At Sargent’s, marketing isn’t a one-man band… It’s a two-redhead operation. Amanda and Bianca handle the photos, posts, and digital wizardry that keep things running online and off.
(And if the thought crossed your mind, yes, we’re writing this in third-person 😉 )
Get to know a little more about us and our roles at Sargent’s, below!
Amanda Sauder
Title: Marketing Coordinator
Year Started at Sargent’s: 2024
Education: B.S. in Agricultural Marketing and Communications – UW-River Falls
What sparked your interest in marketing, and how did that lead to Sargent’s?
“I’ve always had an eye for creativity and storytelling. In high school, I held several marketing-related roles, which inspired me to major in Agricultural Marketing and Communications. My interest in horticulture started with plant science classes and FFA contests, and I wish I’d taken more plant science classes in college. Everything seems to come full circle, though, because now I’m able to use my hard skills, such as graphic design, to promote horticulture at Sargent’s!”
Describe your role on the marketing team, and what a typical day looks like for you.
“As the Marketing Coordinator, my responsibilities cover all departments of the business. I write the weekly eNewsletter, coordinate advertising and sponsorships, take photo and video content at jobsites, set up events, design marketing materials and signage, manage campaigns, and help support internal communications. A typical day varies by the season. The winter is busy with annual planning, the holidays, houseplant month, and setting up advertising for the year. The spring season might speak for itself as the busiest time of year. In summer, one big focus is on getting content of our tree and landscape crews as well as hosting Smooth Summer Nights. Now that it’s Fall, marketing is a bit more peaceful, and I have time to work on bigger projects for the year ahead.”
What’s your favorite part of your job?
“I love creating content that people enjoy reading and seeing! I enjoy composing our eNews each week and coming up with unique elements of Sargent’s to share with our readers. In addition to the work I do, our Sargent’s team is always a joy to work with. Each crew and department is so fun to interact with, and it’s amazing to see the great work they do, from the beautiful flowers in production and retail, to the stellar transformations done by all our crews working off-site.”
What’s your go-to Café Aquí drink to fuel your creativity?
“I’ve never been a coffee drinker (although my friends at Aquí are still trying to convert me), but their tea is delicious! I can always go for a London Fog and have also enjoyed the new seasonal drink, the ‘Chai Fuego’.”
What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?
“I currently live and work on my family’s 600-cow dairy farm, where I am part of the 6th generation. Although my role there is part-time, I love getting to continue a legacy while working with my family and cattle. I feed calves, milk cows, keep up with digital records and herd management, but my favorite job is harvesting crops!
What’s your favorite way to spend time outside of work?
“I enjoy painting, country swing and line dancing, helping with student ministries at my church, spending time with family and friends, and running a freelance photography business.”
Bianca Paulsen
Title: Marketing Design/Social Media Associate
Year Started at Sargent’s: 2023
Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology
What sparked your interest in marketing, and how did that lead to Sargent’s?
“I didn’t exactly plan to go into marketing; it sort of found me in my previous job. Once I got into it, I realized how much I enjoy the creative side, the variety, and the way things are always changing. About three years ago, I applied to work in the retail area at Sargent’s, but by chance, there was an opening in marketing, and that’s how I ended up here. As an avid gardener, it turned out to be the perfect combination: plants and marketing.”
What’s your favorite part of your job?
“My favorite part of my job is definitely the people at Sargent’s. We have such a great team, and there’s always a lot of fun and laughter behind the scenes, which makes coming to work really enjoyable. And of course, the plants, I love being surrounded by them every day.”
What’s your go-to plant and why?
“Over the last couple of years, I’ve really fallen in love with elephant ears. They make my garden feel magical, because you feel so small next to these giant, dramatic plants. I’ve had a lot of fun incorporating them into my cottage-style garden.”
What’s your favorite season at Sargent’s?
“My favorite season at Sargent’s is spring. After a long winter, I love seeing the arrival of spring annuals. It’s such an exciting and invigorating time. Everything feels fresh and new, and it’s the perfect way to kick off the season.”
What’s your favorite way to spend time outside of work?
“I love spending time with my husband and our two teenage kids, traveling together, playing board games, and watching “The Great British Baking Show”.”
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
“I am a big gardener and love spending time in my backyard, just putzing around. I also enjoy practicing yoga and getting lost in a good book. Traveling is another passion of mine, especially exploring the incredible national parks across the U.S. There is something so inspiring about being surrounded by nature’s beauty.”
