COVER STORY
Driving Community;
One Commercial Transaction at a Time
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This year, Susan H. Goldstein represents the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) as the 2019 President of the Commercial Investment Division (CID).
Nothing in life is more liberating than to fight for a cause larger than yourself, something that encompasses you but is not defined by your existence alone.
John McCain
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“I came across this quote recently. To me, it encompasses the drive I feel every day when I think about the path that led me to a career in commercial real estate. It’s the drive that keeps us all working so diligently,” said Susan.
art museums and theaters enhanced my traditional classroom education.” Following her London experience, she packed a backpack, bought a Eurail pass and traveled from Scandinavia to Greece and eventually landed in Israel to explore her Jewish roots. “After returning from this amazing experience, a family friend announced that I had just experienced the ‘best years of my life.’ Somehow, at 21 years of age, I was unwilling to accept that fate,” said Susan. “That statement drove me to pack my bags and head to New York City in pursuit of an advertising career because of course, I believed the song lyrics, ‘If you could make it there, you can make it anywhere.’”
Susan is a Realtor® with Michael Saunders and Company Commercial and has been involved in CID for over 15 years. The commercial real estate industry plays a vital role in the success of the communities we live, work and play. Susan is passionate about supporting Sarasota and Manatee through the influence of CID. “Commercial real estate drives community. Whether you’re closing a land sale that will stimulate housing, or helping a new business launch by finding its flagship location, every one of us in commercial real estate helps grow the community at large with every transaction,” said Susan.
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE At an early age, Susan watched her parents engage with their community in Miami. Their political, professional and civic involvement encouraged Susan to follow in their footsteps. Born in Atlanta, Susan considers herself both a “Georgia Peach” and a “Florida Orange,” with southern hospitality ingrained in her personality. Her desire to be an active participant in the world became the fuel she needed to pursue education at both Duke University and Columbia University. After completing the necessary educational requirements for her Bachelor of Arts at Duke, she opted to take a semester abroad in London to recharge before finishing her degree. “I could take any courses I desired and decided to explore other interests, such as art history, theater and even took a six-month advertising internship with Leo Burnett International,” said Susan. “The European continent was my teacher, and touring 6 FEBRUARY 2019
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