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.