communication with underwriters and underwriting managers.”

Rancho Mesa was proud to support the event, as over $40,000 was raised to benefit local San Diego nonprofits through the IICF Community Grants Program.

Visit IICF San Diego’s website to learn more about the organization and how you can get involved.

New Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes Elia Gonzalez

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is excited to welcome the newest member of its team, Elia Gonzalez, as Assistant Client Manager.

Elia has over 25 years of experience in the industry, working with a range of roles and insurance types, including commercial, auto, and private lines. She will now support the client management team in the Construction group.

Elia also holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Universidad Autonoma de Baja California. Her well-rounded experience and education make Elia a valuable addition to the team. We are excited for her future at Rancho Mesa.

Elia was born in Tijuana and has lived in San Diego for over 30 years. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her three adult daughters, pet bearded dragon and cat. She also loves watching movies and going to concerts.

New Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes John Turner

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is excited to welcome its newest member of the team, John Turner, as Assistant Client Manager in the Construction Group.

John joins us with over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, having worked in a variety of roles that have developed his skills in customer relations, sales consulting, and commercial account servicing. In addition to his industry experience, John has an educational background in legal administration, graduating from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration. John’s well-rounded career and education make him a valuable addition to the team.

A fourth-generation San Diegan, John continues to reside in San Diego with his wife and child. Outside of work, he enjoys gardening, restoring his '73 Roadrunner, and making gelato for friends and family.

We are excited to have John join the team, and we look forward to his contributions and success at Rancho Mesa.

Sun, Fun, Team Bonding: Rancho Mesa Celebrates Summer at Mission Bay Resort

Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa made the most of the warm weather at this year’s company summer party. On Saturday, August 9th, employees and their loved ones gathered at Mission Bay Resort for an afternoon of food, drinks, and friendly competition.

The team got to enjoy some delicious barbecue and cold drinks before taking each other on in ping-pong, Jenga, and cornhole all followed by s’mores around the fire.

It was a great chance for our team to relax alongside their families, and celebrate all the hard work that happens year-round. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we’re already looking forward to next year’s event!

Advancing Education: Brittney Thompson Completes Contract Surety School Course

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa’s Surety Client Coordinator Brittney Thompson reached an impressive educational milestone recently, completing the “Contract Surety School – Level 1” course, through the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP).

The three-day course is aimed towards in-house bond department staff and producers, and the curriculum covers topics such as financial statement analysis, work in process concepts and applications. It also teaches credit information-gathering techniques, bond submissions, review of bond forms, and claims handling concepts.

Having completed this course, Brittney is further equipped with the professional knowledge and tools necessary to provide exceptional service to our surety clients, as well as advance her own career.

“I feel so valued and honored that you are investing time, money, and energy into me, to further my career in surety. I am so grateful.” Thompson said.

Rancho Mesa supports both the professional growth and educational advancement of its employees. We are proud of Brittney for her example of initiative, drive, and success with this achievement.

19 Years Strong: Rancho Mesa Named IIAB National Best Practices Agency

Author, Megan Lockhart, Marketing & Media Communications Specialist, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc

Rancho Mesa Insurance is honored to be awarded the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's (Big “I”) Best Practices Agency designation for the 19th consecutive year.

The IIAB defines insurance companies who achieve the Best Practices Agency title as elite industry leaders. This year, over 1,100 agencies throughout the U.S. were nominated to compete for the designation. The agency submissions were scored and ranked objectively on a variety of performance factors. Rancho Mesa was one of only 348 agencies that scored high enough to qualify as a Best Practices Agency.

“Being selected as a Best Practices Agency now for the 19th consecutive year is something I’m extremely proud of,” Rancho Mesa President and CEO, David Garcia, said.

Each year, the data submitted by these top-performing agencies serves as the foundation for the Big “I” Best Practices Study, which is used as a benchmark for other agencies to measure their performance and adjust their businesses based on best practices guidelines.

“The award is one that you have to continually earn the old fashion way, by future of your financial stability, expertise and the services you offer both your clients and employees. With around 39,000 insurance agencies in the United States, being one of just a few hundred agencies honored is really special,” Garcia said.

For nearly two decades, Rancho Mesa has prioritized excellence across all categories of business. The National Best Practices Agency Award serves as a reminder that we’re doing things right, by way of our growth, financial operations, and client care. 

To learn more about what it takes to be a "Best Practices Agency," visit www.independentagent.com/best-practices.