| First & Last Name | Sarah Sabatka |
| Company | Rural 1st – Farm Credit Services of America |
| Title/Occupation | Consumer Lending Officer |
| sarah.sabatka@fcsamerica.com | |
| Phone | 402-473-4300 |
| Tell us about your family. | My husband and I live just north of Lincoln in Ceresco NE. We are 4th generation row crop farm operation with the 5th generation just starting in northern Lancaster County. We have two kids: Owen (18) who is headed to SCC -Milford for Diesel Truck Technology in the fall and Ada (11) and who is in middle school. When not busy on the farm or following the kids, you can catch us on a warm sunny beach or on a road trip in our Chevelle. |
| What would be the theme song of your life right now? | “Growin’ up and Gettin’ Old” by Luke Combs…lots of adulting in 2024! |
| What are you currently reading or listening to? | I am a podcast junkie. I really like the John Delony Show for all things family. You can also walk into my office and hear Living Rural; Real Talk, Real Deals; Motivation Minute; or Mortgage Market Radio. |
| Name a recent movie you watched that blew you away? | I haven’t watched too many movies recently. The last one that had an impact was American Sniper. What a commitment to our country. |
| What are you currently binge watching? | Ozarks; Yellowstone; Outer Banks; Virgin River (I am so far behind everyone.) |
| Best restaurant you’ve ever been to? | I can’t remember the name but it was a seafood place on the beach in Clearwater, it was seriously the best seafood I have ever had. |
| If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? | T-bone or ribeye steak with sauteed mushrooms and sauteed brussel sprouts. |
| Favorite place you’ve traveled? | Costa Rica: the combination of beaches, rain forest and volcanos has been my favorite trip to date. |
| What did you want to be when you grew up? | Accountant or Nurse |
| Where are you from? Where did you go to school? | I am from Brainard which is a small town northwest of Lincoln. I was born and raised there, and my parents are still in the same house I grew up in. I was always an East Butler Tiger! I also attended SCC – Lincoln and graduated with an Associate of Applied Science – Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. |
| What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? |
I have driven in Figure-8 races and placed 2nd a couple of times – a LONG time ago!
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| What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? | I have a green thumb and like to spend time in our vegetable and flower gardens. |
| If you could have a super power, what would it be? | Cloning – I would love to be able to clone myself so I can be in more than one place at a time. |
| When you’re not working, how do you enjoy spending your time? | Honestly, being with my family and good friends. Whether it’s sitting on the patio with a cold one, going out to eat or just being together, there is nothing better. |
| Who is someone who’s made a big impact on your life? Why? |
On my mom’s side, I had three aunts who went against the grain. Carolyn was the first female beat cop in Omaha, NE. My Aunt Susan was a Lincoln Police officer. My Aunt Linda was a Nebraska State Trooper. They never let anyone tell them what they should do. My grandparents encouraged and supported them even when it wasn’t the popular option. To this day, even though all have retired, they are all very strong women who have raised families and didn’t let anyone get in their way.
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| If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? | Matthew McConaughey – he is not afraid to fight for what is right. He chooses family over being famous. |
| What do you love the most about your job? | I love being able to help people make their dream home a reality. I have always like to be able to talk with customers about what they are wanting to do, reviewing the plans and watching it come together. It’s not always a “yes” the first time, but sometimes good things come to those who wait. |
| What experiences and past roles have led you to where you are today? | I have worked in the real estate industry for over 25 years. I spent 17 years in the title insurance industry and 10 years on the lending side. |
| What career advice do you live by? Who gave it to you? |
Your future is yours for the taking. If you want it, work to get it. The only one stopping yourself is you. Previous leader, Tom Dobbe who always challenged me to look at things differently.
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| What’s one skill you’d like to develop or sharpen this year? | Public Speaking – I have to continually push myself to speak in front of others to keep myself moving forward and sharpening my skills. |
| What are your future goals and aspirations for your career? | Undecided – may want to lead our officer team. |
| How has your career benefited from being a member of HBAL? | It has brought me many connections starting from back in the title insurance business. Getting to know the builders and others is my favorite part of my day. |
| What is your favorite HBAL event and why? | Golf Tournament – I have played a few years in the past. We are not good but always a good time. |
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Any tips or advice for new HBAL members?
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I would encourage you to reach out to another member who is not in your current network and learn more about what they do and vice versa. You may find out you have similar projects, interests or connections and promote both of your businesses as well.
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If you are an HBAL member and want to be featured in the next HBAL Member Spotlight, click here!
