Forty Under 40: Sarah Sparks Diebold

Sarah Sparks Diebold was raised in Texarkana, Texas. She graduated from the University of Arkansas business college in 1995.

That same year, she started work with Tyson Foods Inc. of Springdale as a sales person on the Sams Club account.

In 1998, she became category manager for Bristol-Myers Squibb. Two years later, she opened a sales office in Bentonville for PepsiCo. From 2002 to 2006, Diebold worked as senior global category development manager for Wrigley, the gum company, at its Lowell office. While there, Wrigley won Wal-Marts Supplier of the Year award three years in a row.

In March 2006, Diebold went to work for Panasonic, overseeing all sales activities involving Wal-Mart and Sams Club.

She said the job is analytical and statistical in nature.

Im kind of a numbers geek, she said. Thats how I got into this. Merchandising in general is kind of a passion Im extremely competitive.

Diebold said George Fisher, vice president of franchise operations for PepsiCo, served as a mentor to her.

Diebold is co-chairperson for the Fayetteville Community Foundation advisory board.

Her advice to young people: Take measured risks. Throw fear out the door. You cant be fearful in this business.