Our People

The team of fully licensed experts at Calender-Robinson all has over ten years of experience — with most having more than twenty years worth of knowledge in the insurance industry. But this is still just the start. Now run by its second generation of professionals committed to the business, Calender-Robinson is investing in the continued family connection … with both employees and clients.

RON FROOM

Ron FroomAs they walked along Chrissy Field to the Golden Gate Bridge over 18 years ago, Ron was recruited and hired on a handshake by company founder Clay Calender. From that moment on, Ron has known the power of that old-school handshake — and the deep importance of being true to one’s word.

Now CEO of Calender-Robinson, Ron’s vision for the firm is to maintain the business model established by the original owner; always offer the fairest rates, never load up on extra fees and provide superlative customer service at all times — whenever a client needs it, day or night.

Ron does even more to help his clients establish their coverage. Once he develops a relationship, it’s for life. He is a true and trustworthy advocate for the company’s clients — no matter what type or size of account.

DARRYL MALONZO

Darryl MalonzoDarryl knows Calender-Robinson from the ground up — he’s been there for over 25 years and worked in every segment of the business. There’s absolutely nothing he shies away from and nothing he won’t tackle.

Building his personal client bonds on the firm foundations of honesty and trust, Darryl deeply values the comfort level he instills in all his relationships. As company President, he knows that, to properly protect his clients, he needs to know the whole story — all their exposures — so he can offer the best options and cover all the unforeseen bases. And he does everything in his power to ensure that his clients always feel safe and respected so he can maximize their insurance position, every step of the way.

In this day and age, when banks are buying up all the independent brokerages, Darryl prides himself on the fact that Calender-Robinson has kept going  — and growing — in its old-school niche. The bottom line is not his driving motivation. Instead, he knows that excellent service; knowledge and experience are what his clients deserve — first, foremost and always.

MARK CALENDER

Mark CalenderMark’s father, Clayton Calender, started Calender-Robinson in 1954. Mark is part of the company’s vital history as a family-run operation, proudly carrying its tradition of excellence — in both service and performance — as the firm has grown and developed over the years.

This unmatched standard of excellence is just one of Mark’s top motivations, however. He is also driven by his clients’ needs and concerns, taking the time to listen with undivided attention. And he does all this with a care and efficiency you won’t find at the large brokerages.

Working with everyone from companies to individuals, contractors to farmers, building owners to wineries, small businesses to big ones, Mark covers the spectrum, finding out every detail of what his clients do … and providing exactly what they require to be successful. He does the right job for all his people, always maintaining the ethical root established by his father over a half century ago.

MICHAEL MURRAY

Michael MurrayWhen asked what he feels the Calender-Robinson advantage is, Michael is quick to respond, “Service. Service. Service. Unparalleled service. And the long-term relationships we build with our clients, year after year.”

That said, it is no surprise that Michael is keen to understand his clients and their vision — to educate them about all their options, opening the lines of clear communication so he can effectively and efficiently maximize their position. And he’s been extremely successful at this since 1997 … over 12 years of solid experience, learning all there is to know about his clients and their every need, inside and out. Michael strives to keep his clients whole and always ahead of where they started.

A firm believer in the family-oriented, old-school approach cultivated at Calender-Robinson, Michael hopes to get his children involved in the company to keep the “mom and pop” roots going strong — and growing into the future.

KATHERINE BERKMAN

Katherine BerkmanKathy has been an integral part of Calender-Robinson Co., Inc. for over 30 years. Clay Calender promoted her to President of the company in 1995. She was elected as the Chairman of the Board in 2007. Kathy has mentored several key personnel members of the company. Her unsurpassed knowledge of our business is an invaluable resource for the company.

 

CHRISTOPHER C. PENNOCK

Christopher C. PennockChris Pennock brings a vast and varied background to Calender-Robinson. His professional career began in the finance department of a major pharmaceutical company, followed by Warnaco, Inc., a 2.2 billion dollar a year apparrel manufacturer.

He was asked to help a small Insurance agency in their growth plan. He became a minority owner and helped that agency grow from 5 million to 41 million per year in 12 years. The majority owners decided to sell and he became Sr. Vice President of Wells Fargo's Commercial Insurance Division. After fulfilling a personal services contract with them for 3 years plus he decided to go out on his own. He chose Calender Robinson to affiliate with because their philosophies regarding customer service and integrity aligned with his more then the dozen or so agencies that he interviewed. He brings National Agency knowledge with a Local agency dedication to the customer.

