A Personal Reflection on 20 Years in Business
- Posted on Oct 21, 2025
This month marks 20 years since I started The Professional Documents Service (PDS) in Washington, D.C. It is both humbling and amazing to write that, and to reflect on the journey that has taken place these past 20 years.
When I launched the company back in October 2005, I didn’t have a big team or a fancy business plan. What I did have was vision, prayer, a strong work ethic, and a heart for service. Those things were enough to get me started!
After serving our first community association client (shout out to the Dumbarton Place Condominium in Northwest, Washington, D.C.), I had a light bulb moment. “How many other community associations are there? How many might need my help?” I began connecting with others in the community associations space working to grow the business without cutting corners. The first client led to one referral, and then another, and then another. The business was growing, and my dream of being a successful business owner was starting to take shape. All the while, I was learning more about business and the community associations industry.
After a while, I quickly realized there are only so many hours in one day! Therefore, I set out to do something I’d never done before (or never foresaw having to do) – hire people! The team began to grow bit by bit, and before I knew it, there was an entire group of Minute Takers working to serve community associations all over the city. Even now when I think about the various people who’ve worked for PDS over the years, it makes me smile. I’ve worked with so many kind individuals along the way!
While there have been many Minute Takers over the 20 years, a few have been with us for quite a long time. I’d specifically like to recognize Jeron, Ivory, Robert, and Dayna for your dedicated service to the company. I enjoy working with you very much, and appreciate your diligent help (meeting by meeting).
Today, the company is much larger and further reaching than when we first began, but our values have never changed. It’s been a joy to see our properties grow; watch new communities form; and to know that, in some small way, our work has helped to make the professional lives of others easier.
The success of PDS has never been about a singular person. It’s been about our incredible clients — the board members, managers, and leaders who have trusted us with their meetings. As mentioned earlier, it’s been about our dedicated team — the people who treat every meeting with the same care and attention as if it were their own. And, more than anything else, it’s been about God’s faithfulness which has guided us through every challenge and every season of growth.
As I look ahead, I’m truly excited about what’s next — new partnerships, new territories, and continued opportunities to serve with excellence. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey along the way. You are greatly appreciated.
Here’s to 20 years of faith, growth, and service — and to the bright future ahead!
Sabrina Hamm
Founder, The Professional Documents Service