Our Office Administrator: Sarah
Sarah Banker provides office administration, project management support, and musical accompaniment to the High Performance Land & Home team.
How long have you been with High Performance Land & Home?
Since January 25, 2019.
How would you describe your role within the company?
My main role in the company is a customer liaison, from when the project is started—after the sales process with Angie—to when the project is completely finished. That would include office work and even going into the field when the work is needed.
What brings you joy in your position at High Performance Land & Home?
Working out in the field brings me joy, because I see everything. But the most joy that I get is when a project is completed, especially with septic installation. I lived off grid for six months or so. There was no plumbing. I understand the luxury of having a working system and what it means for everyday life. I appreciate when things get done and when a customer is happy. That is the best feeling.
What has been your favorite customer experience?
A woman recently called in who needed some help with her septic, but she is on a tight budget—shelling out 15 grand is not an easy thing to do. It got me thinking, so I did a little research and found out that Colorado has a program for low-income and elderly individuals to help them with home upkeep and maintenance, which includes septic repair. There are ways for us to financially benefit the company but to also benefit individuals by helping them find funding for their projects. It felt good to help someone who was not able to find the information.
What was the most difficult challenge for you to overcome during your time with HPLH?
My biggest challenge is making mistakes and facing failure, especially with this job. I’ve done administrative work before, but as time has progressed, my role within the company has morphed into something more hands on that needs a specific knowledge base. So a lot of what I do is through trial and error. I don’t mind making a couple of mistakes at first, but when I’m in it and in my flow, and then find out that I’ve made a mistake, I take it hard. I hate to disappoint my coworkers, especially when it puts more work on their plate.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned since being with the company?
I’ve learned many things about the field. I’ve even operated machinery! Persistence is probably the biggest life lesson. Jesse has helped me with that. Even though I don’t 100% understand what’s going on, I’ve learned to continue and to keep showing up...hopefully.
Often in your position, you receive complaints or a lot of emotions from several types of people: Contractors, customers, suppliers, the excavators you work with, etc. How do you transfer your personality into creating a positive experience for all involved?
What I do is I put myself in their position. I put myself where they are. I try to get into their headspace. I am loyal to High Performance Earthworks and, as a part of that, I want to make sure that everyone’s experience with us — contractors, suppliers, someone who calls with a random question — is positive. I try to represent the company from a place of compassion. Angie has reminded me of that: Moving earth seems to be very destructive, with all the machines coming in, which can trigger an emotional reaction, and to take that into consideration.
I hear that you are a musician. Can you tell me more about that?
I’m a singer-songwriter. I play the ukulele, guitar, and I’m learning piano.
I didn’t start until after college. I have an album out and probably like 15 other songs, and I enjoy the writing process. Writing songs doesn’t just happen for me though, it kind of organically manifests. I’m writing a song right now, and it’s taken about four to five weeks. I like my songs to be uplifting and encouraging.
(check out her amazing album and other songs here: https://soundcloud.com/sarahbanker)
What are your other passions outside of work?
I make vegan desserts for a restaurant in town. They are gluten-free and paleo. Health is a big passion of mine. I have a big sweet tooth, but I don’t eat anything with refined sugar. So, one day, I wanted some key lime pie and that’s how I got started.
Currently, I’m selling my Lil b's Tarts desserts at Busey Brews in Nederland.