1. Describe the moment when you knew you had to tap into your inner courage and make changes in your life.
Last year, I found myself drowning in a sea of disorganized files, complicated contracts, strained relationships, and financial turmoil. One day, I made a mistake on a contract—a mistake that, while fixable, was incredibly complex to resolve. It was in that moment I realized I needed to summon my inner courage and make significant changes in my life.
I recognized that my reliance on alcohol and my newly formed habit of smoking cigarettes were coping mechanisms for the mounting stress and the feeling that my life was spiraling out of control. I knew I had to stop, take ownership of my actions, and make a profound shift.
Facing humiliation and vulnerability, I dug deep and committed to turning my life around. I am proud to say that I am almost one year sober as of June 5th. This journey has been challenging, but the strength I've found within myself to not look back or miss that old lifestyle is something I cherish deeply.
2. Walk us through the pivotal moment when you decided to act courageously. What was going through your mind? How did you feel at that moment?
Growing up in a family of 11 siblings, I witnessed the devastating impact of addiction firsthand. Ten of my siblings struggled with addiction, and one of them, who was on the FBI's most wanted list, is no longer alive. My upbringing was filled with abuse and enablers, making it incredibly difficult to cut ties and focus on my own family.
The pivotal moment of courage came when I realized that my four sons—my precious gifts from God—deserved a life free from the pain and trauma I endured. I knew I had to protect them from the chaos that addiction and abuse bring. Telling my mom that I needed to distance myself to provide a better future was one of the hardest conversations I've ever had.
I love my little brother, John, with whom I share the patent for our innovative hand trowel, with all my heart. Seeing him in difficult situations breaks me, but it has also fueled my determination. For years, I have sacrificed, living on toast and ramen, to focus on developing our patented concrete finishing tool (www.eztrowels.com). Recently, I partnered with Dan Uhm at Greener Concrete (www.greenerconcrete.com), an opportunity that allows me to improve the lives of concrete finishers and contribute to saving our planet.
Reflecting on that conversation with my mom, I am immensely grateful. It enabled me to transform the resilience and strength born from trauma into a force for good, achieving meaningful results instead of dwelling on past wounds.
3. What inspired or motivated you to take the courageous step you did? What were a few of the first steps you took? What major actions did you have to take?
The turning point for me came when I noticed my children starting to lose respect for me. I wasn't truly "showing up" for them, often preoccupied and distracted by the demands of raising four kids and managing multiple business commitments. Realizing the impact of my actions on my family motivated me to make a change.
The first steps were simple but significant. I started drinking more water and wore a smartwatch to monitor my health—tracking my heart rate, steps, and overall well-being. Initially, I didn't know how to tackle the larger issues, but I knew I needed to start somewhere. Although I'm not a fan of traditional exercise, I enjoy staying active, so I took a part-time job waiting tables at Fisherman Jack's, a vibrant Chinese restaurant.
The opportunity came unexpectedly when a friend mentioned she was working there and needed help. Without hesitation, I drove to the restaurant and spoke with the managers, eager to contribute in any way I could. This decision led to a profound connection with the Fisherman Jack's family. Jack Ng, one of the owners, is an incredibly hardworking and inspiring individual. The restaurant's success and the awards it has received are a testament to the dedication of Jack and his construction crew.
Returning to the service industry after 30 years, I had to relearn everything and adapt to working alongside a younger generation. Starting as a hostess and busser was humbling, but it allowed me to build lasting relationships and gain invaluable insights from Jack and his contractor, Joe.
These experiences have taught me the importance of surrounding myself with kind, hardworking, and successful individuals. Even after achieving financial success with my patent, I remain committed to helping out at Fisherman Jack's whenever needed, appreciating the lessons and relationships I have gained.
4. Paint a picture of what your life was like before you encountered the challenge that called for you to summon your courage.
Before facing the challenge that demanded my courage, my life lacked a true sense of purpose. My integrity was compromised, and I was often caught up in people-pleasing, which led to well-intentioned but ultimately unfulfilled promises. This inconsistency caused me to appear untrustworthy, despite my genuine desire to help others.
I’ve learned and grown immensely since then, developing a character defined by mercy, grit, and persistence. A poignant part of my past involved one of my best friends, who I later discovered was secretly an escort. I loved her deeply and spent years trying to save her, but in the process, I nearly lost myself. This experience taught me a crucial lesson: while I am passionate about helping others, I must prioritize my own growth and well-being to be truly effective.
This realization marked the beginning of my journey toward living with greater purpose and authenticity. Now, I focus on working on myself and doing my best, understanding that true change starts from within.
