by California Casualty | News |
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 Customer Care Representative, Rafael Romero
Rafael has been with us for almost 2 years and is based in our Colorado office.
Let’s get to learn Rafael!
What made you want to work in Customer Service at California Casualty?
I felt like a needed a change, for the better, from my old job. I saw California Casualty had a posting for this job, so I thought I’d give it a chance.
Ever since my first interview, I knew I really wanted to work here. During the interview process, before I was even hired, the recruitment staff and my managers immediately made me feel like family, and I can honestly say, it has been the same family-like environment ever since.
What is your favorite part about your job?
The very best part about my job is when customers call in hoping they can save some money on their policy and I end saving them hundreds at a time. At that point you can basically see their smile through the phone and it makes me really happy knowing I helped bring it to their face.
I love my job here because this is a company that has shown great appreciation for me and the work that I do to help our customers. I’ve never felt anything but valued since I’ve been here.
This is a very caring, team-centered environment and everyone is constantly looking to help each other and our customers.
What have you learned in your position at California Casualty?
To be honest, before I started working here I didn’t know anything about insurance. So in my 2 years, I’ve learned TONS of information about this industry. So much so, that it was almost overwhelming, but with all the resources available to me and awesome training we have, it has been much easier to compartmentalize everything.
What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?
I really enjoy playing pool; I am part of the American Pool Association and really like playing in leagues and get to know new people!
I also love basketball, I have been a Lakers fan since I can remember and Kobe (R.I.P.) will forever be my idol.
Anything else you would like the audience to know about you?
in 2009, I joined the Army straight out of high school in Puerto Rico. Next thing I know I’m stationed in Ft Carson, CO, and getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan, where I spent a year. I got out in 2013 after I got married and had my daughter, Jaelynn, who is now 7 years old and in 2015 I had my son, Rafael, who is now 4.
I am currently working and going to school to get my accounting degree (I love numbers) and, thankfully, I am less than 20 credit hours away!
If you want to learn more about Rafael 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
by California Casualty | News |
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 Customer Care Representative, Lori Ryan
Hillary has been with us for 4 years and is based in our Colorado office.
Let’s get to learn Lori!
What made you want to work in Customer Service at California Casualty?
When I was applying for my job at California Casualty, I saw an exciting opportunity to work for a company that had “big corporation pay”, with the feel of a smaller “mom and pop” company, that was really focused on customer satisfaction and employee retention.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I enjoy the different ways in which I can impact my customers, whether it’s counseling them on coverage limits or just making the whole experience of dealing with insurance more enjoyable.
I LOVE working for California Casualty because I love our customers. We have such a unique and amazing customer base with our group members. I get to hear their storms of heroism, compassion, and commitment to community, all while helping them navigate and understand their insurance needs and how to protect their assets.
What have you learned in your position at California Casualty?
I’ve learned so much more about different communication styles and how to really reach people on their level, which has translated to me becoming a better communicator in my personal life as well.
What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?
I enjoy yoga, hiking, crafting, and being a boy-mom to my 7 and 5-year-olds.
We like to get out and explore all that Colorado has to offer in the form of state parks, museums, and delicious food!
Anything else you would like the audience to know about you?
I like to thrift shop and enjoy painting and repurposing old furniture.
I’m a transplant from Texas who is addicted to coffee and makeup.
I love my job so much, I commute 45 miles to work (one way) just to get here! During that drive, I like listening to podcasts about History, True Crime, and Philosophy.
If you want to learn more about Lori 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
by California Casualty | News |
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 Team Manager, Hillary Brewer
Hillary has been with us for 20 years (yes, 20!) and is based in our Colorado office.
Let’s get to learn Hillary!
What made you want to work in Underwriting at California Casualty?
I became interested in Underwriting as soon as I started with California Casualty as a Customer Service Representative. I just think that risk analysis and risk management are very interesting topics!
What is your favorite part about your job?
I have the privilege of being a team manager to a fabulous group of people, including Underwriting Service Representatives and Underwriting Assistants. They all work so hard to produce quality work that supports our customers as well as other departments within the company.
I also get to work side-by-side with great CalCas leaders. Seeing their efforts is very inspiring to me. It’s also very fulfilling to be a part of changes that affect the company positively.
I love my job! I love working for a company that always does its best for its customers and for its employees. In some ways (that are good!) working for California Casualty feels like working with family.
I’m given the opportunity to do what I do best every single day.
