“Due to the turbulence of our current world, I am seizing this time as a personal opportunity to try on my entrepreneur hat and apply my experiences and passion to starting my own business.”
Member of the Leadership Lake Tahoe Class of 2020, Amanda Gardner, has worked throughout the pandemic to find positive meaning and opportunity to grow in her career. Having previous experience in the non-profit world and the ski resort industry, Amanda is now taking full advantage of this moment and applying her passions to starting her own business.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Amanda Gardner!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
Due to the recent pandemic – I am no longer with my former employer. That said – during my time in Tahoe I have spent my professional time working for a small business in the nonprofit arena and most recently I held a sales/marketing position at a local resort. I enjoyed all for different reasons – and each allowed me to gain valuable insight into a town I love.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
Due to the turbulence of our current world, I am seizing this time as a personal opportunity to try on my entrepreneur hat and apply my experiences and passion to starting my own business. I have never had the courage to fully take that leap – and finding positive meaning within this very complicated time we are all living in is important to me, as a human being, mom, woman, etc. – so you know what they say about what to do when life hands you lemons… I hope to have much more to share about my next project very soon!
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
It’s my favorite quote and I feel it holds in nearly any life situation. It’s so hopeful and simple – everything worth something will be a challenge. It reminds me that anything is possible and that there is always a solution or another way – you just have to believe it and keep going.
Who is your role model?
My kids are my role models. They make me want to be better at almost everything nearly every day. They are my biggest cheerleaders, most honest critics and hands down the most important things I have ever had the privilege to be part of. I feel like the sheer notion of wanting to give them the best lives will fuel me forever.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
Tahoe is special. We moved here four years ago from Los Angeles to spread out a bit and provide our kids with the best playground ever to grow up in. We wanted a smaller community to help us raise our boys that we felt connected to and able to make an impact.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
I have three kids under eight – and their education is very important to me. I joined the PTA of their elementary school and now that my littlest guy is inching away from being a toddler, I will have even more time to dedicate to helping.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love cooking, baking and doing art projects with my kids. We have a lot of fun being creative and silly together.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
DL Bliss is one of the most beautiful places in Tahoe in my opinion – and our favorite place to camp with the family. I always take any out-of-town visitors to Verde too, drooling just thinking of it.