BROKERAGE OPERATIONS
LA CRESCENTA
PHONE 818-249-0100 FAX
818-249-1166
Cindy Blazer
cindyb@monarchexcess.com
Ext 223
Max Kafkaloff
Ext 256
I am a native Southern Californian and have worked in the surplus lines insurance industry since 1984. In my spare time I am involved in local community and political issues, enjoy reading and am a West Wing fanatic.
January, 2007, marks my 58 years in the insurance industry in the L.A.
area, beginning with Sayre & Toso, Inc., and W.B. Brant Company, Inc.,
Surplus Lines Brokers. Our casualty, property, and inland marine
contracts were 100%with Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London. The ocean
marine and aviation coverages were placed in the Open Market.
In 1957/1958 S.& T. and W.B.B. were appointed by the Employers Surplus
Line Insurance Company of Boston. The first American Company to write
non-admitted insurance through Surplus Lines Brokers. The rest is
history.
S. & T. and W.B.B. are
no longer in business, but Monarch E&S is, with binding authority with
Lloyd’s and American Companies.
SAN DIEGO
PHONE 619-521-2170 FAX
619-521-2180
Lance Amick
lancea@monarchexcess.com
Ext 228
I started my insurance career right here in beautiful San Diego as a personal lines retail agent. After 3 years I took a 2-year break from the insurance business. I re-entered the industry on the E & S Company side in 1991 and occupied many positions from data entry to marketing to various underwriting (casualty, property, and garage). In the 11-1/2 years I was with the company my travels took me from the home office in Columbus, OH to help open a regional office in Phoenix, AZ in 1997. In 2004 I then joined the wholesale side with Monarch, back here in sunny San Diego where it all started. When I'm not working I enjoy a round of golf or visiting the lovely sights of Southern California with my wife.
RANCHO MIRAGE
PHONE 760-779-5555
FAX 760-779-5234
Debbie Messina
debbiem@monarchexcess.com
Ext 227
I spent undergraduate schooling at University of Wisconsin, and went on to become a licensed retail insurance broker in Southern California in 1978. I bring 28 years of combined retail and wholesale insurance experience including the successes of opening 2 wholesale insurance branch offices over the past 10 years. My insurance experience includes attendance at numerous carrier sponsored educational training courses that contribute to my in depth knowledge of the increasingly complex insurance industry. Prior retail insurance experience includes extensive marketing and an account executive position for a Los Angeles firm over a 10 year span. Currently, I am the branch manager of the Monarch - Rancho Mirage office with a total staff of six employees. The office has been in operation since late 2003. My staff & I focus on writing small to medium commercial accounts for general liability, property, packages, excess liability, inland marine and some professional liability.
SIMI
VALLEY
PHONE 805-577-6800
FAX 805-577-1915
Matt Merkle
mattm@monarchexcess.com
Ext 226
I joined Monarch as AVP and Branch
manager of the Simi Valley office in 2004. Prior to joining Monarch, I
was President of another Southern California wholesaler producing
Property and Casualty insurance. I began my insurance career in 1988
working in the accounting department for a wholesale general agent. In
addition to my management role in Simi Valley, I produce a book a
business of Property, Casualty and Professional Liability insurance.
I reside in Simi Valley
with my wife, Chris, and daughter, Amanda. Outside of the office, I
enjoy spending time with the family and getting out on the golf course.
NOVATO
PHONE 415-883-1411
FAX 415-883-1752
Lisa Martone
lisam@monarchexcess.com
Ext 101
Briana Griffin
brianag@monarchexcess.com
Ext 103
I was born in Visalia, CA and lived in the Central Valley until moving to the Bay Area in 1992. I started my insurance career in Visalia for an independent agent in 1988. I continued working as a retail agent until 1997 and then started my underwriting career in the wholesale business. I became as a Senior Underwriter for an excess & surplus lines business in Petaluma. In 2000 I became Underwriting Manger for a different excess & surplus Lines business in Novato for 4 years. I began my career with Monarch E&S Insurance Services opening a new Northern California Branch Office as Senior Underwriter in October 2005. I love working as a commercial underwriter in the wholesale industry.
I am a native San Franciscan and am lucky to have been able to live my entire life in Northern California. I embarked on my insurance career on the retail side 21 years ago. I worked primarily with personal lines accounts and eventually incorporated commercial risks to the mix…to add a little spice to my life! Three years ago, I made the leap from retail insurance to wholesale insurance, and now am a commercial underwriter. I enjoy working with people. Everyday brings a new challenge…and I’m always up for a new adventure!