#01 - Meet Your Host, Barbara Savona: Business & Personal Life
Consider this our first date and mini intro:
Since you are listening (and hopefully subscribing….hint, hint) to the ‘Marketing Home, Marketing You’ podcast and letting me into some of your life routines like your commute or grocery shopping, I figured you probably would want to know some things about me, Barbara Savona.
Who is this Barbara Savona? Let’s go back to the beginning.
I’m a little mix of German (from my mama) and Mexican (from my dad). I first learned how to speak Spanish and then German. Fun fact: I didn’t learn how to speak English until Kindergarten when I was enrolled in an ESL (English As a Second Language) Program.
My mom named me after her sister, Barbara (her nickname was Tante which means aunt in German). Growing up I hated my name because the only people I knew that were named Barbara were Barbara Bush and Barbara Walters 😂.But it’s growing on me 😉. Random fact: I used to want to change my name to Christy or Nicole. 🤷♀️
My nickname is Tuny (Mexican) or Duni (German) depending on which side of the family you ask. It doesn’t mean anything, it just stuck. I’ll respond to either.
My Partner in Life & Love: Russell
I’ve been married to Russell for almost 18 years.
We were introduced by a mutual friend, but she intended for me to like Russell’s friend (instead of Russell). I did not. I only had eyes for him…we married 6 months after we met and I’ve never looked back. He is my person.
I’m a year older than he is (so technically I’m a cougar…and I’m ok with that)!
We have a Doberman, name Jax. He’s 120 lbs and is the sweetest boy ever
Russell had the incredible idea to build a home out of shipping containers a few years back. We started the project a little over two years ago and we got to move in Spring of 2019. Russell designed and physically built the majority of the house! It turned out amazing and I’ll share more as the outside comes together.
The Biggest Project We’ve Ever Take On: A Shipping Container Home
ALL THE FAM
My favorite job in the whole world is being an AUNT! I have two nieces, from my sister-in-law (Marley & Isabel) and 2 nephews, from my sister (Max & Maverick) and as a bonus I get to be auntie to Lauren’s two kiddos (Easton & Olivia).
My baby sister is 8 years younger than me and she’s always been my first baby. (Have to throw that in there so she knows she’s the original…or I’ll get in trouble!)
Random fact: My mama has a thick German accent or so I’m told because I. CAN’T. HEAR. IT. #promise
Partners in Business & All Around Shenanigans
Lauren and I met when we were teenagers (14 and 15 years old, but I promised Lauren I wouldn’t tell who is older 😉). We have been inseparable since.
Before we started Sprout Marketing, we were just your typical BFF’s. We vacationed together, watched our favorite TV shows together, talked on the phone almost every day and helped each other through life’s ups and downs.
We are complete opposites…COMPLETE! Here are just a few ways:
Blonde vs. Brunette
Heels vs. Flats
Savory vs. Sweet
Ferocious gum chewer vs. Never, ever chews gum
Wicked sense of humor vs. Parks and Rec humor (Lauren has THE BEST LAUGH…hands down!)
We just work. We don’t fight. We have never competed. We are each others biggest cheerleaders.
My BUSINESS BACKGROUND
What is my experience in the housing industry?
I started in multi-family 18+ years ago as a leasing agent. Six months later, my property manager got sick and I was promoted to be the interim-manager. Whew…I had NO idea of what I was getting into.
Over the years I was a leasing consultant, property manager, and regional supervisor. I wore many hats and worked at a ton of different types of communities.
I was later recruited to launch a start-up advertising magazine. At the time I had no idea this would be the best training for working as a Product Manager at For Rent Media Solutions and then eventually launching my own business.
How did the idea for Sprout Marketing come about?
Sprout Marketing was born on a trip to visit my grandparents in Germany in 2009. The economy was bad, but I felt like it was the perfect time to start. Fun Fact: I launched Sprout with a work colleague initially. After a few months, she decided to return to school to pursue a different career. It’s then that I begged Lauren to quit her job and become my business partner.
Initially, I offered one-on-one consulting, apartment model decorating and secret shops.
For years, I spoke on stages at various events nationwide within the multi-family space. I’ve had the opportunity to speak many times at The National Apartment Association, at city and state associations, and for private management companies at their annual conferences. Not-so-fun Fact: The first time I was going to speak at NAA, I was so nervous that I threw up out of the car window while my husband drove in traffic that was going at a snails pace. Somehow, I was able to get it together and presented to a room full of 750+ people!
Check out our website www.watchyourbusinesssprout.com to see how we are helping thousands of apartment communities everyday reach their marketing and retention goals.
Why did I start this podcast?
I love to learn and share what I’m learning with others, but traveling and speaking on stages isn’t inline with my other goals at this time. The podcast gives me the ability to still connect and share with our community while I still maintain my responsibilities as Sprout Marketing CEO and get to sleep in my own bed at night.
What can I expect from the ‘Marketing Home, Marketing You’ podcast?
In the words of the wise Olaf from Disney’s Frozen …”all good things, all good things.”
Seriously though, I am so excited for you to join me on this new journey and I hope you leave this podcast every week feeling encouraged and empowered to reach your marketing goals, business goals, and career goals. Here’s to creating a community of housing professionals that are in it to win it, one small step at a time.