Hello, my name is Sarah Laugen. My family and I have been residents of Big Lake for 10 years and love it here. I am generally busy running around with my 4 kids to attend their activities and we are very active in the local soccer organization. My husband is a local business owner.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a great husband, Cory, who owns State Farm in town. We have 4 girls ages 10, 9, 7, and 5. They are all still in elementary school!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived here for 10 years. Cory grew up in Monticello and graduated from Bethel. Now he runs State Farm in Big Lake. I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and came to MN to go to college at Bethel.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past or future career plan. What do you/did you love most about it?
Currently I am home with my kids (a major job all on its own). I have been on the Great River Soccer Club Board for 1.5 years. I started as the Competitive Director and this past year took on the role of Vice President. I also coach 3 of the current teams. Two of my kids play traveling soccer and one of them is on the rec team. The Great River Soccer Club is the only soccer program in the area. In addition to all of this, I all lead a youth group for 11th grade girls at Riverside Church.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’m not exactly sure but doing something with sports. It is my number one passion. I love helping other train. It would be fantastic to work with younger athletes to help train them, specifically for Cross-Country running. I plan to volunteer at the schools also.
Q: If you could only have one food/meal and one drink for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Really good nachos and Lime Bubly
Q: Do you have any nicknames? What are they?
Not really. It’s difficult to shorten the name Sarah.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I would want to be able to fly. I could get to all the places I want to see.
Q: What would you do/buy if you won the lottery?
I would be practical. I would want to set my kids up and secure their future. I would also take all the trips I could and create amazing experiences for my family.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My girls, definitely. And my mentor, Trisha Church.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
I think having a healthy, joyful family is one accomplishment. I’m also proud of running the Boston Marathon (which is the only qualifying world race). I did this after 4 kids so I’m proud of that!
Q: Do you have any pets?
Nope, we don’t have any pets.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Friends – it is my all-time favorite show!
Q: What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season?
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is the kick-off for the Christmas season and there is food, shopping, and family. Summer is my favorite season. I am not a snow bunny! But I will ski in the winter.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to run the Boston Marathon for a second time. I also want to run the NYC Marathon, go sky diving, have adventures, and travel. I’ve already been bungee jumping in Africa, so sky diving is next.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies?
Sports – running marathons. I also love cooking. I enjoy being a mom and making memories with my family.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants/businesses in Big Lake?
Willy’s on the Water is fantastic. They have great food, great service, and a fun atmosphere. Of course, I also like State Farm! And MN Wholesalers is a favorite shopping spot.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I never lived in a small town before Big Lake, and I love how social people are. I enjoy seeing people I know in town. It is great to know the teachers and many live here.
Q: What advice would you giving people living in Big Lake?
You need to get out. Go to local events and meet new people.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community who deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Amber Wilfahart – she owns a social media company and is involved in her church. Lauren Eid – She is the mostly wonderful elementary teacher. She is a reading teacher. Derek Holman – He works at Independence and has been a teacher to 2 of my kids. It was the best years of their schooling.
