Savanna Traub, the founder and heart and soul of Hearts of Hospitality, has been in the cleaning industry for over two decades. Growing up helping her mom with cleaning jobs, Savanna developed a love for homemaking and service. “I was kind of that nerdy kid who really enjoyed homemaking,” she reminisces. “I fell in love with the life lessons I learned along the way, especially from my mom. The hard work ethic, the importance of delighting clients—that’s really what I fell in love with.”
Though she didn’t initially intend to stay in the cleaning industry, a combination of life circumstances and a love for serving families brought her back. “I really fell in love with serving homes and families on a consistent basis. I felt like I was an extension of their family, allowing them to be more present with one another.”
In 2018, Savanna rebranded her company as Hearts of Hospitality, prioritizing a sense of community and genuine connection. “The name Hearts of Hospitality came from the idea of creating that sense of belonging—especially in people’s homes, which is such a foundational place,” she shares. Her dedication led the business to flourish, adding services like pet care and laundry pick-up, reflecting her commitment to modern family needs. “We’re known for that high level of trust in our community,” she says. “Clients and their pets are comfortable with us in their homes, so expanding our services was a natural next step.”
Savanna attributes much of her business success to Padgett Fargo. “Dan and Carmen, the previous owners, were my biggest fans. It was really cool for Dan to take me under his wing and see his business grow alongside mine.” She adds, “It’s so inspiring to see the new owners, Ashley and Becky, continuing that support for women entrepreneurs. I contribute a lot of my success to them.”
Savanna first found Padgett when she was searching for financial help. “I just wanted to talk to a real person,” she recalls. “I think Dan was the first person I met with, and I immediately knew that Padgett was right for me—they offered payroll, taxes, and accounting all under one roof.” With Padgett’s help, Savanna has managed to build a debt-free business, a point of pride she emphasizes: “All the effort you put into your business and the way you show up for other people comes back tenfold.”
Savanna’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Financing was difficult as a young entrepreneur with $80,000 in student debt. “No one wants to give a 20-year-old a business loan,” she says. “I had to work overnight shifts to build up enough capital to hire my first employees.” Despite the difficulties, she didn’t pay herself for the first four years to ensure the business’s growth. This dedication helped Hearts of Hospitality expand to serve over 200 homes in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
Throughout the years, Savanna has navigated various hurdles with support from Padgett Fargo. She credits their team for guiding her through growth and financial milestones. “Padgett has been with me since the beginning,” she says. “They helped me manage my payroll, taxes, and even gave me insights into structuring my finances.”
Reflecting on her journey, Savanna offers advice to new business owners. “I recommend taking pride in your sacrifices. Remember, the effort you put into your business and the way you show up for others will come back to you.” She also stresses the importance of a supportive financial partner, saying, “Having Padgett’s support has been crucial. They’ve been more than just accountants; they’ve been partners in my journey.”
Savanna has big plans for Hearts of Hospitality. “We’re saving to possibly purchase a building, but for now, we’re maximizing our current space,” she explains. Her team gathers daily in their cozy, home-like workspace. “We meet around a dining table to reflect our mission of bringing families together,” she shares. “It’s really what attracts and retains our team members.”
She credits her leadership team, Lauren, Karly, and Annabelle, for playing a vital role in maintaining the company’s values and goals. “I have an incredible leadership team that helps me bring this vision to life every day,” Savanna says. “They’re the reason we’re able to serve our clients with so much care and consistency.”
Her success story is a testament to her dedication, and Padgett Fargo’s support along the way has helped shape her vision. “I feel incredibly blessed to have had Padgett Fargo’s support through it all,” Savanna says. “It’s been a journey, but with the right people around you, it makes everything worthwhile.”
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