April 11, 2023

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Sara Waldner, director of client service and business development at The Sampson House.

Name: Sara Waldner

Age: 26

Hometown: Hartford

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Growing up in a neighboring town to Sioux Falls, I wasn’t sure about going to college here. My mom is an alum of Augustana University, and with her guidance along with a very convincing admissions counselor, I followed in her footsteps in the fall of 2015.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls is a community that I’ve grown up loving. With the growth of our city, especially downtown, and the opportunities I’ve been given here, it’d be pretty hard to call anywhere else home. I also love being so close to my family and lifelong friends.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

In my role at The Sampson House, no two days are ever the same, and this pace and variety of work is what keeps my skills fresh and my energy going. I love being able to promote brands that I am truly passionate about. Plus, our clients are really great too – allowing our team to innovate and strategize alongside their own. We’ve built a true partnership with the clients we work with, which creates the synergy and trust needed to produce great results.

How did you get connected to your industry?

During my time at Augustana, I was involved in leading the Public Relations Student Society of America, PRSSA, organization on campus. We’d visit local agencies as well as take an annual trip to Minneapolis to tour agencies up there. The first time I set foot in a marketing agency, it just felt right for me. It’s really hard to describe that feeling, but it really goes back to the reason why I love this industry so much – the pace of work, the variety of clients, the learning and growth about so many different facets of marketing. I began my career at Lawrence & Schiller, and I’m so grateful to them for taking a chance on hiring me as an intern. Through positions on the American Advertising Federation – South Dakota board of directors, I maintained connections with other industry professionals, ultimately leading me to my role here at The Sampson House.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Aesthetic. Forward-thinking. Polished.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

Giving back to the community comes in so many shapes and forms. From campaigning for the United Way to encouraging businesses to participate in an annual fundraising effort, to being a constant nag to my friends and family to save their pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. However, my favorite way to give back to my community is through everyday actions – being an engaged, caring citizen – smiling and saying “good morning” to the folks I see on my morning walks down Phillips Avenue, treating the rock-star service workers at my favorite coffee shops and restaurants with kindness and respect, and not being afraid to share advice or guidance with strangers that look unsure of themselves. To me, giving back to my community isn’t just volunteering efforts or board seats on local organizations that look nice on a resume – it’s about kindness to all, regardless of whether someone else is watching.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

I think one of the new developments downtown needs a Trader Joe’s. I mean, come on.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I hope to be a better leader and a more compassionate person. I envision myself in a role where I continue to feel fulfilled and challenged and also connected to my friends, family and community. And, if I’ve traveled to at least five of the seven continents – this year I’ll make it to my third! – that would be incredible too.