Mellano & Company
Explore why Mellano & Company, a 100-year-old icon in the floral industry, views Hortica as a trusted partner.
When risks abound, protection matters
For the past 30 years, Jim Mellano, Chief Financial Officer for Mellano & Company has started his day before dawn. He’s responsible for keeping his 100-year-old, family-run business moving forward, and being there for his more than 300 employees.
Jim’s grandfather, Giovanni, came to California from Italy and opened a wholesale flower shop at the iconic Los Angeles Flower Market. Mellano & Company has been there ever since.
Today, the third-generation business operates four wholesale locations that sell worldwide, and a 300-acre growing operation in north San Diego County.
“When you’re in my position, everything is a risk,” Jim says. “That could be from drivers in our company-owned vehicles to our products in other people’s hands. We need to be protected.”
A single-source insurance solution
Jim demands a lot from his employees and his insurance company. He brought in Hortica because they know his industry. From there, Hortica learned about his business, his unique risks, and where Mellano & Company wants to be in the future. It’s more than looking at numbers on a piece of paper.
“I also wanted a one-stop shop for insurance. I didn’t want to piecemeal everything out,” Jim says. “Hortica has a foothold in this industry, whereas with other insurance companies, you really have to walk them through the process. It’s worked out perfectly.”
Personalized, timely service
When Jim or his staff need help with safety regulations, have to file a claim, or seek updates to their policy, they want it done quickly and accurately. Mellano & Company’s personal relationship with Hortica helps make that happen.
“I deal with the same people when I call Hortica. Same goes for when other members of my staff need something,” Jim says. “The best part is that I don't have to worry about it when claims—or just concerns—come up. When I need something, it’s done.”
A trusted industry partner
Michelle Castellano, Vice President of Mellano & Company, also has a view for Hortica's relationship with the whole horticultural industry.
“As president of the Society of American Florists, I watched what an important role Hortica plays, not only in our business, but across the industry—from retailers, wholesalers, growers, and everything in between,” Michelle says.
“Hortica is so important because they know our industry so well. They know the risks. They know the regulations.”
Protecting your business
Commercial property insurance
Unexpected property loss or damage is almost inevitable—whether it’s from fire, storm damage, theft, or breakdowns. You can customize your commercial property insurance coverage based on your buildings, equipment, inventory, income, and other exposures.
Safety services
To help ensure safe operation, we can guide you in the hiring and training of drivers, as well as the training and certification of forklift operators. We can also help reduce the risks to your workers by offering effective safety training programs, as well as educational materials.
Nursery and sod farm insurance
Crops, coolers, or equipment. Damage to any of these items can be disastrous to your business. We can customize an insurance plan to help protect your livelihood.