At TriaGen, we get to know our clients on a personal level, so we thought it was only fair to share a little about ourselves, too! Our Member Spotlight posts will take a behind-the-scenes look at our team so you can learn fun facts like who shares your love of The Outsiders and who to heckle when their favorite sports team loses a game (you know, the stuff that makes us all human).

This month, we’re having a conversation with our Operations Manager, Leslie Sagers.

So, Leslie…

Let’s talk a little about work: What brought you to TriaGen?

I’m originally from Salt Lake City, and I used to travel a few times a year to Los Angeles with a friend who’s a dance choreographer. I worked for Morgan Stanley in Salt Lake City and always thought the Morgan Stanley office in Santa Monica would be a cool place to work (because it was near the beach and had that “fantasy world” feel). So, in January of 2007 when my friend and I were in California during the work week, I decided to check out the office. I met the branch manager and her assistant; we talked, and she offered me a job. My exact words were, “Shut up!” because I thought she was kidding. That day, I met Nick and Orlo (who both worked in the Morgan Stanley office at the time), and when the branch manager called me a week later to follow up and ask if I wanted the job (and a move to California), I said, “Why not?”

I’ve been with Nick, Orlo, and what is now the TriaGen team ever since!

What’s Your Favorite Part of the Job?

The relationships I’ve built with clients—I feel like I can talk to them as a friend even when we’re discussing business. There’s a core group of clients we’ve known for so long—even longer than I’ve been on board. That’s what I like about the relationships—the connection we have. It definitely makes a difference when you build that trust.

What surprises you about your job?

That I’ve been in the finance business as long as I have! I started in 1990—I came on as a temp and was hired at a different firm. I’m also a licensed esthetician and massage therapist, and at one time, I planned to do that full time. But now I get to do both—work in finance and wellness. It’s offered a nice “yin and yang” balance.

What’s something others might not know about you?

I really enjoy dancing. I didn’t take my first class until I was 13 or 14, but then I fell in love with it. I’d rather go to a dance class than a gym—the energy you get from people is amazing. You can just let go of the world for an hour or so, and I love that.

Let’s go back in time—when you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Being a teacher always appealed to me, but I never went down that road. I’ve been a coach with my finance job, and I really enjoyed that. I’ve also taught dance.

Who inspires you?

Anyone who seems to have it all together—spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally. I couldn’t say one person has that, but somebody who strives for that. When you can tell someone has a sound mind and body—that inspires me.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My friends—I have a good group of friends back in Salt Lake, and I love getting together with them. They’re my “ride or die” people.

What’s your favorite way to spend a free Saturday?

Really, having no agenda—whether it’s waking up late and having nothing to do or waking up early and going to the beach; having lunch with friends… those days when you can just do whatever comes. I like to enjoy the day for what it is. And if I can throw in a dance class, even better.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sushi.

What about a movie? You can only watch one from now until eternity—what is it?

The Outsiders. I think I’ve seen that movie 50 times. I never get sick of this movie.

What’s one household item you can’t live without?

Probably tongs—they’re so versatile. You can cook with them, but I’m short, so you can also use them to get things off a shelf!

Dogs or cats?

Cats. I have one cat, Inka. She’s a black cat, and I’ve had her since she was a kitten—she’s ten now. She’s a good kitty.

We heard you like football… who do you root for?

The University of Utah. I’m a big Utah Utes fan. “Go Utes!”

Thanks for sharing your life with us, Leslie! If you’d like to learn more about our TriaGen team, follow our blog and stay tuned for the next Member Spotlight! In the meantime, you can check out our bios on our team page.