PAT ALEXANDER, CPCU

Pat has an extensive background in the insurance business, having worked for Kemper Insurance, Agricultural Insurance, Levinson Brothers Insurance Brokerage and Coldwell-Banker Insurance Brokerage.

In 1976 she opened her own highly successful brokerage and then joined Maroevich & O'Shea Insurance in 1981. Pat has been associated with Calender-Robinson since 1999. In 1981, she received the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter professional designation after extensive insurance classes and exams. Pat is a caring and highly involved broker who always goes the extra step to insure her clients always have the best and most comprehensive insurance possible.

GINO BENEDETTI

Gino BenedettiA proud San Francisco native who received his California Insurance license in 2005, Gino joined Calender-Robinson in early 2008. Here he caters to a diverse span of people and businesses, offering each client his distinguished customer service.

Gino’s clientele — ranging from local restaurants to global retailers, corporate to family owned businesses — all receive tremendous attention to their customized insurance requirements, which Gino couples with detailed information. His ability to follow through and streamline the policy process is a beneficial trait that he prides himself on.

A graduate of W.P. Carey School of Business, Gino's skills for team sports landed him on the Arizona State University football team. Now giving back to his community and helping kids is a top priority. For a number of years, Gino has volunteered as a football coach at his alma mater, St. Ignatius High School.

CLARE NYHAN

Ask Clare Nyhan to what governing motto she adheres, and the immediate response is, “treat each client in a manner in which I would like to be treated.” And in order to do this, Clare employs the principles she holds most valuable in building solid customer connections; trustworthiness, diligence, strong ethical practices and genuine enthusiasm.

“I am a believer in nurturing relationships that stand the test of time and I endeavor to provide sound, safe guidance to all of my clients,” Clare points out. “I worked in the commercial real estate industry representing tenants and landlords in the financial district for a number of years,” Clare points out. “And now, as an insurance broker, I am guided by a desire to put my knowledge to use working with a range of clients; companies, individuals, small business owners, multinationals and more. I undertake extensive research in order to cater to the needs of each type of entity. I listen carefully and find out precisely what they need and want from what I have to offer.”

But most importantly, and as Clare says it best, “I like to offer a human face and an unquestionable dedication that makes it easy for clients to entrust Calender-Robinson with all of their insurance needs.”

RYAN SITTAUER, AIF®
 
Ryan SittauerWith professional experience in Commercial Insurance, Employee Benefits, and Payroll Ryan brings a unique skill set to his clients. Ryan’s practice focuses on serving the needs of small to mid-sized closely held businesses ranging from 2 to over 500 employees.
 
Partnered with some of the Bay Area’s most admired financial service companies Ryan has the resources and staff to accommodate all your Payroll, Employee Benefits, Commercial Insurance, and Retirement needs.
 
With his diverse industry background, Ryan has a "hands-on" knowledge of the frustrations businesses can experience when working with multiple vendors and brokers. His ability to streamline cost-effective solutions and simplify a formerly daunting process is truly exceptional.

Ryan’s dedication to detailed follow-through, superior customer service and ‘round-the-clock availability are just a few of the building blocks he establishes and maintains in all his customer relationships. With a keen understanding of his client’s individual business needs, risks and exposures, Ryan’s strategic planning and foresight bring peace of mind to every venture he undertakes.
 
A longtime resident of the Bay Area, Ryan attended the University of San Francisco where graduated with his BS in Business Administration and played baseball as an all-conference performer. As an active participant in the Bay Area community, Ryan currently serves on the Dante Benedetti Foundation Board, The Arc of San Francisco council, and Coaches Baseball at Marin Catholic High School.

Ryan's a AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary), holds his Securities Series 6 and 63, CA Fire and Casualty Broker, and CA Accident and Health licenses.

“Calender-Robinson Co., Inc. has always supplied us with competitive insurance rates and a high level of customer service. They are always happy to answer any of my questions and never make me wait to hear back from them. We have continued to use Calender-Robinson as our insurance broker for our newly opened business, Pete’s Tavern. I would definitely recommend their service.”

Lydia Lescalleet,
Asst Gen Mgr,
MoMo’s/Pete’s Tavern.