No Tricks by Rancho Mesa, Just Treats for the Boys & Girls Club

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurances Services, Inc.

Over the last few weeks, as we’ve heard more and more about what a different Halloween this is going to be for children everywhere, we wanted to try and help put a few smiles on children’s faces. “With COVID-19, we all feel a sense of fatigue and desire to go back to life as it once was. But, for now that isn’t possible,” said Dave Garcia, President of Rancho Mesa. “We thought, as the Rancho Mesa family, we could maybe bring some joy to a few children this Halloween.”

So, we came up with the idea to package 500 trick or treat bags; loaded with candy, a gaiter facemask, and mini hand sanitizers donated by Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, and distribute them through two of our clients: the Boys & Girls Clubs of both East County and South Bay.

Rancho Mesa team members, Kim Vasquez, Lori Stone, Alyssa Burley, and Sierra Stone ordered all the goodies and for the last four weeks have been filling the treat bags during lunch. 

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the four of them stepping up and finding the time to make this happen – and I can’t wait to see pictures of the smiles on those children’s faces,” says Dave.

Beginning this week, the Boys & Girls Clubs will begin handing out the trick or treat bags to all the kids that visit the clubs. With each bag, there is a printed card asking them to take a picture of themselves and send it back to us so that we can post their smiling faces for everyone to enjoy.

Be sure to check back next week as we post all those smiling faces. Happy Halloween from the Ranch Mesa family!

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Ghosts, goblins and pumpkins, oh my! 

Witches flying on brooms through the sky. 

Halloween is particularly spooky this year,

Thanks to the Evil Dr. COVID we had extra to fear.

But fear not, our RMI team quickly got to work,

On a special surprise that would surely bring a smirk.

Bags filled with candy, toys and masks,

Even some hand sanitizer for those everyday tasks.

Then off to the Boys & Girls Club 500 bags went,

For all the sweet little ones whose days are spent,

With the amazing staff and team at the Boys & Girls Club,

So of course, we couldn’t help but want to spread the love.

From all of us at the Rancho Mesa Team,

We want to wish you all a fun, and safe, Halloween!

Culture Works Gives Remote Recruiting Advice During Live Webinar

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance, Services Inc.

Social distancing is becoming our “normal” and many businesses have resorted to tele-commuting and doing more meetings remote. In the current employment climate, how can an employer be sure they’re hiring the right fit for the company, virtually? Thanks to Culture Works, on Tuesday, September 29th, 2020, Rancho Mesa clients got an in depth walk through of best practices for remote recruiting and interviewing in a live webinar.

Kristi Pestore, CEO of Culture Works, and Melisa Meral, Culture Operations Specialist for Culture Works spent about an hour providing insight on how to execute effective remote interviews and how to attract and retain employees. 

We are in a digital age, so getting a potential candidate to click on your job posting and then follow through with submitting an application can be difficult. Key things Kristi and Melisa mentioned are both monetary and non-monetary benefits. It’s as simple as asking your current employees what they like about their jobs. It usually has nothing to do with the wage, but about the company culture. Highlighting cultural things like quarterly group lunches or holiday events can spark interest, causing a potential candidate to inquire and learn more about the company and position.

Another important thing to remember when remotely interviewing is to be prepared. If you have multiple interviewers, make sure you are all on the same page prior to meeting. Do your research on the applicant, as well. It never hurts to do a quick search on popular business-based social media platforms to see how an applicant represents themselves online.

The webinar ended with a brief question and answer segment. Some of the questions asked were, how many interviews should you conduct with a candidate? Can we ask about their past wages? And, what are some suggestions for multiple candidate virtual interviews? To find out the answers to these questions and maybe get answers to some of your own questions, watch the recorded webinar. 

To sign up for other Rancho Mesa webinars, visit our website at www.ranchomesa.com/workshops-and-webinars.

Drew Garcia Goes National in NALP’s The Landscape Professionals

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance, Services Inc.

It’s no secret that Drew Garcia, Vice President of Rancho Mesa’s Landscape Group, has been helping landscape clients for years in best practices and how to stay safe on the job. But now, he is going national to help landscape professionals all over the country, again!

In this month’s NALP’s The Landscape Professionals Magazine, Drew breaks down the five things landscape companies can do to lower their Experience Modification Rates (XMOD). 

“Landscape companies with a low Experience Modification Rating typically exhibit similar best practices when dealing with work-related injuries. Their proactive approach helps close claims faster and returns employees to work sooner than their counterpart,” writes Drew Garcia.

The NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals) represents almost 100,000 landscape industry professionals around the world. Specializing in landscape design and installation, lawn care, maintenance and more, the national trade association is made up of students, consultants, state associations and affiliate members, plus industry suppliers. Their mission is “to advocate for lawn and landscape industry growth and the benefits we provide to our communities.”