5. Were there any doubts or fears you had to overcome before taking action? How did you manage them?
Absolutely, I had doubts and fears to overcome before taking action. I cried a lot and often felt incredibly alone. Despite being busy and surrounded by people, I realized that the only person I could truly rely on was myself. I had to push through tears, frustration, being taken advantage of, and even being sued.
But I am still winning. Why? Because I define my own success. Even in the most hellish circumstances, I am winning because I am loved by my God, who is mighty. I believe that every hard lesson I face is something I can handle. I constantly strive to show and teach those around me how to better manage stress, and in turn, they become angels who teach others.
To manage my fears, I simply keep going. I put one foot in front of the other. When I feel particularly lost, I turn to a simple, therapeutic task: doing dishes. The water and soap are like medicine. I can cry and wash my face while cleaning dishes. By the time I'm done, the dishes are clean, and I feel better after working through my grief or frustration. Then, I move on and thank God for another great lesson.
6. What were some of the challenges or obstacles you faced during your journey to overcome this particular challenge?
One of the significant challenges I faced was the prevalence of drug use in the construction industry. It often starts innocently with ibuprofen for pain, but can quickly escalate to painkillers, heroin, meth, and fentanyl. Even though weed, alcohol, and cigarettes aren't as immediately dangerous, the hard drugs are life-threatening. I've seen many close family members and friends lose themselves to addiction, circling the drain of life. I've tried to help as many as possible, but sometimes, despite my efforts, they lash out, and it’s heartbreaking.
Another major challenge has been finding people who share my level of dedication and work ethic. I get so excited about work that I often need to calm myself down (insert eye rolls from my husband and kids).
Returning to work after taking years off to raise my children has been an obstacle as well. My best jobs were before I became a mom, and I excelled at them, but those experiences seem too far in the past to be relevant now. In interviews, I’m often asked to focus on the last ten years, overlooking the skills and dedication it takes to raise children. While I believe that winning diaper-changing and bottle-making contests should qualify me as a superhero, the corporate world often overlooks these accomplishments.
7. Tell us about a memorable anecdote or turning point in your courageous journey.
A memorable turning point in my journey occurred during a difficult period in my life back in 2005/6. I was working in the wholesale subprime mortgage industry. Unfortunately, I found myself in a career filled with people (including myself at the time) who lacked integrity, and the institutions I worked for often turned a blind eye to unethical practices and fraud. It was a challenging environment, and I even faced sexual abuse, a painful experience I kept to myself due to a history of such abuse starting in my childhood. My parents, who bravely ran a homeless shelter, instilled in me a fearless nature, even though their dedication to the community exposed my siblings and me to danger.
During this time, my youngest sister was on the worship team at City Church, and we lived together in a beautiful mansion I had built from the ground up in Issaquah. One evening, out of sympathy, I took an old flame from work out for his birthday. Despite not being compatible, a night of drinking resulted in the conception of my son, Malachi, who was born on October 9, 2006. His biological father and his girlfriend at the time did not want me to keep Malachi, but the prayers and support from City Church, my sister, and her friends gave me the strength to see it through.
I later married someone else, a decision that led to financial ruin when he left Malachi and me with nothing when Malachi was just one year old. Shortly after, I met my true partner, Erik, who has been my rock ever since. Malachi started attending church again about a year ago, after we had stopped going when he was little. He invited me to join him at Pursuit in Kirkland, where he had been attending. Walking into the same building and sitting in the very seats where I had once prayed for him was an emotional and powerful experience. My sweet messenger of God,
Malachi, has grown into an amazing young man. I recently watched him hit a walk-off game-winning home run in his 18u college-level youth baseball club. As long as I’m breathing, I’ve got a reason to praise.
8. What role models or sources of support helped you stay strong and resilient?
My role models are women who are supportive, steadfast, authentic, and helpful. These incredible individuals inspire me to be an "I can" person, always focusing on possibilities rather than searching for excuses. I admire people who don't waste time or energy hating on other cultures, religions, or politics.
I draw strength from those who lead fulfilling lives, balancing professional success with a healthy and fun family life. These role models show me that it’s possible to excel at work while nurturing strong, loving relationships at home. Their ability to "slay it" in both arenas motivates me to strive for the same balance and joy in my own life.
9. How did this experience impact your life and your perception of courage?
This experience has profoundly impacted my life and my perception of courage. I have discovered that I am capable of so many things, and I believe others are too. We all possess unique superpowers and abilities. The key is to let go of the stories and past history that shaped these abilities.
Healing and growth can occur, even with PTSD, and that's where I am now. I am deeply grateful to God for guiding me through this journey and helping me realize my true potential. Embracing my strengths and letting go of the past has allowed me to move forward with courage and confidence.
