A lot has happened since the last issue of [THE LOWDOWN]. I’ve been hunkering down, getting into the trenches, and dealing with all of the stuff that we are all dealing with as entrepreneurs, Americans, and human beings.
One of the things that you know about is paring down my newsletter mailing list to what I call “Fans of Sarah.” I finally took the leap. Read more about that in my blog HERE.
I’ve been working on some passion projects. The passion? Business pitch competitions (and startups and mentoring).
I served as a judge in the Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest in Madison. Dude, it was mind-blowing! So many life-changing innovations and sharp executive teams. Check out the winners HERE.
Another passion project that I am immersed in is BEAR ’25: Business Expansion and Retention Pitch Showcase with the Chippewa Economic Development Corporation here in Cheeseland. More details below on that.
I call these passion projects because they fall outside the scope of any of my businesses. My involvement is purely inspired by my experience as a startup founder myself, back in 2011, with WeatherVane Creamery. That’s a story for another day, but my head and heart fill up when I contribute to driven entrepreneurs winning.
Lastly… speaking of my head and heart filling up… my other business- InSIGHTful Low Vision! That’s where I practice what I preach. I have been working with low vision doctors since 2017 and have worked with over half of them in North America. My job is to educate both the public and fellow eye doctors about what they offer. Those glasses with binoculars attached that surgeons wear for surgery to magnify things? Those are available for people with very bad vision so that they can read, drive, see faces, not bump into things, and do their favorite pastimes. Long story short, I helped Mother Patti navigate her smartphone so she could share her family’s experience with Dr. Palmer in the Twin Cities and the life-changing glasses he prescribed. The result is truly beautiful.
She selected the stars and wrote the review 100% independently.
Here’s the resulting review:
“We found out about Dr. Palmer from my eye Doctor. He is amazing! At my Daughters in Person consult he made a huge difference with just the lenses he was using. She saw all the cars in the parking lot, the green trees, then we went back to the exam room and my Daughter could see me in the far corner of the room. She even told Dr. Palmer what I looked like. He gave us a prescription for regular glasses and the telescopic glasses wouldn’t be done for 6 weeks. Then we went to Pearl vision and ordered her glasses. We were told that this prescription would take 2 1/2 weeks to do because it was so strong. Then when we came back to get them, right after she put them on she saw a biker out the window! Then she saw a mirror and could see her face, then she saw her hands, this was coming from a girl that could only see from her nose! This was indeed a miracle from Dr. Palmer and God. On the way home she could see the lines in the street, the cars, the colors, signs from businesses. This was unbelievable to witness her sight go from pin hole vision of very little sight to all of what she was telling me! Her head was bobbing all over the place to see everything she could see. When we got home she walked through my entire house as though this was her first visit. Her kids were so excited, and her Husband started asking her do you see this? Do you see that? She answered yes it’s my jewelry box, It’s the new fridge and stove. He was so surprised that she could see that good. Now she is walking independently she brings her white cane, and stays to the right, she loves to go for rides to see everything. She also can see her dog, obi he is a husky, and he has noticed a difference in her because she no longer runs into him, and now she knows when he is standing right in front of her to be petted and talked to. Everything has changed for my Daughter, and her family, enjoying time with her Sister and Brother, their kids, and me. Thank you Dr. Palmer, thank you GOD! This is amazing!”
And I’ve got more cooking! Anyway, I’d love to see you at any of the events below.
Keep going,
#PBL | MINI BIZ HACK SESH | JULY
PICK 3: WHERE TO PUT YOUR MARKETING EFFORTS
Get ready to hack your biz with a hands-on session on where to focus your marketing efforts and make the most impact!
This month, we’re diving into the marketing world to help you determine where to focus your energy. Whether you’re struggling to choose the right marketing methods or need a solid marketing plan that works for your business, we’ve got you covered.
Come ready to brainstorm, share ideas, and leave with a plan tailored to your biz. Let’s make those marketing efforts count!
We hope to see you on TOMORROW at 9:00 AM CST for another awesome Biz Hack.
#SCORE | Are You Workin’ Hard or Smart? (Part 2) | JULY
Are You Workin’ Hard or Smart? (Part 2) is happening July 23 at 11 AM CST!
Join us for the second round of this power-packed series where we’ll walk through the 21-Point Biz Checklist and uncover:
What’s working
What’s missing
Where you’re leaving money on the table
What folks said about Part 1:
“10/10 on relevance and info!”
“Relaxed, fun, and packed with real biz expertise.”
“Super helpful and actually applicable to our biz!”
If you missed Part 1—don’t worry! Part 2 stands strong on its own.
#TheBookLeague | Meditations for Mortals | Q3
Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts” by Oliver Burkeman
This quarter, we’re slowing down to speed up. Join us as we unpack practical and philosophical insights on how to let go of perfection, embrace what truly matters, and reclaim your time — one grounded week at a time.
Reserve your spot now — our first Q3 session kicks off on July 30th!
Get a copy of your book HERE!
Save your seat now!
#BEAR | Business Expansion and Retention Pitch Showcase | 2025
I’m part of the committee for BEAR ’25: Celebrating Cubs to Kings of Business — and I’d love for you to be there!
BEAR (Business Expansion and Retention) is a brand-new pitch showcase that highlights growth-stage businesses making serious moves — scaling up, creating jobs, and shaping the future economy in the Chippewa Valley and beyond. 
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, community leader, or just someone who cares about local business growth, this is your chance to support the companies driving real impact — and get inspired by what’s next.
Finalists will pitch for investor group opportunities, prizes, connections, and more.
Let’s celebrate momentum, leadership, and the journey beyond the startup stage.
Hope to see you there!
#BizHack | LastPass
Managing passwords doesn’t have to be a headache.
LastPass makes it easier (and safer!) for businesses to keep login info secure, organized, and easy to share with the right people.
Why we love it:
One central place for teams to store and share passwords Strong password generation = fewer security risks Admin tools to manage access and enforce policies
It’s a simple way to boost your biz’s cybersecurity and cut down on tech friction—so you can focus on growing, not resetting passwords.
#PodcastGuesting | From Broke to Boutique Retail Boss
I had the chance to be a guest on The Brick + Mortar Visibility Podcast, where we talked all things boutique retail strategy—especially for service-based businesses.
I shared my journey (from broke to building two thriving businesses!), practical marketing tips, and why retail deserves a real plan—not just a shelf in the corner. We also touched on Profit First and how to make the most of Q3.
Tune in for simple shifts, mindset moves, and marketing wisdom to boost your retail revenue without the overwhelm.
#WhereInTheWorldIsSarah
MINI BIZ HACK SESH: Pick 3 | Where to Put Your Marketing Efforts
Wednesday, July 9th, 9:00 AM – 10 AM CST
Location: Online
Register HERE for free!
SCORE: Are You Workin’ Hard or Smart? Part 2
Wednesday, July 23rd, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST
Location: Online
Register HERE for free!
The Book League Q3
Wednesday, July 30th, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM CST
Location: Online
Register HERE
MINI BIZ HACK SESH: Putting the REAL into REALationships
Wednesday, August 6th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM CST
Location: Online
Register HERE for free!
BEAR ’25 PITCH SHOWCASE EVENT
Thursday, August 14th at 5:30 – 8:00 PM CST
Location: 27325 268th Ave Holcombe, WI 54745
Register HERE for $20!
Do you know of a hot networking event in the Twin Cities or Eau Claire areas that I should be at? Let me know!