To learn more about how to lower your XMOD, contact Drew Garcia at (619) 937-0200 or drewgarcia@ranchomesa.com.

Rancho Mesa Attends Annual NAWIC Golf Event

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance, Services Inc.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) San Diego Chapter held their annual golf tournament on August 27th, 2020 at the Twin Oaks Golf Course in San Marcos, California. This year’s event was conducted a little bit different to ensure safe social distancing between attendees. 

Rather than their traditional golf tournament where players can mingle before and after the round of golf,  they were all given specific tee times throughout the day. 

To reduce the size of attendees and to say “thank you” to past event sponsors, the event was by invitation only. Rancho Mesa’s Sam Clayton, Vice President of the Construction Group and Kevin Howard, Account Executive, showed their support alongside John Fischl from Sentry Insurance, and Mike Weimann from 24 Hour Express Plumbing & Services.

Players enjoyed individually packaged hand-crafted lunches prepared by the golf course’s snack bar and plenty of refreshments.

To participate in the event, each team donated an opportunity prize for this year’s drawing. Participants purchased drawing tickets to raise money for Rady’s Children’s Hospital and the NAWIC Education Foundation (NEF). 

Founded in Fort Worth, Texas by sixteen women, NAWIC’s core purpose is to “Strengthen and amplify the success of women in the construction industry.” For over 65 years they have been providing education, professional development, networking and more to their members.  Learn more at www.nawicsd.org.

Rancho Mesa Welcomes Baby Girl Camryn!

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Move over Sarah Jessica Parker, Camryn Katherine Parker has made her debut! 

It was a beautiful San Diego day on July 14th, 2020.  Account Manager, John Parker, and wife Kimmie welcomed their sweet baby girl at five in the evening. Camryn is 8lbs 10ounces and 20 inches long. Mom and baby are happy and healthy.

Camryn was greeted at home by her two furry siblings.  The Rancho Mesa family would like to extend a big congratulations to the Parker family and we can’t wait to meet Camryn and snuggle her once it’s safe.

NAWIC Today Magazine publishes Sam Clayton’s Cyber Threats Article

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurances Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa’s Sam Clayton, Vice President of the Construction Group, recently had an article published in the July/August 2020 issue of NAWIC Today, the National Association of Women in Construction's (NAWIC) official publication. This nationally-distributed magazine covers construction safety, technology, leadership and other important industry topics. Leading the CyberOne™ program for Rancho Mesa, Sam is has an extensive knowledge about how the construction industry can protect itself from losses due to cybercrimes.

Sam’s article titled “3 Cyber Threats of Employee Telecommuting” features helpful tips to minimize threats to businesses while many employees are currently working remote. Check out Volume 4/Number 4 of NAWIC Today for the full article.

Founded in Fort Worth, Texas by sixteen women, NAWIC’s core purpose is to “Strengthen and amplify the success of women in the construction industry.” For over 65 years they have been providing education, professional development, networking and more to their members. Rancho Mesa Insurance Services offers a CyberOne™ insurance program designed for NAWIC members.

Want even more information about cyber threats and how you can be prepared? Listen to our podcast StudioOne™ Safety and Risk Management Network on most major streaming platforms.

Edited 4/19/2021.

Rancho Mesa’s Party of Five

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Babies, we were all one once; and many of us have had them or are having them. During the Baby Boom, 50 million babies were born between the 1940s and 1950s. We haven’t seen numbers like that since, until this year. Well, we may be exaggerating a little.

Since the start of 2020, Rancho Mesa’s family has continued to grow. In January, we welcomed sweet baby girl Rylee. Rylee is daughter to Sierra Stone, one of our Assistant Account Managers, and granddaughter to Lori Stone, Rancho Mesa’s Accounting Manager. This is Sierra’s first child and Lori’s second grandbaby.

With March bringing more luck than ever, Andy Roberts, Account Executive in the Surety department, and wife Kelsey brought Reagan Lee into the world. Andy says he is looking forward to seeing her reach all the milestones: first steps, first word, first boyfriend – just kidding, Andy!

Springtime came after the winter melted away. We had a wet winter here in San Diego, so the season change was more than welcomed. Another grandbaby was born into the Rancho Mesa family. Kim Vasquez introduced her second grandson from daughter Brittani Davis who also works at Rancho Mesa as an Account Manager in Santee. Both are looking forward to watching new baby boy Desmond and big brother DJ build a relationship and grow together.

We also have some amazing tiny humans to look forward to in the coming months. In August, Account Manager John Parker is expecting his first baby. Their fur children are eagerly awaiting, as well. 

As Summer comes to an end, a new beginning will start at the Thomas household. Account Coordinator Erin and family are waiting for baby boy #2. Big brother Jaxon can’t stop asking when the baby will be here, and Erin just wants to hold him.  Don’t worry, that day will be here sooner than you know.

