AWOB's 2014 Rising Star Winner: Sarah Friesen

Sarah Friesen, owner of Gig Harbor Home Management, won the AWOB Rising Star Award for business excellence on Thursday, May 15.

We’d like to share Sarah’s thoughts on winning this award ....

“The joy (and challenge) of a small business startup is that every objective, goal and marketing effort is a direct reflection of the owner’s personal values, beliefs and branding. When I consider who I am and how I've transferred my belief system into the identity of my company, it becomes clear that several factors have inspired and influenced me over the years.

My genealogy is filled with a family history of service-oriented individuals. "How can I help?" is as common as hello and goodbye. I believe that my career as a home management professional captures all that I have been taught about walking alongside someone during their time of stress, chaos or overwhelming workloads.

Over the years, I have considered several workplace mentors to be cornerstones in the formation of my business standards, and still try my best to operate within their treasured mantras: 

*  Do it right, or don’t do it at all. 

* Create win-win partnerships: with employees, clients and providers. Always.

*  Make the phrase “Attention to details” a marketing advantage and live it in every way. 

* Honor and care for your clients, but not at your expense.  

My passion for helping others, my love of organizing, my inspiring family, my influential mentors and my entrepreneurial spirit all came together one day, and I had no idea of the growth potential. But I did know that I had something valuable to offer Gig Harbor homeowners: competent, trustworthy care for their home.

I believe that many of you are familiar with my corporation's mission, vision and values. But what I haven't always shared is that from early on in my business growth, I knew that I wanted my company brand to connect with people.

Author Simon Sinek said “People don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it.” This philosophy captures the essence of our values at GHHM. The reason we work so hard is to provide peace of mind and protection through our home watch services, and provide the gift of time through our organization, relocation and cleaning services.

Connecting what I do to an emotion about why I do it (and why they need me), points out the unique nature of what sets me apart in this industry: I consider it an honor to be given the key to someone else's house.  It's a very personal decision for them. I want to earn their trust and be their advocate.  I want the client to feel they are in charge and I am their representative. I take pride in giving my clients my personal touch.  I don't outsource my core services – everyone who goes in that house as my representative is on my team. 

2012 was a year of market testing, industry research, brand creation and to be honest, an assessment of my willingness and courage to be a small business owner. 2013 was a year of creation as I designed, implemented and managed six service lines. I also shifted from sole proprietor to corporation, hired my employees in order to handle client growth, worked with 20+ service partners, and solidified our corporate objectives, mission and vision.

2014 will be a year of strength. Gig Harbor Home Management will continue to expand its clientele, increase cross-selling opportunities between service lines and solidify its reputation in the Gig Harbor market as a reliable home management expert and resource.

I am so proud of the progress we have made, and excited for all the potential the future holds for myself and my team.”

Thank you everyone, for making this possible!