Introducing Sara! UP Local Food Marketing Rep

We are pleased to introduce our new Central UP Local Food Marketing Rep, Sara Johnson! She is a Milwaukee native who lived in Chicago for nearly a decade before making the move to the true North. In college, she studied advertising and marketing to fuel her entrepreneurial drive. Following that, she spent a handful of years working in advertising agencies focusing on media planning and digital project management.

However, Sara’s true passion and focus has always been around food. She made a career pivot and became a private chef and co-owner of an events and catering company.  She has competed in the World BBQ Championships in Memphis and traveled the US with a pick-up truck and 20 foot custom built smoker.

Sara moved to Marquette, MI almost 2 years ago with her partner so they could start their own small business. There, she could connect with food on a new level, working towards her dream of owning a homestead bed and breakfast.  For the past few years, she has volunteered at a permaculture farm, worked at a farm to table restaurant and wine bar getting to know Marquette’s local food system, it’s growers, producers and supporters.

While not working or volunteering, Sara absolutely LOVES the outdoors. She grew up sailing on Lake Michigan and now paddle boards on the waters of Lake Superior, goes for long hikes all year round, and backcountry skijor with her dog, Gary. Plus, she just sold her car to invest in a fat tire bike.  
Sara is excited to work with TLD and bring together the connections she has made these past few years. She is passionate about helping local businesses that support the UP’s incredibly diverse local economy and enrich the community.

Sara Johnson is TLD’s new Central UP Local Food Marketing Sales Rep. Contact her at [email protected]