When we think about “Rookie of the Year” at Winmill PPM, one name stands out: Sara Pollak. In just one year with the company, Sara has redefined what it means to be a rookie. Fresh to the world of project portfolio management, she dove in with enthusiasm, quickly mastering tools like Planview PPM Pro and Smartsheet, and building meaningful client relationships from the start.
Sara’s ability to take on new challenges, stay positive, and learn quickly has made her a standout team member. She’s not just meeting expectations—she’s exceeding them. This spotlight celebrates Sara’s drive, impact, and the energy she brings to our team every day.
Courtney Snipes, Winmill PPM’s President, reflects on hiring Sara: “When I interviewed Sara, I knew she was going to ‘Be Somebody.’ I hired her immediately, and that has been one of my best hiring decisions. In just one year, Sara has exceeded nearly three years of planned career growth. To start as an SDR with no industry experience and be promoted to Associate Solutions Engineer in her first year—that's incredible. She was the first to certify with Smartsheet, outperforming even our most experienced team members, and now she has mastered PPM Pro. I’m incredibly proud of her, and she is an absolute joy to work with.”
Under the leadership of her manager, Tyler Dickey, Sara has quickly proven herself. “Sara is one of those rare individuals who learns quickly and excels at applying her knowledge to real-world challenges,” says Tyler. “Her ability to pick up new solutions has been essential to her success in the SDR role.”
What sets Sara apart isn’t just her technical expertise, but her approach to work. She tackles every project with infectious enthusiasm and a proactive mindset. Whether she’s assisting colleagues with outreach tactics or preparing for pre-sales demos, Sara consistently delivers with positivity and dedication.
Her communication and teamwork have also been key to her success. “Sara has created and maintained lasting client relationships, which is no small feat for an SDR,” Tyler continues. “Her ability to connect with both clients and colleagues makes her an invaluable member of the team.”
Sara’s growth has been impressive, and her dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. “Sara’s determination and eagerness to learn have made her an incredibly reliable teammate,” shares Ciara Turner, who works closely with Sara every day. “Her positive attitude makes working with her a joy.”
At PMI, where the entire team had the chance to meet in person, Sara’s energy was especially evident. “Sara’s enthusiasm is contagious,” Ciara reflects. “She has an incredible ability to uplift the entire team and turn any situation into a positive one.”
In just one year, Sara has proven that a rookie can do more than just learn—they can lead, inspire, and elevate the team. We’re excited to see where Sara’s journey at Winmill PPM will take her next.
Sara, thank you for your hard work and dedication. You’ve set a high bar for what it means to be a rookie, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
If you’re looking to work with a team that values growth, innovation, and positive energy, reach out to Winmill PPM today. Let’s explore how we can help you take your projects—and your career—to the next level.