Let’s Meet Sarah Irvine!
Sarah Irvine’s heart for giving back shines in everything she does—and she does it all with a smile and a positive spirit that’s contagious. You might see her volunteering at local races, cancer walks, and parades, but her biggest passion is with EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh—the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration, right here in Wisconsin. Each year, she even uses her own vacation time to spend the entire week volunteering at the event. Her involvement spans the whole year, from creating marketing materials, designing ID badges, and managing volunteer-focused social media, to greeting guests from around the world at Main Admissions when the gates open each July. When she’s not volunteering, Sarah can often be found elbows-deep in her latest labor of love—restoring her beautiful 1890’s Queen Anne Victorian in the heart of Oconomowoc. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and warm welcome leave a lasting impression, whether she’s greeting thousands at AirVenture or breathing new life into a piece of local history.
Sarah is one of those rare people who instantly makes you feel seen, valued, and special. She has a gift for connecting with others in a way that feels genuine and effortless, leaving everyone she meets a little brighter than before. Her caring personality is what I love most—she approaches every interaction with kindness, empathy, and a sincere desire to make a difference. Sarah radiates warmth and positivity that inspires those around her.
About Sarah Irvine
I’m giggling right now… huh, what would I say about myself? That’s not something I do every day. I like to think I have a pretty good sense of humor – I guess when life throws you a curveball, you learn to adapt fast. (See “Difficult Challenge” for mine.)
I’ve spent my entire adult life in Real Estate right here in Lake Country – and, in a world where job-hopping is the norm, I’ve been with the same company the whole time: Shorewest. Over the years I’ve worn many hats – Realtor, tech trainer, administrative coordinator, innovations support – and now I’m the Director of Agent & Consumer Innovation. In plain English: I oversee the tools, technology, and client-focused innovations that help our agents and customers succeed.
When I’m not in my fast-paced digital solutions role, you’ll find me elbows-deep in restoring my 1890’s Queen Anne Victorian in downtown Oconomowoc. I LOVE downtown living – my neighbors are some of my closest friends, and the walkability to shops, restaurants, and events is something I could never give up. I’ll admit, I get serious FOMO if I miss anything happening downtown.
The renovation isn’t just a hobby – it’s a promise I made to finish the work my spouse and I started. It’s been sweat, tears, new muscle tone, head-scratching moments, and plenty of laughs, but I’m keeping that promise. Along the way, I’ve learned so much that I now help friends, family, and neighbors with their own projects. Let’s just say “Creative Problem Solver” is now firmly on my résumé.
When I’m not working or renovating, I’m hiking. I’ve explored trails all over the Midwest, but Wisconsin’s state parks are my happy places. I also love giving back – you might see me volunteering at local races, cancer walks, parades, or my biggest volunteer gig of all: EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh. It’s the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration, and it happens right here in Wisconsin! My role spans all year – from greeting guests from around the world at main admissions to creating marketing materials, ID badges, and social media content that help volunteers make every guest feel welcome.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
In both my job and my volunteer positions, I like to help people and be a part of something much bigger.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
Losing a spouse very suddenly at a relatively young age. I was pretty independent to begin with, but learning to adapt when every aspect of your life turns upside down takes a lot of willpower and courage.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
It might sound really crazy, but living through tragedy helps you feel empowered – you can accomplish anything if you can survive through that – which oddly enough gives you confidence to do things you didn’t think you could ever do.
Sarah Irvine & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
I LOVE everything about Ocon – Downtown area specifically – shopping local downtown, walking around, meeting friends, listening to bands at the bandshell, farmers markets, Christmas Market, water sports on LaBelle – watching the sunset – like I said – everything Downtown has to offer. We are so fortunate to have such a vibrant downtown in EVERY season.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Well I’ve met so many wonderful people, many of which have been featured here, but hands down the most inspiring person I’ve met in my life is the GOAT – Mary Steinke. Mary truly lives the get by giving philosophy every day of her life – how can that not inspire?
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Johnny Manhattans for sure.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Approachable. Celebratory. Beautiful.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I hiked in every WI state park & forest within a 12 month span.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
She’s no longer with us, but definately my Grandma – everything she did, she did to perfection, with a sense of humor, wearing high heels and a cocktail in hand.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
I don’t drink soda, or coffee, and I don’t drink booze much, well, ok a little, but I would be a dill pickle tequila shot. Just a quick little burst of spicy.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Going to Alaska.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Celebrate the cards you are dealt. Focus less on what others have in their hands and more how you can win with yours.
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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