Company: Jacksonville Business Journal
Title: Publisher (the first female publisher in Jacksonville)
Favorite College Team: Cincinnati Bearcats
Gator Bowl Sports Membership Level: Chairman’s Club Member + Vice-Chair of Membership + Bowl’d Ladies Chair
How many years have you been associated with Gator Bowl Sports: I’ve been a Gator Bowl Sports Member for 5 years. I became a member when I took over as Publisher for the Jacksonville Business Journal.
Favorite aspect of being involved with Gator Bowl Sports: Honestly, it took me some time to understand how a sports business was going to be valuable for me. But over the past five years, I’ve made some of the best business connections through the Gator Bowl and many of those have become great friendships.
Favorite Gator Bowl Sports memory: My favorite memory just happened this year. Through the new Bowl’d Ladies initiative, we hosted a group of women professionals for a luncheon (College Football 101) with the intent to teach the basics of college football. I was fortunate to sit on a panel alongside Lauren Brooks from 1010XL as well as Susan Hamilton who was the first female chairman of Gator Bowl Sports. As I listened to Susan recount her experiences from just 20 years ago, I was so proud of how far we’ve come as an organization.
Where are you from? I was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH.
How did you get to Florida? After years enduring Ohio winters, I was ready to leave the cold, so I packed up my car and moved to Tampa on a whim… the rest is history. This is probably a perfect example of how I live my life… I always carve my own path and don’t follow the norm – It’s worked well for me!
Favorite things about the Jacksonville area? I love that Jacksonville is so spread out. There is tremendous diversity in things to do unique to each part of town. You can “vacation” at home by just visiting a different neighborhood and taking in restaurants, breweries, culture, sports, outdoor activities… the list is endless.
What is your enneagram number?: I’m an 8
Hobbies outside of work and philanthropy? I love golf and I love to travel – it’s a perfect combo!
Favorite genres of music/artists: I LOVE old school hip hop and R&B…..Outkast, Biggie, Tupac.
Favorite Sports film: Caddyshack
What’s the best piece of advice you have received?: Well, when I first took a job in sales, my Dad asked me: ‘Sara, do you know what happens if you don’t sell anything? You will get fired.’ It sparked a drive in me to become a creative and effective sales person.
I also had a boss who once asked me: ‘Is this the hill you want to die on?’ It was a great lesson on learning to pick your battles.
What advice would you give a young professional reading this? Work smarter, not harder. I live my life by that motto and encourage everyone to do the same.
Who are your biggest supporters? Definitely my husband Chris and our fur babies….Izzy and Delilah.
Back to music…What would your walk-up song be?: Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N’ Roses