10. What lessons or wisdom have you gained from this experience that you'd like to share with others?
The most important lesson I've gained from this experience is that you are loved. Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you, and focus on their positive influence. If you ever feel alone, remember that God is always for you. He is my way maker, guiding me through the most challenging paths, even when it feels like navigating through hell. I am grateful to be His princess, and His love has carried me through every trial.
11. What unexpected or positive outcomes emerged from your courageous actions?
One of the most unexpected and positive outcomes of my courageous actions is the success of my company, and its innovative hand trowel, www.eztrowels.com, which is currently worth about $3 million. Additionally, my partnership with Dan Uhm at www.greenerconcrete.com has been incredibly rewarding. Together, we are making significant strides in green concrete technology, replacing harmful materials like cancerous turf infill and methane from cows with eco-friendly solutions. This collaboration is contributing to climate change mitigation and creating a better future for our planet.
12. How do you define courage, and how has your definition evolved through your own experiences?
I define courage as doing the right thing, regardless of what others think or say you should do. It's about standing up for others, standing up for yourself, and taking good care of yourself and those around you.
Through my experiences, this definition has evolved to include a deeper understanding of self-care and resilience. Courage is not just about bold actions but also about consistently making choices that align with your values and well-being, even when it's difficult. It means embracing vulnerability and showing strength in both the big moments and the small, everyday decisions.
13. Is there a particular message or advice you'd like to convey to other women who may be facing similar challenges?
To other women facing similar challenges, my message is this: You can get through this. Cut out the excuses and take action. Make a list of what needs to be done, and then go do it. Stop talking about your plans and start executing them. Believe in your strength and resilience, and trust that you have the power to overcome any obstacle. Just keep moving forward, one step at a time.
14. In retrospect, do you have any regrets or things you would have done differently?
Absolutely! In retrospect, most things I wish I had done differently. I can be like a bull in a china shop when I'm not careful. I wish I were more tactful and didn't lose my filter at times. Learning to balance assertiveness with diplomacy is something I continue to work on, and I strive to approach situations with more thoughtfulness and care.
15. How has this experience shaped your identity or sense of self?
This experience has profoundly shaped my identity and sense of self. I have come to embrace my humanity fully, recognizing that it's okay to have humility and to be wrong sometimes. The journey has taught me that it's not about being worthy, but about grace and mercy. I’ve learned that it’s possible to move on from anything, and this understanding has given me a deeper sense of resilience and self-acceptance.
16. What would you say to someone who is hesitant or afraid to take a courageous step in their life.
To someone hesitant or afraid to take a courageous step, I would say this: It may take longer than you’re comfortable with, but keep doing the best you can and take ownership of your actions, especially when you make mistakes. Learn from those mistakes and always strive to be kind. Treat others how you would want to be treated, and only apologize if you truly mean it. Speak positively about others behind their backs, and try not to close any doors unnecessarily.
Helping others first and asking how you can support them goes a long way. Remember the wisdom of Greg Pinneo: “Consider the success on delivery, not outcome.” This mindset shift can help you focus on your efforts and intentions rather than just the results.
One of my aspirations is to enjoy a power player’s relationship with Greg Pinneo and his fantastic crew in the Pacific Northwest. Pursue your goals with courage, and remember that the journey is as important as the destination.
Sarah Noet
CEO, EZ Trowel
www.eztrowels.com
Sarah is the visionary CEO of EZ Trowel, holding a full patent for an innovative hand trowel. She possesses two bachelor's degrees from Western Washington University in psychology and sociology. Sarah is a recognized Community Leader and has received numerous awards throughout her distinguished career in Executive Sales & Business Development, consistently exceeding expectations.
As a mother of four beautiful sons—aged 17, twin 11-year-olds, and an 8-year-old—Sarah balances her professional and personal life with grace and dedication. Growing up as the middle child among 11 siblings with missionary parents, she developed a deep sense of purpose and a missionary heart. Her upbringing alongside 7 brothers provided her with unique insights into the concrete and construction industries.
Sarah’s leadership is marked by her exceptional problem-solving skills and her ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups. Often referred to as a "queen networker," she has served as a liaison for hundreds of businesses, helping them thrive and achieve their goals. Her commitment to community extends to her active involvement with numerous non-profits, where she finds and creates mutually beneficial opportunities.
Passionate about helping others, Sarah’s enthusiasm is shared by her family, who are excited to support her journey. Her unparalleled networking abilities, combined with her strategic vision, make her a formidable leader driving EZ Trowel towards success.