Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Suzanne Miller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Suzanne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I feel having goals and a plan is a large part of being successful. However, the definition of success will mean something different to everyone. To me, Success is reaching the goal you make while working hard, keeping integrity, and doing the job correctly.

I got into the Real Estate business in 2007. This was “when the bubble burst” nationwide and panic was the forefront of many Realtors. I felt if I could get through this time, I could get through anything and be successful at it. Fast forward 16.5 years, I’m doing something right.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I never intended to get into Real Estate. To be honest, it was one of those “right place, right time” moments in my life. I was in sales for an advertising company and JimMaloof/REALTOR was one of my accounts. The owner, Jim, was an incredible man. Self made and proud of the company he built. Every time we met to discuss advertising and his thoughts, we would talk about family, goals, dreams, and the future of our community that we both cared for.

One afternoon while in his office, he asked me if I ever considered getting into Real Estate. The rest is history.

I have always been “old school”: picking up the phone to talk, writing handwritten notes, being involved in what I love to do. The friendships and relationships I have made along the way are what truly is the heart of our business. Our clients are the center of our everyday. It’s our responsibility as a Realtor to lead them and make sure they understand the next steps to homeownership so the American Dream is always in their sights.

My involvement in our community and Real Estate industry are a huge part in what my success is. St. Jude and Colon Cancer Awareness are two causes near and dear to my heart. I started running for the kids of St. Jude 20 year ago. Fundraising year round for this incredible cause is part of my life. This was a common conversation that Jim and I would have. His involvement with St. Jude from the beginning is in part of why it is such a huge part of our Greater Peoria community. Our company continues his legacy every day for the love and mission of St. Jude.

I have been a strong advocate for colon cancer research since I found out I had it in 2016. Once I recovered, it has been my goal to make sure colon cancer awareness and education is something everyone needs to know. November 18th was when it was removed. That would be the day, every month, that we share the importance of screenings, colonoscopies, and KEEPING YOUR REAR IN THE CLEAR! I was 40 when diagnosed. This was way too young and such a shock, that I did not want anyone else to go through it. I was lucky. It was caught early.

In the past 7 years, I along with a dear friend (who is also a colon cancer survivor), my husband, daughters, family and friends, have been incredibly successful in making this cause known. This spring will be our 3rd annual golf outing raising money for colon cancer research. We have brought awareness to the top of the list. The 18th of every month it’s expected to share my story. We have a lot of work to do however, we are on the right track.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My husband Andy, and I have been together for almost 26 years. We have 2 amazing daughters and life is pretty good. Like anything else, we have had good days, bad days, and get through them together. He has been on my team for 8 years. I feel our work, life, balance has been tested more than we thought it would yet communication and understanding has made it work. My life does not work without him. He would say the same. Recently, our family had health issues that became top priority. He had two different health scares that would put him out of work for 6 months. Me being the team lead, I made a decision to scale back on new business, referring it out if needed. This brought our income down however, moral was higher than ever. My family is way too important and always comes first. We have instilled this in our daughters, who were the biggest help we could have. I was unsure how business would be once he got better. It took time and had to make sure the girls were not needing for anything. Sure – it was scary. I was worried daily as to when things would turn around. I’m being transparent about his because business ebbs and flows more than people realize. Especially when you are self employed -times two.

As he was getting better, I had my routine of calls, notes, and doing what I could. The pivot came when least expected. A manifestation my daily routine became a reality.

That year was not the best year financially however, Andy healed and became stronger. His doctors cleared him for getting back to work, playing golf, and to live his life.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Being a steward of the community and industry I love is in my blood. Our Greater Peoria community has so many wonderful attributes from local places to eat, things to do, places to go, and experiences to be had. It lives and breathes consumer activity. If you do not support locally, the small businesses will not succeed.

I love to incorporate local community in my every day practice. Being a Relocation Specialist, I am an Ambassador for our clients coming here for the first time. We give an extensive community tour of the area so they can see all the local gems and beauty our community offers. Our marketing and advertising showcases local businesses and happenings going on every day. I have been told that I am one of the greatest cheerleaders for our community. I think together, we can all be the greatest advocates for what we love and believe in.

Being a Realtor is more than just selling homes. It is being involved in your industry. It is understanding the local market, what changes are coming, how to navigate, how to adapt to change. It all starts locally. Whether on committees, going to events, educating yourself though conferences and classes – we are always learning, growing, and being the best version of ourselves. My involvement in our local association evolved into wanting to do more in our state association, leading to involvement in our national association. It is baby steps and truly embracing your passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SuzanneMillerRealtor.com
• Instagram: thesuzannemillerteam
• Facebook: The Suzanne Miller Team – JimMaloof/REALTOR
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-miller-6513741a9/
• Other: LinkTree – @suzannemillerrealtorpeoria