Amy Gerbus, a long-time resident of Caughlin Ranch, has been deeply involved in her community since she first arrived in the area in 1975. Originally from the East Coast, Amy moved to Reno via San Francisco, and over the years, she has become a beloved member of the community, both as a business owner and as a resident. Having lived in her current home for over 12 years, Amy’s connection to Caughlin Ranch runs deep—her son, Mitchell, lives just up the street with his family, a testament to the close-knit nature of their family life.

One of Amy’s most significant contributions to the community is her role in building and developing homes in the area. Since the mid-1980s, Amy has built more than ten homes in the Ranch, with her first project completed in 1985. Her work in Juniper Trails and Village Green reflects her deep appreciation for the area’s beauty and accessibility. As Amy says, “I believe we have the prettiest neighborhoods in our area. The people, the trails, the accessibility to the freeway, local shopping, and the airport—pretty perfect!” 

Amy Gerbus is the proud co-owner of Madein Food & Drink Collective, a vibrant restaurant and bar that serves seasonal, Italian-inspired cuisine. Along with her business partners, Rachel Macintyre and Chef Shawn Giordano, who is also co-owner with his wife, Marcia Giordana, Amy has worked to develop the vision for Madein as a place that brings the community together through food and drink. Rachel has been instrumental in shaping the restaurant’s concept, ensuring that its commitment to local sourcing and community-driven values are reflected in everything it offers. Together, Amy, Rachel, Shawn, and Marcia have created a space that is not only a restaurant but a gathering place for neighbors and friends. 

At Madein, the kitchen is led by Chef Shawn Giordano, who plays a pivotal role in creating the menu and executing the restaurant’s culinary vision. Originally from the Hudson Valley, Chef Shawn gained invaluable experience working for Wolfgang Puck in Las Vegas and Southern California before bringing his talents to Reno. Under his leadership, Madein offers a wide range of carefully crafted dishes, from fresh salads and Romanstyle street sandwiches to exquisite pastas. 

The restaurant’s signature jumbo ravioli, filled with whipped ricotta, and the bolognese sauce, which takes seven hours to prepare, have become local favorites. Chef Shawn’s dedication to quality and creativity has made Madein a standout destination in the area. 

What sets Madein apart is its unwavering commitment to sourcing ingredients locally from within 250 miles of Northern Nevada and Northern California. The bar, managed by Black Rabbit, features a carefully curated selection of craft cocktails, regional wines, and locally sourced spirits, offering a taste of the local culture with every sip. Whether it’s the coffee program that starts at 8 a.m. or the dinner menu that includes daily specials, Madein is all about bringing high-quality, fresh, and accessible food and drinks to the community.

Amy’s journey into business began with a completely different career. She started as a dental assistant in Reno, where she was inspired by a dentist who was buying and selling homes during his breaks. With a friend, Amy decided to try her hand at real estate, leading to the purchase and flip of a home near the VA Hospital. This venture sparked her passion for building, leading to the creation of Gerbus Construction Inc., which she founded with her then-husband over 40 years ago. Since then, she has become an integral part of Reno’s development landscape. 

As a business owner, Amy is committed to supporting her community. The mantra of Madein is “From the neighborhood, for the neighborhood,” which reflects her dedication to fostering relationships with local vendors and entrepreneurs. Madein sources its products from a variety of local businesses, including Forged Coffee, Beloved’s Bread, and Prema Farm, strengthening the local economy while providing fresh, high-quality food and drinks to the community. 

In addition to her business ventures, Amy is passionate about art and community engagement. Mayberry Landing, a development she has nurtured for nearly 30 years, is a hub for local entrepreneurs, and it recently hosted a successful mural festival. Amy also volunteers at an equine therapy center, reflecting her lifelong love of horses—a hobby she began at the age of 66.

Now 70, Amy is still pursuing new passions and looking for ways to give back to her community. Through Madein, Mayberry Landing, and her volunteer work, Amy Gerbus and Rachel Macintyre continue to leave a lasting impact on Caughlin Ranch and the broader Reno area, building not just homes and businesses, but also strong, lasting community relationships. 

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As a business owner, Amy is committed to supporting her community. The mantra of Madein is "From the neighborhood, for the neighborhood," which reflects her dedication to fostering relationships with local vendors and entrepreneurs.