Beto Calderon has watched at least 704 movies since January 1, 2021 – but there’s way more to Gard’s new intern than that.
A Portland-area native who’s studying advertising and marketing at Portland State University, Beto also keeps the masses caffeinated as a brand ambassador for Monster Energy and serves as house manager for Milagro Theater, the only Hispanic theater production company in the Pacific Northwest. He’s also a regular at the gym, on the basketball court and in the pages of a good history book.
Beto joined Gard in September for an internship and will be with us, sharpening his account management and other skills, for the next three months.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in Portland and raised in Gresham, where I still live today. A unique fact about me is that I was born about three months premature, a detail that always surprises people. I’m also the middle of three brothers.
How did you get interested in marketing and advertising?
I began my college education at Portland Community College, before transferring to Portland State University. Initially, I was undecided about my major and used my first term to explore a variety of subjects. One of the courses I took was Introduction to Advertising, which sparked my interest in the field. Our first assignment was to select and analyze a favorite advertisement. I chose Michael Jordan’s iconic “Failure” ad from 1997, where he reflects on his missed shots and defeats, stating, “I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” This message resonated with me, revealing how setbacks can be leveraged as stepping stones to success. It inspired me to pursue a career where I could apply the same principle of perseverance and growth.
Why were you interested in an internship?
I learned early in my college career that while mastering your subject is essential for starting and advancing your career, networking is even more vital because it opens doors to opportunities, connections and mentorships that academic knowledge alone cannot provide. Building a strong professional network allows you to collaborate with others, gain new perspectives and stay informed about industry trends, which ultimately helps accelerate your growth and success. The power of networking aligns closely with my advocacy for increasing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As a minority, I’m passionate about breaking down barriers for underrepresented groups.
What appealed to you about working for Gard?
When researching companies for my next internship, Gard Communications stood out for several reasons. First, I had the chance to meet (owner) Liz Fuller and her husband, Brent, during my internship at the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association in 2023. After successfully leading a three-day convention for 250 attendees, I networked with lawyers, including Brent, who introduced me to Liz. I later visited Gard for an informational interview, which gave me a first look at the agency and left a lasting impression. When it came time to apply for internships, Gard was my top choice. Second, Gard’s focus on working with nonprofits intrigued me. While my previous experience has been with corporations, I’m excited to branch out into the nonprofit space, where mission-driven work often requires creative strategies and a closer connection to the community. This experience will allow me to expand my understanding of how communications work in different sectors. Lastly, I’m inspired by the fact that Gard is a women-led company, with the majority of employees being women. I look forward to learning from strong female leaders and gaining new perspectives on leadership and innovation in the industry.
What do you hope to learn during your time with Gard?
I hope to continue honing my skills as an account manager, focusing on key areas like client relationship management, strategic communication and project coordination. Additionally, I aim to expand my capabilities in other roles, contributing more effectively to future opportunities. I’m particularly interested in areas that involve influencing, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as public relations and data-driven work. I enjoy learning about tools like Excel and different project management platforms like Airtable.
What do you like to do when you’re not working at Gard?
When I’m not working at Gard, you can usually find me juggling my other job or diving into schoolwork. I currently work as a Brand Ambassador for Monster Energy – yes, that means I help keep the world caffeinated – and I’m also the House Manager at Milagro Theater, the only Hispanic theater production company in the Pacific Northwest. Milagro produces a mainstage season from September to May, complemented by smaller events and community engagement activities, ensuring that I’m never short on excitement. Outside of work, I’m all about balance, both in life and in the gym. I enjoy staying active, watching movies (I consider it research) and diving into history books (because who doesn’t love a good time-travel experience?). You’ll also find me either playing or watching basketball, depending on the day. And when I’m not doing all of that, I like to sharpen my design skills by creating advertisements, keeping my creative side in tune. I also love trying new restaurants and food trucks with my girlfriend and spending as much time as possible with her.
What would you say is something unique about you?
One unique thing about me is that during 2020, like everyone else, I was stuck indoors with not much to do. At one point, I asked my friend Luis how he was passing the time, and he casually mentioned he was watching movies. Naturally, I asked for recommendations, and he handed me a three-pack Blu-ray set with “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “The Shining” and “Full Metal Jacket.” I watched all three over the weekend and became hooked on the art of filmmaking. Since January 1, 2021, I’ve watched 704 films — and counting! My favorite movie is a three-way tie between “Uncut Gems,” “Barry Lyndon” and “JFK.” My most recently watched film was the “Joker: Folie à Deux.”