Q. Hi Jill, thank you for speaking with us! Can you tell us a little about your company?
I am the Co-founder of Sandbox, a boutique professional services firm. We provide fractional business operations, recruiting and finance/accounting support to startups, non-profits and growth-minded companies across the region. Our authentic nature and team-based approach towards consulting makes us unique.
Another fun fact: we are the only consulting firm in Virginia to offer fractional business ops support.
Q. What inspired you to become a CEO?
I knew I was destined to be a CEO when I organized my 1st grade teacher’s birthday party, but I felt the adult calling after reading the quote, “If you don’t build your own dream, someone will hire you to help build theirs.”
Q. What’s been your biggest challenge as a CEO, and how did you overcome it?
One (two) of the biggest challenges have involved leadership changes. Each decision was incredibly difficult, and both times proved to be exactly what Sandbox needed to unlock the next level of growth. It reinforced for me that sometimes the most intuitive decisions, the ones you know are right even if they’re painful, are the ones that set your business free.
The lesson I carry forward is that leadership isn’t about avoiding hard decisions; it’s about having the courage to make them on behalf of the business, the team, and the long-term vision. And the clarity and momentum that follows can be game-changing.
Q. What’s one accomplishment you’re especially proud of in your business journey?
Six months into my entrepreneurial journey, I also found myself navigating a divorce. The stress of building Sandbox while simultaneously rebuilding my entire life should have broken me (and flattened the business), but instead it fueled my why and showed me that struggle often results in growth and perspective.
Today, when I look at our team of 20, I don’t just see headcount. I see a business and culture that is comprised of resilient leaders and scrappy Sandboxers who each have a victory story to share.
Q. How has being a member of Virginia CEOs impacted your leadership or business?
One of my roundtable members pointed out today how far Sandbox has come since I first joined VACEOs. I have learned more from my RT in 3 short years than I have in all my career. I have enjoyed the comradery of my fellow members, and I continue to be inspired by all the members who are doing really cool things around Virginia!
Q. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a new or aspiring CEO?
I have a lot! Celebrate every win; small wins have a compounding effect and will carry you through the tough days. The CEO role can be personally and professionally lonely; find your people (read: VACEOs). Stay humble, because running a business will remind you daily about what you’re not good at. And finally: It’s an inevitability, not everyone will like you or want to buy your product/services. As I tell my kids, “You might be the sweetest Lemon in the bunch, but some people just don’t like Lemons.”
Q. How do you stay sharp as a leader?
I’m a forever learner, and I stay curious — I learn most from talking to people — strangers, my kids, my peers, my employees, my business partner, and my husband. I listen to podcasts and read lots of self-help books. My secret leadership weapon: serve on community boards.
Q. What’s something about your company culture that you’re proud of?
So many things! When Sandbox was born, we inherently started building a “clan culture” that resembled a family-like atmosphere, with a focus on mentoring, nurturing, and doing and learning together. Eight years and 20 employees later, we have proudly maintained the archetype, while also professionalizing our approach, incorporating remote talent and beefing up our benefits to reflect our evolving and maturing workforce.
Q. How do you define success – for yourself and your business?
Personally, I want to love the life I’m building while I build the company. I want to be an example to my kids and my employees (and anyone else watching) that it’s possible to build something meaningful without losing myself in the process.
For Sandbox, success looks like meeting our revenue targets or headcount milestones, while also creating a culture where Sandboxers can grow, thrive, and feel proud of the work they’re doing. We want to build a legacy for bringing heart, hustle, and clarity to our clients. If Sandbox is the company both our employees and our clients choose again and again that’s the ultimate success story.
Q. What’s your favorite thing about doing business in Virginia, or Richmond specifically?
I love doing business in Richmond because it’s big enough to be full of opportunity, but small enough that relationships really matter. People in the business community want to help and are genuinely rooting for each other. Sandbox was built on those same values, which makes Richmond the perfect backdrop for our kind of work.
There’s also something uniquely entrepreneurial about Virginia: there’s a mix of scrappiness, grit, and creativity. I see it in our clients — the startups, nonprofits, and small business owners who are working tirelessly to drive economic and workforce growth.
Q. What’s next for you and your company?
We have our eyes set on growth — new markets, new clients, new team members and a new office building!
Q. Give us a fun fact, what’s something most people don’t know about you?
I have successfully matched two couples who are both successfully married! (And I picked up some godchildren in the process!)
Huge thank you to Jill Lemon for speaking with us. Her company, Sandbox was just named an RVA 25 finalist recognizing the top 25 fastest-growing companies in Richmond!
