THIS IS US: Janette Gomez

Janette Gomez and her adventure-loving family reveal Idaho’s true character: friendly smiles, star-filled skies, and ice-cold turquoise lakes.

ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM IDAHO/BOISE?I was born in Los Angeles, California, and moved to Hailey, Idaho with my mom and sisters when I was about 10 years old. Before we moved, I remember spending two summers with my cousin at our grandma’s house in Hailey. Looking back, those days were truly the best. We rode our bikes around the neighborhood and into town to buy a Squeeze Pop or Stardust Gum Powder. Nostalgia! They were such simple activities, but ones we couldn’t do back in California where increased crime had become a growing concern. When Grandma pointed out that Idaho would be the perfect place to raise children, Mom followed through on that advice. Later, at 21, I made the decision to attend Boise State University and I’ve been in Boise ever since.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR SCHELL JOURNEY. HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT SCHELL BROTHERS?Nearly a year after I had my second baby, I accepted a career opportunity with IronHaven, a local custom homebuilder. The company was accommodating, and I fell in love with their homes. After five short months at IronHaven, I learned that we would be partnering with Schell Brothers, a homebuilder from Delaware. When we had the opportunity to travel across the country to meet the team, the friendly welcome we received was overwhelming in the best possible way. Everyone had such incredible things to say about Schell Brothers that it made me wonder if it was all for show ... or could I really be lucky enough to work for yet another amazing company? After experiencing the Schellies event, touring Schellville, and seeing how much the company genuinely cares about its employees, I knew I had to go with my gut instinct and join the team. There is something truly special about this company, and I am grateful for the partnership.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?There is something special about being part of a small division and helping it grow. We wear multiple hats, and that means we get to experience a variety of roles and tasks. I love collaborating with the team to plan community events, especially those such as the Parade of Homes or “Schell Way” that showcase our models. These activities encourage people to connect with the company and fall in love with our homes. We recently celebrated our first trade appreciation event, which was especially satisfying. It filled my cup to give back to the contractors and share Schell traditions with those who work hard to deliver quality products for our customers.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FLOOR PLAN? WHY?I haven’t been able to walk through a lot of finished floor plans yet, but I absolutely love The Shearwater, which was our Parade of Homes model. The grand feel you experience when you walk in is incredible, and I love how everyone can gather in separate areas throughout the kitchen or great room while still feeling a sense of togetherness. And the second-floor balcony is a sweet touch.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.My husband, Juan, and I met in high school and moved to Boise when we attended college here. We’re both in the construction industry—I’m in residential; Juan’s in commercial. Most of our family members still live in Hailey, and we love visiting them for the holidays. Seven-year-old Jaiden Omari is our sweet Valentine's boy, and we have a fierce 3-year-old daughter named Jordyn Gianna.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO AS A FAMILY?We love it all: dinners out, camping, swimming, sitting around the campfire, 4-wheeling, dancing, concerts, family parties, snowshoeing, going to the movies, pumpkin patches, any and all Christmas activities, and just exploring new places.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DATE NIGHT?Sometimes we like to plan date nights when one of us doesn’t know where we are going for drinks or dinner—we just know to be ready at a certain time. Often, the journey takes us to a new place where we might sit at the bar and enjoy talking with each other and those around us. Then, we’re off to our next location for dinner together for the first time at an uncharted destination. The element of surprise makes for a refreshing, fun, and exciting experience.

IDAHO IN WINTER OR SUMMER? WHY?Summer! Both seasons are wonderful here, but we absolutely love summer, especially since we bought a camper last year. While I loved tent camping, the ability to take a shower and sleep on a comfy bed while still being in nature's beauty is right up my alley. We are a very active family, so being outside in the summer comes naturally for us. A favorite activity is biking on the greenbelt and rewarding ourselves with a stop at a restaurant, winery, or brewery. The kids especially look forward to seeing what sort of treats they will get along the way. Here in Idaho, a simple hike can lead to a refreshing swim in a gorgeous glacial lake. For us, an ideal summer day includes paddleboarding and/or kayaking with our babies on the lake.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL TIP FOR VISITORS TO IDAHO?Embrace and welcome the hospitality. It might feel weird that random people say hi, wave, or smile regularly, but it’s just the Idaho way. Also, expect to experience all the seasons in one day … seriously.

IDAHO’S BEST KEPT SECRET? BEST PLACE TO HIKE? LOOKING FOR AN INSIDE SCOOP.Hands down, my favorite place to go to in the summer is Redfish Lake, perhaps because it is the source of so many childhood memories. We’re still making memories today ... biking around the lake, riding to the lodge, and enjoying cocktails while listening to summer concerts. Our kids look forward to eating swirl ice cream cones and clutching their new stuffed animals from the Redfish Lodge Store. And, there’s nothing better than winding down in the evening with s’mores and red wine as we tell stories and gaze at stars by the campfire. The stars at Redfish Lake are remarkable in the boundless night sky, so it’s no surprise that summer reservations fill up fast. Inside scoop: They keep two campsites open on a first-come, first-served basis and that’s how we’ve been able to secure a spot each year. Every season has its treasures: wildflowers in the spring, refreshing summer swims, the vibrant colors of fall, and striking winter scenes.

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE SCHELL? WHY?GENEROUS. For a company to consistently host monthly events and large gatherings— all in the name of embracing culture and creating moments of joy—truly speaks volumes. Every division feels included, welcomed, and celebrated. The effort it takes to coordinate flights, make accommodations, and provide hospitality for multiple coworkers across many locations requires a huge investment of time, money, planning, and care. In addition to this focus on culture, the company’s commitment to family is unique. There is nothing more important than ensuring the care of our children, and having daycare reimbursement is a rare and valuable benefit.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?The connections I’ve built in my short time at Schell Brothers have been truly unforgettable. So many fellow employees from different divisions have reached out, introduced themselves, and expressed a willingness to help. This company has been especially generous in enabling us to travel to Schell events, and I am forever grateful for every experience. After finding IronHaven, I never thought I would work for another incredible homebuilder, but, in true Schell Brothers fashion, this new company stepped in and said, “hold my beer.” Schell Brothers will always have a special place in my heart. Thanks for the memories and cheers to many more!