What have you learned in your position at California Casualty?
What haven’t I learned at California Casualty?! Everything I know about the insurance industry, I’ve learned from my different positions here.
In addition to learning on the job, I have also had the opportunity to advance my education through secular classes. I have obtained 3 insurance designations so far, and keep working toward more knowledge.
What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?
I enjoy long walks in the mountains and spending time with friends and family.
Anything else you would like the audience to know about you?
I have two cats and one cat-sized dog.
I like to cook and to bake, and have recently tried to master the art of making the perfect cupcake. While I have not been very successful in my cupcake-related endeavors, I am not giving up!
I also enjoy cross-stitching little gifts to give to my friends. 🙂
If you want to learn more about Hillary 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
by California Casualty | News |
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 Customer Care Specialist, Sarena Means
Sarena has been with us for almost 4 years now and is based in our Colorado office.
Let’s get to learn Sarena!
What made you want to work in Customer Service at California Casualty?
I heard it was a wonderful company that’s proven its place in the industry by being family-owned for 4 generations and in business for more than 100 years, and it definitely is!
People love working here and stay a really long time. I was so impressed with the tenure here. I’ve never seen another company with higher employee retention. It makes for a great family-like environment and culture.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I love my co-workers, I’ve never worked with better people, and we also have great customers. They love us and we love helping them!
Also, in my position here at CalCas, I feel like I have a lot of opportunities to be heard. I may not always get what I want, but I don’t ever feel belittled by my managers, or that I don’t have anything of value to contribute. The management is always willing to listen to me and my concerns. I feel like I’m important at California Casualty, and they give me the opportunity to do what I do best.
What have you learned in your position at California Casualty?
Looking back, I actually didn’t really know much about our affinity groups. We offer a lot of service to our community heroes and I’ve learned more than I ever thought I would about Teachers, and Police Officers, Firefighters, and Nurses.
You get to really know these people and what matters most to them, and it gives you a deeper level of respect for them and what they do every day to help us.
What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?
I love my family and really enjoy all things with them. Movies, games, Sunday dinners, outside in the sunshine, any and all of it.
Life is changing for us right now. Our oldest moved out in November after buying her first house, and our youngest is going through the Air Force Basic Military Training. That means my husband and I are very new empty nesters and haven’t figured out what that means for us. We’re adjusting to a new normal, but it’s an exciting time!
Anything else you would like the audience to know about you?
My name is Sarena and I’m often teased by customers on the phone about having the same name as the famous tennis player; coincidentally, I actually played tennis in high school. Obviously didn’t go pro, but it was definitely a love of mine for a few years.
I was in an American Furniture Warehouse commercial circa 1999.
I love the Marvel movies, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings. I could watch any of the movies from any of the collections at any time and be completely entertained.
If you want to learn more about Sarena 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
by California Casualty | News |
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 Customer Care Specialist, Amber Ferrell
Amber has been with us for almost 4 years now and is based in our Colorado office.
Let’s get to learn Amber!
What made you want to work in Customer Service at California Casualty?
I love helping people!
With California Casualty insuring those that make the biggest difference in our communities (teachers, first responders, and nurses), there is an immense amount of satisfaction you receive knowing that you have made a positive impact on one of those customers. 🙂
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part about working at California Casualty is that you are given the resources and support to accomplish your goals and to be successful in any role.
California Casualty is definitely a company that you want to work for until you retire. You have so many opportunities for internal growth, that anything is possible!
I love working here. Being a part of this organization makes me feel as though I am not only part of a team, but a family. Not just with my fellow colleagues, but with our customers as well.
What have you learned in your position at California Casualty?
Working in customer service I have discovered that every day is a learning experience, giving you the opportunity with each customer interaction to expand your knowledge and confidence.
I can honestly say, I learn something new every single day.
What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office?
I enjoy cooking and baking, gardening, DIY projects, camping and just getting away to the mountains whenever possible
Anything else you would like the audience to know about you?
I was born and raised in Colorado. I lived in South Florida for 11 years before returning home to Colorado. While in Florida I worked at a florist for 10 years, which is where I developed my love for plants and flowers. I will always appreciate how much a bouquet of flowers can brighten someone’s day
My husband and I have a serious passion for cooking. We enjoy taking cooking classes together and putting our skills to the test at home with our kiddos.
We also have a love for classic cars and we hope to one day buy a project car that we can restore.
If you want to learn more about Amber 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
