SMART&SUCCESSFUL
Photo: sergio-art@cox.net
Jennifer Bongiovanni Generous and passionate, Jen Bongiovanni is a dedicated young professional who is driven by a desire to make the world a better place. As the recipient of the 2008 Scottsdale Chamber Rising Star award, Jen has already made a name for herself in the business world through her involvement in the community and her entrepreneurial business savvy. Always striving for more, Jen’s thirst for personal and professional growth will surely lead her down the path of a highly rewarding and successful career. S@W: What do you do professionally?
S@W: What is your pet peeve?
Go Green provides landscape and janitorial services to commercial properties throughout the Valley. My role is to expand the business and strengthen community relationships.
Changing the rules half way through the game. People need to know what they are accountable for in order to succeed. My other pet peeve is people who don’t live up to their potential. We are all blessed with different gifts. When we recognize [them], it is our obligation to share those with the world. That is why we are different, to evolve. We all need to celebrate our differences and learn from one another.
S@W: Best advice you’ve ever received I have three. The first came from my parents: “Always remember who you are.” The second came from my high school guidance counselor, Tom Salcito: “It’s about the journey, not the destination, so enjoy it!” The third is from my mentor Patrick Murphy: “Create your personal board of directors.” S@W: What would you do over if you could? My Uncle Phil’s favorite line — which became a standard in our house — was, “Personal best, no regrets.” That doesn’t mean I haven’t made mistakes, but I’ve learned from them and they’ve helped make me who I am. I do the best I can, at that time, with the information I have. I think the real mistake would be if I stopped learning. With all that being said, the answer is nothing. Except that one time in college when I interviewed for homecoming queen … with my fly down. S@W: What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done/accomplished? Becoming a young professional in an established business world. It is a continual learning process of who and what I am as well as what I want to become. It has also been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done! S@W: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be? To run a philanthropic trust. I have a passion to do more, give more and share more.
S@W: Two weeks, all-expenses paid vacation — where would you go? Aside from my honeymoon (I’m not telling where!), I’d go back to Spain with my whole family to share with them the beautiful Andalucían lifestyle and culture, one I try to replicate in my own lifestyle! S@W: E-mail, text, letter or phone call? Phone call. There is nothing more honest and effective than true human interaction. S@W: Ski vacation or beach vacation? Beach! The cocktails are better! S@W: Mountains or ocean? Mountains for motivation, beach for relaxation. S@W: Advice for ambitious young professionals… Learn something through every experience and enjoy the path every opportunity brings. But the absolute best piece of advice comes from my fiancé, “Never be caught with your head down.”
S@W: If people knew this about you, most would be surprised that…
Do you know someone who is Smart & Successful? Scottsdale@Work is looking for young professionals, age 25 to 40, who embody the Smart & Successful spirit.
I can recite all the colors in Joseph’s Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. “It was red, and yellow, and green, and brown…”
Make your referral to: editor@scottsdalechamber.com 480-949-2169
Full Name: Jennifer Bongiovanni Age: 26 Company: Go Green Landscape & Janitorial Services Title: Director of Business Development Education: Chaparral High School, University of Arizona, Spanish American Institute – Seville, Spain What causes and/or volunteer efforts are you involved in? I’m president of GET Phoenix Knowledge Council, co-chair of the Arizona’s Children Association’s Golden Gate Guild Celebrate Event, vice chair of recruitment and selection for the Board of Scottsdale Leadership, USGBC Programming Committee, Scottsdale Healthcare Golf Classic. Ten years from now, you want to be… …a loving wife, compassionate mother, successful businesswoman and an effective philanthropist. Favorite movie Ocean’s Eleven. I absolutely love Julia Robert’s poise in that movie. It makes me want to go to Vegas! Favorite music/band Cher. There’s nothing better than [singing] If I Could Turn Back Time at the top of your lungs! What are you currently reading? Warren Buffett Speaks by Janet Lowe.
QUOTABLE: A Woman to carry on a successful business must have imagination. She must see things as in a vision, a dream of the whole thing. – Charles M. Schwab 14
JUNE / JULY / AUGUST | SCOTTSDALE@WORK | 2008