Rancho Mesa’s Top Podcast Episodes and Articles of 2024

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

Rancho Mesa has always been committed to empowering employers with essential knowledge about insurance, surety, and workplace safety. We kept up this commitment in 2024, producing nearly 100 podcasts and articles covering topics central to the industry. As we look back on the past year, here is some of our most impactful content from 2024.

Top Podcast Episodes of 2024:

1. Ep. 393 Navigating 2024's Contractor Challenges with the Surety Association of San Diego

Andy Roberts, Rancho Mesa's Account Executive for the Surety Department and President of the Surety Association of San Diego (SASD), is joined by fellow SASD board members to delve into the major challenges confronting contractors in 2024 and strategies for optimizing your surety relationships.

2. Ep. 443 Exploring the Current Commercial Surety Climate

Andy Roberts, Rancho Mesa's Surety Account Executive, is joined by Miggs Borromeo, Commercial Surety Underwriter for Merchants Bonding, to discuss the current climate of the commercial surety world in Southern California.

3. Ep. 411 The Prime Contract and Its Impact on Your Rights and Responsibilities

Rancho Mesa’s Surety Relationship Executive Anne Wright talks with Pam Scholefield of Scholefield Law in San Diego, and discusses the factors subcontractors should consider before signing a prime contract.

4. Ep. 447 Exploring Innovation and Problem Solving in the Commercial Construction Industry

Kevin Howard, Partner with Rancho Mesa, interviews Jeremy Dentt of Dentt Properties Inc. and explores a range of topics relating to innovation and problem solving in the commercial construction world.

5. Ep. 403 Return to Work Programs: Best Practices for Handling Workers' Comp Claims

Rancho Mesa's Media Communications & Client Services Manager Alyssa Burley and Account Executive Casey Craig discuss return to work programs as a best practice for handling workers’ compensation claims.

Top Articles of 2024:

1. WCIRB 2024 Construction Dual Wage Threshold Increases Approved

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara approves an increase in hourly wage thresholds for all 16 construction dual-wage classifications. This article outlines the increases for each classification.

2. Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa’s Christina Haake Elected President of PWI

Senior Client Manager Christina Haake was elected President of the Professionals within Insurance (PWI) San Diego. Haake shares her thoughts on the organization and what she is looking forward to in her term as President.

3. Most Commonly Reclassified Lawn Care and Landscape Workers Compensation Governing Codes

In states that are under the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) rating bureau (in which there are currently 35), there are two major class codes used by landscape professionals. Each code applies to specific job duties and have different rates. This article explains when each class code should be utilized.

4. New California Employment Laws for 2025

New legislation was implemented across California at the start of 2025. This article highlights some of the most relevant legal changes for California business owners in the new year.

5. How Healthcare Staffing Agencies Can Prevent Claims

Healthcare staffing agencies play a vital role in maintaining patient care standards. This article provides steps healthcare staffing agencies can take to prevent claims and protect their operations.

Rancho Mesa’s entire library of insurance and safety podcast episodes and articles can be found on our website under “Insights.” To get the latest podcast episodes and articles, subscribe to our weekly newsletter

Employees Overwhelmingly Vote Rancho Mesa Best Workplace

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

The insurance industry is a people business and Rancho Mesa is proud of the work we do in our community and the people on our team. The dedicated individuals who protect our clients are truly what sets us apart.

We value employee satisfaction across all areas of life. So much so, we decided to ask employees about their job satisfaction and we found that 93.5% of our employees said they have a high level of overall job satisfaction. And, while many companies have purchased “best place to work” awards through various publications, Rancho Mesa wanted real data from our real employees. Last year, Rancho Mesa used MarshBerry’s reputable Employee Engagement Survey which allowed employees to voice their opinions honestly and confidentially. MarshBerry then evaluated the feedback and provided a summary of the results. These results offered insight into areas such as career advancement, management, and work/life balance. Here’s what they discovered.

94.3% of employees say their work schedule allows them to have a work/life balance.
Rancho Mesa prioritizes work/life balance by ensuring manageable workloads, encouraging employees to take regular breaks, and time off. The agency offers a strong PTO policy, wellness programs via its health benefit plans, all in order to support employees' well-being. Rancho Mesa leadership promotes deep respect for personal time, with no expectations for after-hours work. The agency believes in recognizing the team’s efforts, ensuring that everyone can maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

97.4% of employees say their careers are being advanced by working at Rancho Mesa.
The agency supports employees' career growth through continuing education courses, professional development workshops, and internal promotions. Rancho Mesa funds insurance licensing and certifications for team members, encouraging designations such as AIS, AINS, CRIS, and CISR. Furthermore, in 2024 Rancho Mesa promoted 16% of its entire workforce to more advanced positions. The agency is passionate about supporting its employees' professional goals, setting them up for a fulfilling and successful careers.

