Gina Baker Santiago is a passionate leader dedicated to empowering others and driving franchisee success through strategic vision and hands-on experience. As Vice President of Operations for NerdsToGo under Propelled Brands, she champions brand growth by optimizing technology strategies, enhancing financial performance, and creating impactful solutions that accelerate success across the franchise network. Gina’s empathetic leadership style, shaped by her own relatable career journey, allows her to connect deeply with franchisees and support them in achieving their goals.
Prior to her corporate role, Gina founded a consulting firm focused on leadership and employee development, where she supported small businesses, including consulting for the NerdsToGo Bellevue franchisee. This led to her subsequent role as General Manager, where she was given full authority to run the business. Embracing this responsibility, Gina led strategic operations, drove substantial sales growth, and managed all aspects of hiring and training. Her leadership resulted in tripling monthly revenue, achieving key profitability milestones, and crafting essential training and operational processes. This comprehensive experience laid the foundation for her impactful contributions to the NerdsToGo corporate team.
Gina's dedication to servant leadership began with her roles at The Walt Disney Company and Starbucks, where she mastered "white glove" customer service and fostered a culture where employees are the most valued asset. Holding a B.S. in International Business from California State University, Long Beach, Gina combines operational excellence with a people-centric approach, investing deeply in the success of franchisees to ensure they have the tools and support necessary to thrive.
