Name: Christopher Gruler of Scottsdale Restaurants and Protege Branding
Age: 31
Title: Friendship Builder
Married/Single: Engaged
Kids: 0
City you live in: Scottsdale
Describe a typical day in your life: The great thing is that I never have a set schedule. Every day is different, which plays beautifully with my personality. Usually, though, I get up, make my way to JJ’s Delicatessen in North Scottsdale to grab condensed brewed coffee. Then head to the office while checking red flagged emails and urgent matters. At stop lights, of course. Once at the office, I sit down with the team to go over daily meetings/strategies/timelines for Protégé clients. Dive into website development or campaigns til lunch. Grab some grub with the team. After lunch, reach out to potential new clients and work on our startup brands. Then jam down to Power MMA Fitness at 3:30 pm for some boxing. Then back home to have dinner with the Fiancé. Either respond to a few emails or work on projects with tough deadlines after dinner. THEN…. we watch Real Housewives. Yeah, I said it. Maybe work a little after that and then get prepared for the next day. Shower and reflect on the day.
I was born… on a Tuesday. Jk. Not sure what day of the week it was. I was born in Cedar Rapids Iowa in 1983 on the 11th day of September.
My favorite thing about Arizona… is how everything is “15 minutes” away.
I’m listening to… a lot of bands that have names that sound like they are made up. Also, right before I update my gym status on social media, I crank out a little bit of Young Jeezy, Meek Mill, and George Strait.
My family… is my rock. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance, ability to let me fail while getting back up, and without them teaching me to always be a man of your word.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… with my Mom. Cause one day a week isn’t enough. If someone could make dinner happen with Gary Vaynurchuck, I’d be a happy man too.
One thing I cannot live without… Chipotle and hugs.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… a professional baseball and basketball player. Was lucky enough to achieve one of them. I’m sure you can guess which one.
I’m inspired by… people that actually execute. Talk is cheap in this world. I like to surround myself with doers.
The one person who motivates me is… my Fiancé. Love that woman to death and she never lets me settle. Ever. Even at 5:30 am on a Saturday when she wants me to go to her spin class. Ride or die!
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… Written contracts. They are my biggest frustration with business these days. Handshakes and your word should hold up as a binding contract.
The perfect day would be… Wake up. Momma G breakfast. A quick round of golf with my buddies. Chipotle lunch with all of my family. Hike with the Fiancé. Shoot some guns. Dinner and movie with Fiancé. Party with family and friends till 11:30 pm. Uber home. Yeah, that’s a good day. Did I mention that I have a Fiancé?
My first job was… at Down Home Texas BBQ. I smoked meats while listening to Shania Twain.
My favorite escape… is boxing. Hands down. Actually, you are supposed to keep your hands up. But really, it’s intense, beautiful and puts you in the most vulnerable state mentally. (shout out to Power MMA and Fitness).
My life… has had a lot of up and downs, both professionally and personally, but I wouldn’t change the path that I have created for anything. I’m very excited about what my future will hold.
I’m currently working on… building ScottsdaleRestaurants.com’s brand and my company; ProtegeBranding.com.
Always… know your strengths. Focus on dominating those.
Never… take kindness as a weakness.
Favorite Quote… Two quotes for ya…“Frustration ends where communication begins” and “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”
Biggest Dream… to leave behind a legacy that my children are proud of and to build an amazing family with my beautiful Fiancé. All else will fall into place.
My Pet Peeve(s)… going slow in the fast lane. I literally, can’t even…
