History
In 2001, President and Founder, John Chavez, formed the partnership of Tafoya and Brainerd Consultants with a vision of helping companies build professional relationships through the execution of operational excellence and strategic structure. Over the last 18 years, Tafoya and Brainerd has proudly assisted many leaders, businesses, organizations and aspiring entrepreneurs across multiple industries to achieve success. Our agency is a solutions focused team that specializes in all areas of operational advancement from financial management to internal development to long-term strategic execution. Here at Tafoya and Brainerd, we know that what you do for your business on a regular basis matters. What you don’t do on a regular basis for your business matters. Our goal is to customize our services to support your individual needs and the needs of your business or organization to promote growth and stability. We focus on helping you build a strategy and execute that strategy with a passion for success.
Get in touch
We know that finding the right consultant to help with your business can be difficult. That’s why we offer free consultations to review your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.
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Our Team
President
John J. Chavez
Born and raised in New Mexico, John found his passion for business at the early age of 16 when he used his father’s lawn mower to launch a successful, five-employee neighborhood lawn-care operation. It was then that he realized the importance of accounting and went on to graduate from High School with the goals of pursing a career in finance and economic development. In 1984, John graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. In 1995, John was appointed to serve as the Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Taxation and Revenue by Governor Gary Johnson. During his six year tenure as Tax Secretary, he also served as the President of the Federation of Taxation Administrators for one year and he achieved his Masters of Business Administration in Regulatory Economics from New Mexico State University in 1998. It was through his extensive experience in government service and financial management that John re-discovered his passion for business development.
John has received numerous awards and recognitions for his achievements and has served on multiple Boards as a Member, a Consultant and as a Chair. John believes in giving back to the community and runs several programs throughout the state to educate the public and aspiring entrepreneurs on business development, financial management, operational structure, investment opportunity and of course, the importance of networking.
Education
NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
MBA, Regulatory Economics, 1998 B.A., Economics, 1984
B.B.A., Finance, 1984
Awards & Affiliations
• CEO of the Year, 2012 by New Mexico Business Weekly
• New Mexico’s Top 10 Rainmaker Power Broker, 2010 by New Mexico Business Weekly
• New Mexico Power Broker, 2009 by New Mexico Business Weekly
• A 2009 Who’s Who in Technology by New Mexico Business Weekly
• President of The New Mexico Angels, 2008 - 2020
• Managing Director of The New Mexico Start-Up Factory II, 2013- present
Board Service
• Board Chair, Zocere Inc. 2013-2018
• Board Chair, Ecospesticides International Inc., 2013-2018
• Board Member, Dynamic Photonics Inc., 2013-2015
• Board Member, New Mexico Angels, 2007-2018
• Member of Board of Directors, One Connect IP, 2005-2008
• Member of the Board of Directors, Federation of Tax Administrators, 1996-2001
• Member of Executive Committee of Multi-State Tax Compact, 1995-2001
chief operating officer
Andrea M. Garcia
Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, Andrea learned the importance of organizational management, time management and financial structure at an early age. As her parents simultaneously ran two independent businesses, she observed the benefits and challenges of achieving success and maintaining it for over 35 years. It was then that she realized the benefit of knowledge, strategic planning and thoughtful execution in all areas of her life.
While attending the University of Denver, Andrea seized the opportunity to take her studies abroad and couple her academic growth with cultural experiences through three highly integrated international programs in Spain, Costa Rica and London. Through anthropological studies, Andrea discovered the value in her ability to study behaviors and observe cultural practices that in turn, improve the efficiency of operational execution. Combined with 14 years of professional experience, Andrea has developed a unique skill set based on her experience in leadership, marketing, sales, management, employee development, independent consulting, team building and project coordination. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals through tactical planning and thoughtful execution.
Education
NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS UNIVERSITY
MBA, Entrepreneurship, Currently Pursuing
THE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
B.A. Honors Cum Laude, Spanish, 2004
Awards & Affiliations
• Member of the University of Denver Honor’s Program
• Named to The National Dean’s List
• Awarded the Hornbeck Scholar Award
• Golden Key International Honor’s Society, Member
• Awarded the Pritzlaff Scholarship Award
• Awarded the Ann Green Scholarship Award
• Advocate for Habitat for Humanity
Experience
• Company Creation Specialist, The New Mexico Start-Up Factory II
• Project Manager, Osazda Energy
• Marketing Coordinator, Blake’s Lotaburger
• Organizational Management, Independent Consultant
• Networking Coordinator, Independent Consultant
• Retail Sales Manager, Mobile Communications Industry
At Tafoya & Brainerd, we focus on
Building Relationships
To help you achieve operational goals and promote stability for your organization.