The Pinnacle Club is an elite group of achievers at California Casualty that consist of only the very top performers in our Sales Department.
To reach this career milestone you must be excelling day after day, as stats are analyzed on a monthly basis from January – December. This elite group is the top tier of our company’s new account representatives and every day they are setting the bar higher for their peers around them. “We have a really incredible sales staff, who are doing incredible things, like setting multiple sales records. These Pinnacle Club qualifiers are the very best of the best.” -Greg Friz, Sales Manager AVP.
For 2019, the Pinnacle Club is full of new qualifiers, but many are legacy members of the club; some are being recognized for the 18th, 19th, and 20th time!
Congratulations to our Sales Pinnable Club members, thank you for all that you do for California Casualty and our loyal customers. View the full list of inductees below.
We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The Employee Spotlight is a new series aiming to highlight those talented individuals that make up our successful company culture and community. From human resource recruiters and learning and development trainers to claims adjusters, marketers, customer support specialists, partner relations, sales representatives, and beyond; each week, we’ll highlight a new team member, so you can get to know us better and see how our employees make us who we are as a company.
This edition of the Employee Spotlight will feature our Underwriting Service Representative, Hope Lees
Hope has been with us since the summer of 2018 and is based in our Colorado office.
Let’s get to know Hope!
What made you want to work in Underwriting at California Casualty?
I had always wanted to be an underwriter. When I first joined the insurance industry that’s been the goal. I love being able to review, investigate and problem solve.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I love that each account is different! Every day at work really is a new day with new challenges – it’s exciting!
Underwriting is a real team sport so to speak; you have your peers and your mentors all helping you better understand guidelines, procedures, rare occurrences, or new changes. I love that I am able to come into work every day and enjoy my job and leave it all at the door when I go home.
Management really supports you; stress isn’t a problem here like at some other insurance jobs I worked at in the past. Every day is a new day – it’s never boring here!
What have you learned in your position at California Casualty?
In my time at CalCas I have gained a better all-around improved set of skills including problem-solving, research abilities, and time management.
What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?
Spending time with our friends and family! My husband and I love having our friends over – we all pick a new show to watch and we’ll make wings and food for each week’s new episode.
We love finding new restaurants to try.
We go to concerts throughout the year.
I love traveling! We’ll do quick weekend trips to the hot springs, Las Vegas, Arizona, anywhere we can find a quick last-minute getaway!
Anything else you would like the audience to know about you?
I moved from South Florida to Colorado 15 years ago.
I am the oldest of 4 children – only daughter.
We have 4 rescue cats that were abandoned due to their health conditions. They’re doing amazing and are the sweetest angels.
My husband and I were high school sweethearts – together 8 years, married for 5!
If you want to learn more about Hope or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with her on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
Each summer, for nearly 40 years, California Casualty Partner Relations Field Marketing Managers from across the nation have gathered in one central location to celebrate their achievements from the previous year.
This year, to keep our employees safe and healthy, the ceremony was held virtually with over 70 participants- including California Casualty President and CEO, Joe Volponi.
21 awards were given in total for 2019 including, 1 Rookie of the Year Award, 4 Honors Club Awards, 15 Pinnacle Club Awards, and 1 Partner Relations Advocate Award. Below is a list of our 2019 recipients.
Rookie of the Year:
Honors Club:
Pinnacle Club 5th Place:
Pinnacle Club 4th Place:
Pinnacle Club 3rd Place:
Pinnacle Club 2nd Place:
Pinnacle Club Top Achievers:
Partner Relations Advocate Award:
Congratulations to our 2019 winners!
Thank you for all that you do for California Casualty and our customers, you are greatly appreciated.
We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The Employee Spotlight is a new series aiming to highlight those talented individuals that make up our successful company culture and community. From human resource recruiters and learning and development trainers to claims adjusters, marketers, customer support specialists, partner relations, sales representatives, and beyond; each week, we’ll highlight a new team member, so you can get to know us better and see how our employees make us who we are as a company.
This edition of the Employee Spotlight will feature our Senior Personal Insurance Consultant, Emmett Hughes.
Emmett has been with us for six and a half years and is based in our Kansas office.
Let’s get to learn Emmett!
What made you want to work as an Insurance Consultant at California Casualty?
I was exhausted from working in the HVAC industry, so I thought I would try my hand in the insurance business here at CalCas.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I have awesome co-workers and management!
I also like that I get to do the majority of my work remotely from home with my family.
I get to work with some very creative and helpful people. The work environment is extremely welcoming- even if I’m having a bad day my job still rocks!
What have you learned in your position at California Casualty?
I have learned the true reality of the sacrifices that public safety employees and educators/support staff make for their communities. Most of the time it’s a thankless job, but I get the opportunity to express our gratitude.
What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?
Going on family bike rides and walks with our two dogs.
Spending quality time with my 5 and 9-year-old children.
Exploring interesting things to do in our local community.
