Knowing more about the people we work with is the fun side of the business. It helps start conversations and strengthens business relationships.
In this installation of “After Hours,” meet Brooke Garduno, a former Arizona Cardinals cheerleader and commercial actress in her spare time. Garduno is currently the marketing director of AME Landscape Companies.
Brooke Garduno
Marketing Director —
AME Landscape Companies, Gilbert
With AME for 5 Years
Member of BOMA, IREM, NAIOP DL’s
Born: Williams Air Force Base in Mesa, Ariz.
Education: Received a bachelor’s in finance from ASU
Spouse: Michael Garduno, Jr.
Son: Grant, 5
Daughter: Isabelle, 2
FAVORITES
Sports Teams // As a former Arizona Cardinals cheerleader, my favorite team is the Arizona Cardinals all the way! The rest of the family are Dallas Cowboys fans. We are a house divided.
Music // I love it all – country, rock and roll and hip-hop.
Destinations // I love NYC, but my favorite vacation spot is Coronado. It reminds me of the small military towns I grew up in. I’m looking forward to traveling to Europe but am going to wait until the kids are a bit older. It’s never fun to be on an airplane with a screaming toddler for 12 hours.
Activities // Spending time with my family, finding a new restaurant with my husband, volunteering at my son’s school and working out.
What did you think you’d be when you were growing up?
I grew up around airplanes. I considered following my father’s footsteps and attending the Air Force Academy, but I realized that this was not a choice about which college I was going to go to and would be a career choice with a minimum 10-year commitment. I realized that was not my calling.
Of what accomplishment are you especially proud?
Personally, I’m proud of the ability to balance my professional and personal life. I love being involved in the growth of AME Landscape Companies yet don’t want to miss a precious moment with my kids and/or husband. Professionally, I am excited that I have taken a company that has been around for 40-plus years and have gotten it involved in social media and teaching an old dog new tricks. Most companies around this long don’t understand the importance of social media, but AME Landscape Companies embraces and encourages it as part of its culture.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’ve been involved with the film community since college. I starred in my first movie last year and can be seen in various commercials for companies throughout the Valley.
ADVICE
Received // Sincere relationships are golden. When you are sincere with people and you are genuine, the rest will fall into place.
To Share // Never let someone stop you from reaching your goals! Experience different facets of real estate. The more you know, the more valuable you are to any company. You can then relate to more people and have a broader understanding of the big picture.
To nominate a colleague, request an After Hours form from Amanda Ventura, amanda.ventura@azbigmedia.com or suggest a cool colleague via Twitter @AZREMagazine
