A Journey of Grit and Gratitude: My 14 Year Story

This blog began after a conversation over dinner last month with a group of people we do business with and have grown to be friends. The question came up...

“How did you start at GKG?”

That simple question brought me back in time, reminding me of just how far I’ve come in these 14 years. After this dinner, LinkedIn made sure my entire network knew of my work anniversary, and my inbox was flooded with congratulations and support from everyone. It’s easy to get caught up in the everyday rush, but reflecting on the past opened my eyes to the incredible journey I’ve been on. I thought, what better place to share my story than here, in my blog series.

I started at GKG as the Manager of First Impressions, working the front desk and greeting our clients, all while raising my two young daughters, Braelyn and Makenna. I was attending college at night, pursuing a degree to build a better future for myself and my family. Those early days were rough—I won’t pretend they weren’t—but "my why" was driving me forward. I was determined to create a better life, the best life, for my girls, and my role at GKG was the first step in that direction.

Fourteen years later, I am proud to be a Strategic Business Advisor, having worked with hundreds of clients across dozens of states, forming deep connections within the industry. My journey at GKG has been about growth—not just in titles or responsibilities, but in developing a depth of skills, building trust, and creating enduring partnerships.

Each client relationship has been an opportunity to understand their unique challenges. For many of our clients, the stakes are high, and it’s essential they have someone in their corner who not only understands their business but is also invested in their long-term success. The solutions we provide are tailored to fit our clients' specific needs and goals, and I consider it an honor to help them navigate the evolving landscape of risk and insurance with confidence.

Looking back, it wasn’t just hard work that got me here. I was fortunate to have mentors who believed in me, one of whom still works beside me today— Ross Kraft, LUTCF, CWCA . Ross has been a guiding force in my career, helping me to see opportunities I might not have noticed on my own. Even now, as partners in business, together we continue to push each other to grow and step out of our comfort zones. It’s been humbling to work alongside someone who has seen my potential from the start and encourages me to keep pushing forward.

Of course, my personal life has grown alongside my career. Today, I’m married to my husband, Brad, who has been my rock throughout this journey. He’s always been there with unwavering support, especially during late nights and long days, whether I was studying or working with clients. Together, we’re raising four children, from their teens down to Pre-K—Braelyn, Makenna, Brad Allan, and Briar—along with four lively pets. Life is busy, messy, and full of love, and it’s taught me more about resilience than I ever imagined. I’ve learned how to balance competing demands and how to stay focused on what matters most.

This balance is something I carry into my work with our clients. My own journey has taught me that challenges are inevitable, but perseverance makes all the difference. I bring that same mindset to every business relationship. I’m here to support my clients not just as an insurance consultant, but as someone who understands the ups and downs of building something meaningful. My goal is always to provide real value, to listen, and to help my clients navigate their own challenges with confidence.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible clients, and seeing their success has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. It’s not just about business transactions—it’s about relationships, trust, and the long-term success of the people we work with.

I’ve been lucky to have had support along the way, from my family and the team at GKG. But more than anything, I’m proud of the grit it’s taken to break through some of the barriers along the way. As a young mom in business, the odds weren’t always in my favor, but that made every accomplishment even more meaningful.

Now, as I look forward, I’m excited about what’s to come. The industry is always changing, and I’m eager to keep learning and growing, both for myself and for my clients. The challenges we face today are different from those I encountered at the start, but the principles remain the same—work hard, stay humble, and keep moving forward.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success isn’t a straight line. It’s made up of small moments of perseverance, of mentors who lift you up, and of the people who trust you enough to let you walk their journey with them. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.

-Sarah