97.5% of employees say their immediate supervisor cares about their well-being.
Rancho Mesa upholds a leadership style that is committed to maintaining open lines of communication, regular check-ins and guidance when needed. Leadership also recognizes and celebrates achievements with initiatives like the OneofOne® Recognition Program, encouraging both leadership and employees to submit praise for when their team members go above and beyond. Based on the numbers, 67% of Rancho Mesa employees were publically recognized for their OneofOne work in 2024. The agency is proud to have cultivated a work environment where employees feel supported and truly cared for by their team.  

97.4% of employees say their job fully utilizes their knowledge, skills and experience.
The agency is committed to offer challenging and meaningful work that aligns with the team’s individual expertise. Rancho Mesa also utilizes employees' skills by creating opportunities for them to train and mentor others, encouraging continuous learning, and ensuring every team member can grow and contribute in their own distinct way.

92.1% of employees say they plan to keep working at Rancho Mesa for at least the next three years.
Rancho Mesa is proud to maintain a low employee turnover rate, which reflects the strong loyalty and satisfaction felt among the team members. Many employees choose to build long-term careers with Rancho Mesa, some even retire after 20+ years. Rancho Mesa believes this is the biggest indicator of its commitment to employees.

We’re honored to have the real voices of our team vote Rancho Mesa a best place to work, and we’re proud of the company culture that led to these results. If you are seeking a lasting career that values personal growth, professional development, and a positive work environment, you are invited to explore Rancho Mesa’s employment opportunities. 

Employee Spotlight: Brenda Khalil Named Client Technology Coordinator

Author, Alyssa Burley, Partner, Media Communications & Client Services Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa is excited to announce Brenda Khalil is now a Client Technology Coordinator in the Media Communications and Client Services Group.

After joining Rancho Mesa in November 2023 as a Client Coordinator, Brenda has shown her drive to learn new skills and expand her knowledge of the industry.

As a Client Technology Coordinator, she is now working with clients to implement Rancho Mesa’s RM365 HRAdvantage™ Portal and SafetyOne™ mobile app and website, along with administering the RM365 Advantage Safety Star™ Program.

“I am excited to embark on this new adventure in Client Services, as my desire to help others and be creative, backed by prior experience, will allow me to be a true contributing member of an already amazing team of people. I look forward to assisting our clients,” said Brenda.

Rancho Mesa is delighted to see Brenda growing her career within the Media Communications and Client Services Group.

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. Honored with Best Practices Agency Designation for Eighteenth Consecutive Year

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc., has been awarded by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”) as a Best Practices Agency for the eighteenth consecutive year.

This prestigious recognition is given to an elite group of agencies that undergo a comprehensive analysis of their methods, practices, and financials to determine who is the best in the industry. Out of approximately 35,000 independent insurance agencies in the U.S., 2,600 were nominated and only 235 were selected this year for this distinction. In California, Rancho Mesa stands out as one of a select few agencies to earn the Best Practices status.

To qualify, an agency must first be nominated. Following the nomination, it must submit detailed financial and operational information, which is then analyzed, scored, and ranked objectively based on operational excellence, including outstanding customer service, growth, stability, and financial management. Each agency must be among the 35-45 top-performing agencies in its revenue category to be awarded Best Practices status.

The data collected from these Best Practices independent insurance agencies is studied and used to establish benchmarks, enabling other agencies to measure their performance and adapt their businesses based on the best practices guidelines established through the study.

“This award is incredibly challenging to achieve, and I am immensely proud of our team's sustained efforts. Congratulations to everyone at Rancho Mesa for your dedication and hard work,” said Dave Garcia, President of Rancho Mesa.

Each year, the Big “I” publishes its "Best Practices Study," which includes financial and operational data collected from agencies across the United States. The 2024 Best Practices Study will be available later this year and will feature a list of all the Best Practices Agencies by state, as well as the study's results.

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

Client Spotlight: UCP San Diego Hosts 39th Annual Celebrity Waiters Luncheon

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

On Friday, September 23, 2022, United Cerebral Palsy Association of San Diego County (UCP) hosted their 39th Annual Celebrity Waiters Luncheon on Coronado Island, CA.

