From Central Mexico to Central Iowa
Brando Guerrero was born in a small town in Mexico. He moved to the U.S. and started second grade in Dodge City, Kansas. When he entered the classroom, he didn’t speak English and there was no ESL program. A classmate who spoke Spanish helped him navigate the early days.
He quickly began to adapt, learned English within months, and by fifth grade was placed into the TAG (Talented and Gifted) program. That moment marked the beginning of Brando’s long journey of adapting, excelling, and showing up.
Middle School Struggles and Reinvention Through Sports
Brando later moved to Perry, Iowa, where he experienced bullying and struggled to fit in. He described himself as a little overweight and socially disconnected. He initially connected with a group that wasn’t heading in a great direction. Brando made a decision to change his path — and joined sports.
He went out for football, even though he had no knowledge of the sport and ended up a backup on the B team. But he didn’t give up. He kept going — eventually joining basketball and track, and by senior year, he became one of the captains of his football team. The same classmates who once bullied him became close friends. That period taught him the power of perseverance and self-belief.
College Shifts and Self-Discovery
Brando started college as a computer science major but switched after struggling with programming. A missing semicolon in a line of code became the breaking point — and the realization that the field wasn’t for him. He pivoted to communication studies with an emphasis in PR and advertising, and also minored in French and international business.
At the University of Iowa, he described it as a time of growth — surrounding himself with people who pushed him, while never feeling like he was doing enough.
From Tech Startups to a 17-Year Corporate Climb
After college, Brando joined a small IT consulting startup, doing community outreach and business development. When the venture couldn’t sustain his needs, he transitioned into a role at Nationwide Insurance — which turned into a 17-year career across Des Moines, Hartford, Providence, and California.
He worked in community outreach, sales analytics, and field roles, earning industry licenses and climbing to AVP-level leadership. Brando credits much of his growth to two early bosses who believed in him and gave him space to rise. Alongside his career, he helped co-found Art Noir in Des Moines and stayed involved in nonprofit work, chambers of commerce, and diversity initiatives.
A New Chapter: Entrepreneurship and NorCal Roots
In 2023, Brando and his wife bought Made in the Shade NorCal, a window coverings business serving Placer, Nevada, and surrounding counties. The former owners built a strong foundation, and Brando took the leap to reshape his life around family and community.
Brando is focused on growing the business, networking and diving deep into his community. The business has maintained five-star ratings on Google and Yelp, and Brando has become active in local organizations including the Rocklin Chamber and the North State BIA. He now begins his mornings with his kids instead of Zoom calls.
Words from the Arena
Brando’s message to fellow entrepreneurs is direct:
“Do not give up.”
He reminds us that the road will be hard, but if you believe in what you’re building, the work will find its reward. He also highlights the importance of community and connection — intentionally surrounding yourself with people who energize you.
“Your network is your net worth,” he says. “Let’s help each other stay motivated, energized, and engaged.”
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