Sierra Lisa Hoffhines

I attribute my success to sheer stubbornness and refusing to let others tell me what I can’t do, the unwavering support of my parents and grandparents, and having access to today’s technology tools that allow me to pursue my goals. From attending Science Ecology Camp in third grade and deciding I wanted a career in science, to founding HoffZinger Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Services LLC, my family’s encouragement has always fueled my ambition.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from one of mentors Dr. Tiffany Moisan, who told me to broaden my skill set in my field and learn as much as possible and then use that skill set and diversify it because all businesses utilize environmental science and environmental compliance. I also have to thank fell friends who helped me, a strong leader knows one's strengths and weaknesses, my weakness is coding and software programs. When I began creating my logo for HoffZinger Herbal Health Happiness my friend and fellow entrepreneur Sarah Griggs, founder of Sunflower Therapy introduced me to Canva and helped bring my dream to life teaching me how to use Canva. I also have to thank my dear friend and fellow entrepreneur Shirley Martinez of Empower People for People, who inspired me to pursue my passions while using my work to uplift and collaborate with others in meaningful ways. Their guidance reinforced the importance of combining purpose with action in building a career that makes an impact. I also have to thank Tabitha Lawson author and publisher of her book Rossi's Cottage for always taking the time to edit and peer review documents and offer professional advice on contract writing. Lastly, I have to thank another entrepreneur Christos Sarmousakis my wonderful friend and tech guy for helping me create and design my websites. In following in Dr. Moisan's advice and asking for help from a wonderful group of friends I have been able to grow myself and my businesses.

My advice to young women entering this industry is: don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do—follow your passions and dreams, start an LLC, create your designs, work part-time if needed, and let your dream grow into your full-time career.

The biggest Challenges Hoff Zinger Environmental Compliance and Sustainability Services faces are the rapidly evolving Federal and State Regulations, smaller firms often struggle to maintain real-time, multi-jurisdictional compliance monitoring. As well as the market crowding from large multi-disciplinary firms and increased client expectations for full spectrum services. The challenges they are pose are newer, boutique firms must differentiate with precision expertise, faster response times, and niche compliance strengths. Smaller firms must demonstrate comprehensive capability without overextending. The most challenging issue though is at the basic human level, rebuilding trust in disaster recovery. Public agencies face scrutiny over slow, inconsistent, or inequitable disaster recovery processes. Consultants must prove they can deliver fast, compliant, and community-sensitive solutions. HoffZinger ECSS is dedicated to providing exceptional stakeholder communication, transparent workflows, and community-driven environmental planning to earn the trust of those who have been through a natural disaster and seek immediate aid.

The biggest opportunities are the growing need for companies in natural disaster relief and public assistance; the growing need for businesses in niche roles specifically for environmental compliance, environmental science and permitting and the high demand for rapid response and correct documentation validation and auditing. Small businesses also have great opportunities to build strategic partnerships with Prime companies and agencies that can set up small businesses for a lifetime of success. The need is there and HoffZinger ECSS is determined to meet that need!

The values most important to me in my work and personal life are perseverance, creativity, and continuous learning—being able to take on challenges, seek guidance, and grow both personally and professionally as I build my business.