Susan Trujillo is a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate – Gary Greene and team leader of The TruTeam Champions working in Houston.
What was your first job in the realty industry? I was a Realtor for a couple of years in northwest Houston when my children were very young. In order to best meet our family goals, we needed a more routine schedule, thus I exited real estate, got my business degree and worked in finance and IT for several years. My kids are grown now and the timing is perfect, so I’ve returned to my true love as a Realtor, partnering with wonderful husband Michael Trujillo and a bright young lady named Sarah Hoffman.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Paint, draw, garden and spend time with my amazing family.
Where did you grow up? Wausau, Wis. and Corpus Christi, Texas.
Growing up, what did you want to be? An artist, a ski racer and a businesswoman. In my life I have done all of these things and more.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Oprah Winfrey. She is such a great female role model, entrepreneur, philanthropist and interesting human being. I admire her strength, generosity and determination.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? The north woods of Wisconsin on Crystal Lake. It is truly a place of peace, a childhood delight and a place that allows me to reflect on life and what truly matters.
What do you love most about the industry? I love delighting my clients. Deep inside I am businesswoman who loves coordinating and managing processes. In this business, those attributes are critical. I am also such a people pleaser; one who absolutely loves to delight my customers through finding them wonderful homes. Putting that combination together spells real estate…a place where I can please people, coordinate processes and be around beautiful homes to my heart’s content. How lucky am I to serve!
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? My caring and dedicated nature. This business can have so many twists and turns and getting one’s client from point A to point Z takes patience, fortitude, intelligence and a strong desire to make it happen for your client. I know a Realtor has to make a living, but until one understands the client’s needs come first, nothing else matters. If I do that I believe everything else will fall into place.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Showing and marketing homes is easy and really fun. The hard work comes after the contracts are inked…that is when we really go to bat for our clients. Coordinating with lenders, home warranty companies, inspectors, appraisers, title companies, you name it…we track it! Managing to those processes with an eagle eye is critical. When a bump comes up, finding a solution may be difficult at times, but it’s always worth the work to dig deep to solve the problem and move forward.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Everywhere and anywhere, however, me and my team are proponents of social media networking such as LinkedIn, Facebook, HAR, Pinterest and more. Our face to face networking is through our community interactions and sponsorships, as well as personal small events to thank and welcome new or potential clients. We love going to local restaurants and venues with our clients in the north/northwest Houston and surrounding areas!
What has been you greatest accomplishment? Life is full of great accomplishments for most people and it’s hard to pick just one. Aside from raising two wonderful sons, I would have to say it was obtaining my bachelors degree in business. I had a demanding career in commercial credit and project management for an international chemical company and two teenage boys while I was finishing up my degree. It was one of the hardest, yet rewarding, accomplishments of my life. I had a goal to graduate with honors and accomplished that goal as a Cum Laude.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I am a big fan of Goodwill Hunting and recently watched it again.
What is your favorite restaurant? Brix in the Vintage.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston? Bank of America Building.
What kind of car do you drive? Acura.
Smartphone or paper? Smartphone!
What is your favorite city after Houston? Austin.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Never give up and put your client’s needs first.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? HAR.com.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? J. J. Watt…love football!
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