Anything else you would like the audience to know about you?
I once met the Nature Boy, Rick Flair, in Tulsa, OK and got his autograph! WOOOOO! (only real fans know)
I’m extremely interested in anthropology and am fascinated by the idea of human origins.
I enjoy watching UFC.
I’m Midwest, born and raised, but I cannot stand to listen to Country music. I ’m a fan of ’80s, ’90s, and 2000’s Rock and Alternative.
I would love to visit Stonehenge, The Pyramids, and Machu Picchu
If you want to learn more about Emmett or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with him on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
We have amazing employees at California Casualty. The Employee Spotlight is a new series aiming to highlight those talented individuals that make up our successful company culture and community. From human resource recruiters and learning and development trainers to claims adjusters, marketers, customer support specialists, partner relations, sales representatives, and beyond; each week, we’ll highlight a new team member, so you can get to know us better and see how our employees make us who we are as a company.
This edition of the Employee Spotlight will feature our Sales Representative, Nathaniel Smith
Kevin is a newer employee at CalCas, he’s been with us for a year and is based in our Colorado office.
Let’s get to learn Nathaniel!
What made you want to work as a Sales Representative at California Casualty?
I was looking for a job that would utilize my sales experience, but also have a welcoming, open culture. My parents, who are teachers and members of California Casualty, recommended I look into CalCas.
What is your favorite part about your job?
The people! Whether they are customers or employees, the people of California Casualty are friendly, open, and fun.
I really love working with my team and fellow Cal Cas employees. The management is very encouraging and development focused. My fellow team members are also very willing to help each other succeed, and encourage each other to do their best. There is also a sense of friendly competition, though most just focus on being the best form of themselves.
What have you learned in your position at California Casualty?
I have learned a great deal about the other side of insurance and how it’s ran as a business.
What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?
My hobbies include playing video games with my friends online, hanging out with my two daughters, and creating fun costumes of my favorite fictional characters to wear to conventions like ComiCon.
I also enjoy camping and being outside with my dog, family, and friends.
Anything else you would like the audience to know about you?
I am a single father of two amazing little girls.
I am trying to go back to school to finish my degree in Business.
I design and make costumes and costume accessories/props for others and hope to build it into a side business one day.
I own a 3D Printer and enjoy making fun things with it.
If you want to learn more about Nathaniel or are interested in a career at California Casualty, connect with him on LinkedIn! Or visit our careers page at https://www.calcas.com/careers
Every year, Independence Day is an opportunity for neighbors to come together to share a meal, catch up, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate America’s independence. And for many, the evening wouldn’t be complete without fireworks.
A flipside of these celebrations can be disputes between neighbors — usually relating to fireworks and noise levels. Here are some ways to keep the peace and preserve your neighborhood’s sense of community this July 4th.
Whether you’re hosting at home, going to a neighbor’s house, or joining a block party, remember that neighborly respect, courtesy and kindness are key to preventing issues.
Communicate with Your Neighbors
If you’ll be hosting a get-together, give your neighbors a heads up so they’re not taken by surprise. Remember to let them know when the party will end so they can know when to expect some quiet. If you and your family are the ones being kept awake by loud noise or neighbors past a reasonable hour, reach out in person instead of immediately calling the police. They may have lost track of the time or be unaware of how much the noise is carrying. The soft approach is often the best approach.
Extend an Invitation
If you’re hosting a casual gathering, consider inviting your neighbors to stop by. A low-pressure, informal party is a perfect opportunity to get to know neighbors a little better — especially those whom you’ve only exchanged waves with while taking in the trash cans. Hanging out in the front yard or co-hosting a block party is another option to encourage visits and conversation.
Honor the Noise Curfew
Check out your city’s noise ordinance and do your best to abide by it. Many people work on July 5th and/or have young kids who need sleep, etc. so wrapping up parties and noise by the curfew will be greatly appreciated.
Practice Fireworks Safety
If you’re thinking of purchasing fireworks, check your city or county government’s website first. Some areas, for reasons such as wildfire risk, ban all fireworks outright (even those that are legal in other cities). If you are in the clear, find a space that you can designate to light them. This area should be far away from anything that could quickly catch fire (i.e., yours and your neighbors’ houses, wooden fences, trees, and shrubs). Before the festivities start, be sure to read up on these firework safety practices.
Clean Up After Yourself
If you had fireworks at your home, be sure to clean up all lit or unlit fireworks. For one, they are toxic to pets and animals; and two, many leave behind sharp fragments that can injure a barefoot or puncture a tire. If your family attended a block party in the neighborhood or went to a neighbor’s home to celebrate, stay a few minutes afterward and help clean up.
If we’ve learned anything during the pandemic, it’s that we’re not islands unto ourselves. We’re part of communities, neighborhoods, work families, and friend networks. Being considerate and inclusive of our neighbors this holiday is one more way to celebrate the American spirit.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
