(Sarah K. Hall ~ 2011 Award Winner)
As CBN celebrates our 18th year of honoring young business leaders in Central Oregon, we — along with our sponsor, Washington Trust Bank — thought it would be fun to reach out to some of our past award winners and ask…
Where are they now?
What advice would you give to your former self at the time you were featured as an Accomplished Under 40 Award recipient?
When I received the award I was a small business owner and have so much advice I would tell myself. I think one of the most important things is to make sure you have the right professional team around you when it comes to tax strategies, bookkeeping, financial planning, HR resources, etc. If you can lean on external partnerships to make your business operate more efficiently, you can focus on what you do best and the “why” you started the business in the first place.
What has changed the most in Central Oregon since then?
Growth. This town has grown exponentially in population, urbanization, social diversity and economically. For businesses and business owners, there are so many more resources and communities to help support local businesses grow.
How has your career and community involvement changed since you were selected?
After owning a community-driven business for 16 years, I was fortunate to sell to owners who would continue the loving culture of the community there. I then transitioned back into the world of finance into wealth management. I continue to be connected in our community participating in nonprofit boards, hosting financial literacy and business owner events and I enjoy networking and attending events around town. My outlook on community involvement has changed to be more service-driven, giving back to this amazing place we live.
What did it mean to you to receive the award?
I remember feeling honored that someone in the community took the time to nominate me. I think as business owners, it can be easy to feel you are on an island alone at times. It was inspiring to be recognized with a group of incredible individuals all striving to achieve great things in their careers.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments that make you who you are today?
I am proud I had a successful business in this town for a long period of time that positively impacted the kids of our community. I also am fortunate for many business relationships and lifelong friendships that came out of the season of my life. Moreover, I am extremely proud of the fact that three wonderful employees took that business over, and have created something even more special by building their own legacy there.
What advice would you give to this year’s — and future — recipients of Accomplished Under 40 Award?
To take a moment and really acknowledge to yourself the things you are proud of that you have accomplished. Whether your achievements are career, family, financial, social, or travel-related make sure you take the space and time to let yourself know you are succeeding at what matters to you. I would also say to find mentors and role models to keep pushing you, hold you accountable and get your mind firing in different way. Remember to change these as you shift in your career as well.
What question would you ask yourself for this interview?
“What was one roadblock that you were giving to yourself at the time of receiving this award and how could you have changed that back then?” I think I had a false sense of “how” I could have really grown my business. I had my own perception of “just being a small business”. I feel that had I sought out more mentors in the industry earlier and really seen the potential for business and analytical growth, not just artistic growth, I could have created a broader variety of opportunities within that business ownership.
