Sue moved to CO in 2013 with her hubby Prentice and her 3 fur kids. She is a golfer, painter, and now in Colorado has more time to ski and hike. She is a proud KU Jayhawk & KC Chiefs fan , one of 5 kids, who enjoys the mountains of Colorado. A late starter to the entrepreneurial world but now runs a small start up downtown Colorado Springs focused on stopping distracted driving in fleets and soon teenage drivers. After a long career in the wireless she loves the start up world.
What makes you stand out from the crowd? This can be a talent, life-experience, unique hobby.
In the start up world it is my age which lets just say I could be the mom of most of my peers :-). Having traveled all over the world I bring those experiences to my work, home, art and my philosophy of including all walks of life in everything I do. I have a 90 year old mom who I paint with on weekends now by video and enjoy that time together.
What is one experience that has shaped you to be the person you are today, and what advice would you give your younger self?
The death of my brother when he was just 52 taught me so much about the importance of family first. I learned the hard way through this loss that in a blink of an eye you can lose someone you love so priorities really matter. I would tell my younger self to step back and make sure I have the right priorities and not let ‘getting ahead’ in the job dictate my priorities. The job will be there, family and friends may not.
What is your most memorable childhood experience? (This can be good or bad)
Driving into Topeka Kansas in 1966 the week after the Tornado hit as our new home. We were moving from CA and needless to say shocked at the devastation since non of us kids had ever witnessed a Tornado living in the west coast prior. Taught us that Mother Nature is indeed in charge!
What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced and how did you overcome it?
Being an officer in a company that was entangled in an accounting lawsuit that ultimately filed for bankruptcy. I was very young but senior executive who had to let go of hundreds of employees, and learn how to do this with grace and transparency. It made me a much better leader and hardened me to the realities of business.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? On what and why? (personal or professional)
Massage and facial , put my care as a priority.
What is one book that you recommend our audience should read and why?
Educated, because it tells the story of a young woman’s rise over a very difficult upbringing and abuse and how she made it out and became an incredible scholar and role model.
What is your favorite quote?
Make your bed every morning to make yourself a priority and accomplish the first goal of the day.
What local businesses and local nonprofits would you recommend our readers support?
Empty Stocking Fund, Mt Carmel, Boys and Girls Club and Humane Society and downtown stores and businesses in Colorado springs.
What 3 (only) items would you bring to a deserted island?
Items – iPad to read, golf club and golf balls, paint brush.
Where are your favorite 5 spots in Colorado and what destination is next on your wishlist?
Breckenridge, Telluride, Garden of the Gods, Black Canyon and Bachelor Gulch. Next in Colorado is another ski trip to Telluride.