2008 10 Under 40 Awards

Ruth Sayers

Chief relationship officer | GlasWeld | Bend, Ore.

Age: 32
One-word description of self: Straightforward
One-word description of the auto glass industry: Opportunity
Favorite Web site: Google
Lesson learned the hard way: "Listen more talk less." There is a reason we have two ears and one mouth.

Ruth Sayers, 32, puts her love of people to work at GlasWeld, Bend, Ore. "I have found this industry to be rich with companies and individuals driven by different beliefs, hopes, dreams, successes, failures and experiences," she says. "When I connect with, sell to or solve problems with them, I become of part of their story. I really like that. I enjoy helping people do what they do-better."

When Sayers relocated from central Oregon in 2000, GlasWeld offered her a job where she's been able to apply her diverse experiences in administration, health care and traffic control. As chief relationship officer, she "manages and strengthens the company's relationship assets, which include the sales and marketing team, [and] develops, implements and manages sales strategies, marketing campaigns and customer partnerships and contracts," she says.

What customers notice first about Sayers are her personality and professionalism. "She's positive, upbeat, enthused and excited about what she's doing," says Greg Novack, quality manager, Cardinal Glass Industries, Amery, Wis. "Ruth has a sense of humor and takes every situation and turns it into a positive ... She knows what she's talking about. She keeps up on all the products and how to use them."

Longtime customer Alan Peery, owner of AP Windshield Repair in Shreveport, La., says, "I admire how Ruth deals with everyone, her people skills and honesty. She'll explain everything she knows about a product. She's the kind of person I like to deal with."

Sayers' abilities stand out not only at GlasWeld, but in the industry as a whole. "Ruth is an asset to our company and a beacon of integrity in the glass industry," says Mike Boyle, GlasWeld president. "She is so talented for a young woman of her age. ... She has taken on huge responsibilities and demonstrated the ability to perform at the highest level. We could not be where we are as a company without her effort."

Being part of a team that creates opportunities, communicates ideals and believes in making a difference is a source of pride for Sayers. "While I am realistic and see things how they really are, I am optimistic and highly motivated, finding deep satisfaction in working with friends to achieve goals," she says.

"I think my greatest challenge is being selective in the opportunities I choose to pursue. The horizon is full of endless opportunity and too little time!" Sayers says.