Team Tapestry: Employee Experience Specialist Deane Gardner
Connico’s team is known for delivering innovative solutions and being trusted advisors. Together, our team members’ perspectives weave the fabric of who we are. Team Tapestry is our way of pulling a few threads to highlight the people, stories, and values that make Connico the best place to work.
In this edition, we’re excited to introduce Deane Gardner, Employee Experience Specialist. Deane plays a unique and vital role at Connico, supporting new team members as they join the firm and facilitating meaningful experiences for the team. She brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to her work, blending her love for connection with creativity. Continue reading to learn how Deane embodies Connico’s culture of care, collaboration, and growth.
Tell us about your background and your role at Connico.
This is my second season of employment with Connico. I had originally joined the marketing team in 2010 and was excited to return in 2022. Today, I serve as Connico’s Employee Experience Specialist. My work centers on welcoming and onboarding new team members, carrying out HR initiatives, and nurturing the culture that makes our firm stand out.
As Connico’s first Employee Experience Specialist, my role couldn’t be a more perfect fit. I’m drawn to the people side of my work – building connections, creating memorable experiences, and helping team members feel appreciated from day one. I also enjoy the visual and digital aspects of communication and internal branding. It’s rewarding to blend both sides to help strengthen how our team connects and grows together.
How does Connico support your personal growth and development?
I have a tremendous amount of appreciation for the leadership at Connico. Our owners are incredibly down-to-earth and make a genuine effort to acknowledge and encourage the entire team. They have consistently respected and supported me when I’ve brought requests or ideas forward.
That support extends strongly into my professional growth. Connico actively facilitates development through conferences, training opportunities, and access to helpful resources. I always feel valued and confident that anything I bring to leadership will be thoughtfully considered. That level of trust and care has played a significant role in my motivation to grow.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
I love being part of our elite team of experts while being involved at the forefront of expanding our team. I have the opportunity to acclimate new team members to their roles and to initiate experiences that allow us to grow together. Whether it’s sharing a meal, hosting a training session, or simply a one-on-one conversation, I love curating an environment that uplifts our team!
Share a moment where you felt especially proud to be part of the Connico team.
A time I was especially proud to be part of Connico was at our first annual retreat, where our then-new leadership brought the entire team together to establish our core values. This experience continues to shape how we grow and support one another as a team. Watch the video to hear more about this moment:
How would you describe Connico’s culture in one word, and why?
Diverse. At Connico, we have team members with various backgrounds, ages, and experiences, and that variety is one of my favorite things. It’s a big part of what makes Connico the best place to work, where different perspectives are valued and celebrated.
What’s a fun or surprising fact about you that many people may not know?
My education is in visual arts and photography! I studied art at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, with a concentration in hand-printed black-and-white photography. This sometimes surprises people who might have taken the more traditional path to corporate professions. Most people also may not know that I grew up in a very creative household. My mother was an actress and, later, a visual artist, and my father is a musician who toured worldwide with many well-known artists.
While art might not seem like an obvious path to where I am now, I’ve always found ways to apply my creative training in the corporate world. Creative problem-solving is essential in any industry, and my background in the arts has served me well in every professional role I’ve held.
Tell us about how you discovered your love for gardening.
I’ve always loved nature and being outdoors. My interest in plants began in college, and it grew when I bought my first house and started experimenting more with gardening. I’d say I became a true collector during COVID-19, when I started more consciously taking care of a variety of plants.
Today, my collection includes 16 roses, 10 orchids, six snake plants, and many more. I’ve recently scaled back a bit, since I can’t give every plant the attention it deserves, but gardening continues to bring me joy and calm my soul. It will always hold a meaningful place in my life.