Rancho Mesa’s Dave Garcia, Lori Stone, Alyssa Burley, and Christina Haake were honored to attend as guests of Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies. San Diego firefighters, local TV personalities, sports mascots such as the Padre’s Swinging Friar, celebrities, Hollywood look-a-likes, and generous supporters helped raise over $62,000. The proceeds benefit UCP’s mission to assist people affected by cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

Rancho Mesa is excited to attend 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 and numerous community based programs serving hundreds of local citizens on a daily basis. For more information, please visit www.ucpsd.org.

Daniel Frazee and Paul Zamora Team up for the Win

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

Rancho Mesa’s Executive Vice President Daniel Frazee and ICW Group’s Senior Vice President of Workers’ Compensation Paul Zamora pose together with the coveted trophy signifying their win at last year’s golf retreat.

In preparation for this year’s trip, Zamora brought the perpetual trophy into the Rancho Mesa office which allowed for a quick photo op and friendly banter about the games to be played in a few weeks.

Annually, the pair team up to play a few rounds against Standard Drywall’s President Bob Caya and Rancho Mesa’s President Dave Garcia, while in Lake Tahoe.

Outings like these allow for carriers and insureds to get to know each other on a more personal level.

In a few weeks, the 2022 winning team will be added to the trophy.

Video: Lead the Way in 2022

Rancho Mesa’s annual video highlighting the company’s theme for the year premiered at the company-wide virtual kick-off meeting on January 14, 2022.

Whether your organization’s specialty is building our community’s infrastructure or molding our communities’ character and well-being, Rancho Mesa is here to lead the way in 2022.

© Copyright 2022. Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

Transcript

Through our workers’ compensation Key Performance Indicator dashboard, we’ll provide the data and analysis your organization’s leadership needs to make informed business decisions.

Minimize the impact of workers’ compensation claims on your organization using our in-house claims advocacy service and ensure your employees get the care and respect they deserve throughout the process.

Our innovative technology platforms and personalized approach to risk management ensures you have the right tools and expertise when you need them.

Build confidence that your business is in compliance with the latest legislative requirements with our smart employee handbooks. Get personalized expert advice from live human resources professionals when you need help navigating the ever-changing labor market.

Our RM365 HRAdvantage™ portal is your one-stop-shop for managing your human resources.

Establish a safety culture with our Risk Management Center. Show your employees their well-being is most important to you and directly affects the overall health of the organization. 

Your dedicated client services coordinators will guide your team on a path to risk management, pointing out best practices along the way for generating OSHA logs, and implementing effective training programs.

Stay informed with StudioOne™, our safety and risk management network. Listen to interviews with industry leaders on your favorite podcast platform. Gain access to safety and risk management experts at our workshops and webinars. Tune in for on-demand video tutorials and training classes that fit your schedule.

Your Rancho Mesa team is here to walk you through managing your risks.

Join us, we’ll lead the way.

Developing solutions, building trust, protecting clients - one relationship at a time.

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.

Employee Spotlight: Rancho Mesa Welcomes Sara Scheuneman to the Team

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

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services is proud to announce the newest addition to our growing team, Account Coordinator Sara Scheuneman.

Sara grew up in San Diego. After graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in kinesiology, Sara worked in the sports medicine and fitness industry. She then decided to switch paths and pursue a career in commercial insurance.

Sara has a passion for physical and mental wellness. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, riding horses, fishing, weightlifting at the gym, and cooking for herself and her friends.

Sara’s diverse educational knowledge across multiple subjects such as health sciences, mathematics, and computer science, makes her a well-rounded asset to fill the Account Coordinator role. Rancho Mesa is thankful to have Sara’s intelligence and passion on the team and we are excited to see what she will achieve.

Employee Spotlight: Beth James Joins Rancho Mesa as Account Coordinator

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications & Client Services Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurances Services, Inc.

Beth James, a former educator of elementary through high school students and public speaking coach for a speech and debate league, has decided to take her career in a new direction with Rancho Mesa Insurance. She’s utilizing her superb interpersonal communication skills and administrative expertise in her new role as account coordinator.

 As a recent graduate of the Office Professional Training program at Grossmont College, Beth is ready to dive into the commercial insurance industry as a member of the Rancho Mesa team.

 Rancho Mesa welcomes Beth to the family!