As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, SVN | Desert Commercial Advisors is excited to feature one of our standout advisors, Aaron Gutierrez. With deep ties to his Hispanic roots and international experience in Spain, Aaron brings a fresh outlook to the commercial real estate industry. His fluency in Spanish and cultural insight enable him to connect more meaningfully with clients.
Embracing Heritage
Aaron’s Hispanic heritage traces back generations to his grandparents, with family roots in New Mexico dating back to the 1800s when it was still part of Mexico. From a young age, he was inspired to connect with his heritage by learning Spanish. “Being fluent in Spanish helps me connect with more people and is a big part of my heritage,” he shares. Aaron took Spanish classes from first grade through high school, but it was his time living in Barcelona that truly deepened his understanding of the language and culture.
A Memorable Experience in Barcelona
Living in Barcelona gave Aaron a chance to immerse himself in Spanish culture. “The relaxed lifestyle, living with a host family, and even taking afternoon siestas were all memorable differences from ‘normal’ life in the States” Aaron recalls. He embraced local traditions like eating in small plazas and enjoying iconic dishes like Iberico ham and paella.
This time abroad not only improved Aaron’s Spanish but also enriched his appreciation of cultural nuances. “Living in a Spanish-speaking country sped up my learning and gave me a new perspective on life. I learned to value family and relationships over material things.”
Impact on His Professional Life
Aaron’s bilingual skills and cultural background have been invaluable in his career as a commercial real estate advisor with SVN. “Being able to speak Spanish breaks down barriers and builds trust with clients, especially those who share a cultural connection,” he explains. Aaron recalls his first deal with a client from Mexico, where his language skills helped establish rapport and build trust quickly. “It gave us something in common and opened up the potential for business.”
Influencing Hispanic Heritage Month
Aaron’s time in Barcelona has given him a deeper appreciation of Hispanic culture and its significance, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month. “I’ve become more aware and respectful of the cultural values, and it’s allowed me to relate to more people, especially in Arizona where there’s a large Hispanic presence,” he says.
Moving Forward
Aaron is committed to incorporating the lessons and values he’s gained from his heritage and his time abroad into his work. “I want to push the agenda of being kind to others and being more supportive and engaging in the community,” he shares. Looking ahead, Aaron plans to continue fostering relationships within the Hispanic community, using his language skills and cultural understanding to create a more inclusive and supportive environment in the commercial real estate industry.
We’re beyond proud to have Aaron Gutierrez on our team at SVN Desert Commercial Advisors and look forward to seeing how he continues to make a positive impact in the community!