Sara Hageman, CEO of Hageman Realty, a family-owned farmland real estate company in Indiana, was struggling to balance her extensive responsibilities. As a broker, she managed complex client relationships and transactions, led a team, oversaw farm operations, and maintained active community involvement – all while trying to take care of her family and pursue her love for travel.

Despite her energy and dedication, Sara found herself increasingly overwhelmed.

The constant switching between roles left her with little time and energy for strategic thinking and personal downtime. She knew she needed help but wasn’t sure where to start or what kind of support would be best. That’s when she reached out to Vannin Chief of Staff to help in managing her time more effectively and setting up the mechanisms and structure for ongoing support in a family business environment where personal and professional lives often intersect.

We evaluated our roster of expert Chief of Staff and identified Florian as a great match for Sara’s needs. Florian’s engagement began with a thorough assessment of Sara’s daily routines, business operations, and family dynamics. He quickly identified the need for a  clear plan to optimize her time.The initial six-week project focused on understanding Sara’s support needs, which expanded to include several key solutions aimed at streamlining her life and business operations.

Running a family-owned business like Hageman Realty requires balancing professional demands and market dynamics with family expectations. Florian understood that supporting Sara effectively meant considering both aspects, leading to a tailored support system that respected the unique dynamics of a family business.

The projects Florian implemented had a significant impact on Sara’s ability to manage her business and personal life:

• Time Management & Optimization: Florian conducted a detailed analysis of Sara's daily and weekly schedules. This project identified key tasks that could be delegated to others. This allowed Sara to focus on high-impact activities, such as client engagements and strategic decision-making.

• Professional & Personal Operating Manual: Florian developed a comprehensive guide that documented Sara’s work preferences, delegation strategies, and organizational systems. This manual became an essential tool for Sara and her team, making it easier for everyone to understand and align with her way of working. The project brought much-needed clarity to both her business operations and personal tasks, helping Sara maintain a better work-life balance.

• Chief of Staff Dossier: The engagement culminated in the creation of a Chief of Staff dossier. This document outlined the role, provided a detailed job description, and included a strategic plan for onboarding and maximizing the impact of a new Chief of Staff. Florian also mapped out key processes that the new hire would need to support. This project ensured that Sara could bring on a highly qualified Chief of Staff who was well-prepared to contribute to the company’s growth and success from day one.