Women & Business Profile: Sarah Mayer

“Strong relationships are built on honesty, clarity and follow-through.”

Building a successful brand requires more than a memorable logo or a clever advertising campaign. For Sarah Mayer, it starts with understanding people — what motivates them, what they value and how organizations can connect with them in meaningful ways. That philosophy has helped shape Shift Collaborative, the Pittsburgh-based brand agency she co-founded more than a decade ago.

Mayer is a partner and owner of Shift Collaborative, a creative agency that works with businesses and nonprofits on branding, website development, communications strategy, advertising campaigns and digital marketing. Since its founding in 2013, the agency has focused on helping organizations communicate clearly and authentically with their audiences.

“I would describe myself as a direct, transparent and principled businesswoman,” Mayer said. “I believe strong business relationships are built on honesty, clarity and follow-through.”

Shift began in a coworking space in East Liberty with three founders and a network of freelancers. The agency quickly found a niche working with local governments and nonprofit organizations before expanding its reach beyond Pittsburgh. Today, the firm serves both regional and national clients from its Lawrenceville office and continues to grow its team and client roster.

For Mayer, leadership means more than setting goals. She believes in demonstrating the values she expects from others by showing up prepared, remaining accountable and making thoughtful decisions. That approach has helped guide the company through significant milestones, including surpassing $1 million in revenue in 2022 and celebrating its 10th anniversary the following year.

“You will make mistakes,” Mayer said. “Don’t give excuses. Own the mistake, learn something, and move forward.”

Among her career highlights, Mayer points to launching Shift in 2013 and collaborating with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership on the Picklesburgh brand, which has become one of the region’s most recognizable events. Through it all, the agency’s mission has remained largely unchanged: helping brands connect with people through genuine communication rather than trends or gimmicks.

Outside of work, Mayer supports organizations that reflect causes important to her. Raised by a single mother, she is passionate about nonprofits that assist women and families, including Sojourner House, Women’s Center & Shelter and HEARTH. She also supports environmental organizations such as Women for a Healthy Environment, Allegheny CleanWays and 412 Food Rescue. As Shift enters its next chapter, Mayer remains focused on growth, collaboration and creating work that serves both clients and the communities around them.