A veteran, salesman and business owner, Jonathan Garard has accomplished more in 39 years than most people ever will. With 13 years of service in the U.S. Army, Garard is experienced in high threat executive protection for U.S. Ambassadors and the nation’s top leaders. An Iraq War veteran and Bronze Star recipient, the owner and CEO of Grooms Office Environments has been an Army instructor since 2010. Last year the former key account executive with Gannett Media took ownership of the 20-employee Grooms Office. He is also a local real estate agent with Re/Max House of Brokers since 2014. One of Garard’s proudest moments was the first democratic election in Iraq; he was a team leader responsible for establishing candidates and balloting sites.
What was your first job? I mowed lawns and landscaped along the coast in Stony Creek, Conn. It was such a beautiful location to work and I can still remember so many details from those summers.
What is your theme song? “Amazing Grace”
When did you realize you had grown up? When I went to war.
What do you miss most about the 1990s? Michael Jordan
What did you learn the hard way? The importance of choosing a good accountant.
What was your professional “aha” moment? About three years ago, I clearly remember the moment where I said to myself, “I can do that.” I had the unique opportunity to get a good glimpse of how so many local companies were being run. Tie that together with a fearless mentality from my military career and I realized that I was just as capable as the next person.
