Neal Hartl Memorial Sales/Marketing Scholarship

From an early age, I have been immersed in the world of business. My peers grew up with chores and an allowance; I grew up with a job and a timesheet. Hard work was not seen as exceptional, it was the expectation. Instead of house rules, I was raised by “The Sage Way”, our corporate mission statement and values. These guiding principles taught me the importance of commitment to both the self and the organization. Through labor and diligence, I have cultivated a profound passion for business. My family owns and operates a small, versatile, entrepreneurial business that specializes in real estate and development. Eager to pursue knowledge and gain experience, I have worked closely alongside my family and mentors. I have been provided with countless first-hand opportunities, ranging from digital marketing, heavy-equipment operation, large-scale landscaping, payment collections, bookkeeping, and the management of real estate closings. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that knowledge is cumulative. I aspire to continuously form and strengthen the building blocks of my organization and myself. I am driven to select a career path that allows me to pursue new and challenging opportunities. As the daughter of small business owners, I believe that the customers should be held at the heart and soul of a company. Through experience, I have learned the value and importance of connecting with customers. Witnessing the joy and excitement of customers as they sign their property agreement, lease, or deed, has left a major impact on my professional and personal development. For me, the foundation and maintenance of relationships are the most rewarding aspects of a business career. It is through these connections, these bridges that we form, that we forge a reliable path toward profitability and expansion. I aim to provide value to customers, providing them with new opportunities and possibilities. Success in sales and marketing hinges on the support and satisfaction of clients and customers. I am determined to refine my interpersonal communication skills as I pursue a degree in sales, marketing, and business. The unwavering commitment that has always surrounded our family business has been a true source of inspiration. Following in the footsteps of those who have guided me, I have developed an innate desire to connect with, inspire, and lead others. I believe that a business-oriented career in sales, marketing, advertising, or international business would allow me to utilize my creative mind. The opportunities for growth, expansion, and positive change in sales and marketing will push me to improve as I strive for results. Now, more than ever, a path in sales or marketing holds the potential to shape the world, one client at a time. The word “passionate” fails to adequately describe how deeply I desire to provide value to the lives of future clients and customers. By making waves, fostering connections, and spearheading change, I know that I hold the power to transform the lives of those around me. I am motivated to pursue more knowledge, strengthen my existing skills, and learn new marketing strategies. A career in sales and marketing would allow my family’s corporation and me to reach new heights. Until then, I will set my sights on the horizon.