We want to say congratulations to all our parents and soon to be parents. Bringing a life into the world is one of the most special and amazing things you can experience. It’s also one of the hardest, but so rewarding. The next generation of Rancho Mesa Insurance is coming and we can’t wait to watch them grow and flourish.

A Silver Lining

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Day 92 in quarantine: you’re starting to forget what day of the week it is, wondering if your jeans remember who you are, and thinking about when this pandemic might be behind us for good. It’s hard to think of a silver lining through all of this, but there are glimmers of hope. 

Many are working from home and some are only beginning to return to work. At Rancho Mesa, we are lucky to have continued business as usual - well, as usual as it can be given most of us have not been in the office for months. Christina Haake, Account Manager, says she misses her friends and family in Santa Barbara most, but misses being spontaneous. “Now everything has to be planned and timed: going to the store, video calls, etc.” When asked what she has learned from the stay-at-home order, she said it has made her realize how important it is to show affection as much as possible because you never know the next time you will have the chance. Christina is a Disneyland annual pass holder and is counting down the days until she can sport her favorite pair of ears, once again.

Pictured: Christina Haake.

Pictured: Kimmie Parker and John Parker.

Then, there are the anxious sports fans. Quiet nights on the diamond, the void of fantasy league notifications and reruns on Monday nights take the place of watching the ol’ pigskin fly live on TV. John Parker, Account Manager, from our La Mesa office, is currently sheltered-in-place with his family and has been collecting baseball cards to occupy his free time over that last few months. His wife, on the other hand, has been enjoying virtual baby showers for their first child, who is due this Summer! Their babymoon to Palm Springs may be on hold, but John says it gives them something to look forward to when life gets back to normal. Both of them love music and going to local concerts, so they can’t wait to be outside again enjoying their favorites with friends.

Daniel Frazee, Executive Vice President, is occupying his time by watching all the Avengers movies with his four children. As much as he loves having them home, Daniel is the office social butterfly and admits he misses the interaction with his co-workers. Through this ordeal, Daniel has continued to work from the La Mesa office, along with Account Executive Jeremy Hoolihan. “I’ve worked with Jeremy for years and this situation has actually brought us much closer.” 

Pictured: Emily Marasso and husband.

Personally, I can’t wait to hear the words, “may I take your plate for you?” Or, “would you like another refill?” But, in all seriousness, almost everyone I have spoken with about the temporary shutdown has said – don’t take the little things for granted like going to Costco without feeling like you’re standing in an amusement park line,  leaving the house without a facial covering, hugging your loved ones, or sitting at a restaurant to eat. Our daily routines are far from normal, but we are getting there as more and more businesses and services begin to open up. The silver lining in all of this is that we’ve learned to appreciate each other and the things around us. I am happy to say I know most of my neighbors now, thanks to this!

In a world where everything is becoming automated, digital and rushed, this pandemic is reminding us of a simpler time. What are you looking forward to when this has passed? "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light," Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Safety Spotlight: Klausing Group Celebrates 3 Years of Outstanding Safety

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Rancho Mesa’s Vice President of the Landscape Group and Chairperson for the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Safety Committee Drew Garcia had the opportunity to congratulate Klausing Group for three years without a lost time accident.

For 12 seasons, 156 weeks, 1,095 days or 6,245 hours, Klausing Group was accident free.  That level of commitment to safety is hard to achieve in the landscape industry.

Klausing Group is a commercial landscape company located in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky.  With over 20 years in business, they aren’t just focused on creating and maintaining landscapes, the group certifies and trains employees in the landscape industry and has become a leader in doing so.

Drew Garcia has been a Chairperson for the NALP Safety Committee for 4 years and champions companies to who take safety seriously.

“Nothing substitutes a strong safety culture.  You have to be about safety and talk about safety on a daily basis and obviously at Klausing Group, the safety culture is incredibly strong,” said Drew Garcia.

Rancho Mesa congratulates Klausing Group for their excellence in workplace safety.

Homemade Heroes to the Rescue! – At Rancho Mesa Insurance

Author, Emily Marasso, Media Communications Assistant, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Masks have become one of the most popular accessories in 2020, due to COVID-19, and are in short supply because of it. Rancho Mesa Certician Vicki Painter and retired Rancho Mesa employee Merry Rosseau knew they had to help.

Vicki and Merry worked diligently to make masks with whatever they had accessible to them. When there was a shortage of elastic, they resorted to using elastic headbands as an alternative. From lemons, to buffalo check and even Mickey Mouse, these two incredible women managed to make enough masks not only to provide for our Santee and La Mesa offices and families, but they even made enough to hand out masks to clients and delivery workers!

We would like to take a minute to send a huge virtual hug and thank you to Vicki and Merry for their hard work and generosity. They truly represent OneofOne®. From all of us at Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, we hope you are staying safe and healthy.