Meet Sandra Guadarrama Baumunk | Ad Agency Partner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandra Guadarrama Baumunk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandra, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“When you reach the top, you should remember to send the elevator back down for the others” — Edith Piaf

It’s very easy to remember the people who did you wrong on your career path and carry that with you your entire life. For me, it was what fueled me. But then I started taking a different approach. Instead, I strive to think about the people who’ve been my cheerleaders and my biggest supporters on my journey. It’s so important to direct your energy towards giving back once you have achieved success or reached a high position in your life or career.

For me, “Sending the elevator back down..” means making an effort to facilitate the success of my friends, family and colleagues by providing them with similar opportunities, mentorship, guidance, or support.
I’ve always loved this phrase as it encompasses the values I strive for: mentorship, generosity, and community. Once you who have succeeded, you should never forget where you came from, the struggles you faced on your way up and always be willing to help others who face similar challenges and help them achieve their own goals. It’s really a call to remember one’s roots and use one’s success to create opportunities for others.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Knoodle is Phoenix-based, woman-owned, pet-friendly ad agency that has recently expanded it’s footprint into the San Diego market. Our agency is a full service agency utilizing integrated campaigns, video content, design, public relations, media, digital and everything in between.

What sets us apart from others? I think our holistic approach: Unlike many agencies that focus on a single aspect of marketing, we offer a holistic approach and provide a comprehensive range of services, from traditional advertising to digital marketing, web development, and public relations. This all-encompassing strategy ensures that clients receive integrated, seamless, and highly effective marketing solutions

What we’re most proud of? That we still have our first client, Fulton Homes from when the agency was founded in 1999. 24 years!

Lessons/Challenges- There are a lot of lessons that come from the challenges in any business. Our core values are: Transparency. Harmony. Joy. From our employees to our clients, we want the overall experience at Knoodle to embody those core values. Because I oversee the client experience at Knoodle, it’s necessary that I earn their trust. Trust is everything in client service (and even before a new client signs on), and there’s nothing better than honesty to build trust. When you’re open, no matter what you’re sharing, clients will know they can trust you. Every time you come from an authentic place in your communication, you’re adding another vertebra to the backbone of a long-term relationship.

Knoodle’s brand story is a testament to creativity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to helping businesses succeed in the dynamic world of marketing and advertising. Founded on the principles of fostering genuine connections between brands and their audiences, Knoodle has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional advertising, carving a unique identity in the industry. Our story is a narrative of resilience and adaptability, demonstrating a commitment to staying at the forefront of emerging trends and technologies. With a diverse team of passionate professionals who share a common vision of telling captivating brand stories, Knoodle has established itself as a reliable partner for companies seeking to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Their journey showcases an agency that not only embraces change but also shapes it, ensuring that their clients’ stories are not only heard but resonate with authenticity, impact, and creativity… this is Knoodle.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m such a foodie! I have so many favorites in Phoenix and I try to give as much love as I can to the local businesses. For brunch: Elly’s or Otro Cafe (Central Phoenix) and Eggstacy or LoLo’s Chicken Waffles {love the music} (Scottsdale).
Lunch: The Parlor and McKenzie’s Midtown Tavern (the wings are the best)
Dinner: The Mexicano, The Mission and Cien Agaves (tequila flights) and Coopers Hawk Winery (Scottsdale)
For the best ramen ever- Yutaka (N.Phoenix)
For some non-dinner fun: Jade and Clover (it’s like Build-a-Bear for Plants)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A big Shoutout to my family and friends for the unwavering support they have provided throughout my career journey in radio and records. Your encouragement, understanding, and belief in me have been the driving force behind my successes.

Shout out to the late Scott Baird, Director of Urban Radio- Priority Records. You gave me my first shot in L.A. as a kid fresh out of college. Priority Records was one of the hottest record labels in the early 90’s at the time with Ice Cube, Eazy-E and NWA. I had zero experience and came up from San Diego numerous times to interview with you to show I was hungry for the job. The day you hired me, you plopped down over 500 resumes on your desk and asked me why out of all those people it should be me. I looked you right in the eyes and said, “Because I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done…” From that moment on, you took me under your wing and I went through this metamorphosis from a shy, passive individual to this feisty, assertive woman who refused to take no for an answer; I found my voice.

Shoutout to Rosaria Cain, CEO of Knoodle (and also my business partner). You took a chance on me almost 12 years ago. I came to you with my radio background and ZERO ad agency experience. You’ve challenged me and inspired me through the years. It has been one of my biggest honors to become a co-owner with you as I know it takes a lot to entrust your company…your “baby” of 24 years to another. I look forward to continuing your success when you pass the torch and leave for that well deserved retirement chapter in Italy.

Last but not least..Shoutout to previous employers who underestimated my potential simply because I was a woman (Yes, the “Good Ol’ Boys Club” still exists in corporate america). Nah, I didn’t have a pity party. I accepted it and moved on. It fueled me to channel my energies and go where I would be appreciated; it forced me to approach life this way—as a continual practice that offers room to improve and grow—challenges drive solutions, which drive opportunity, which drove me to going from good to great!

Website: www.knoodle.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knoodleagency

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/knoodleadvertising

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knoodleadvertising

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KnoodlePhoenix