We have a blog post and a page where we have introduced everyone, but sometimes it is good to say “Hello!” again. Also, why do we do what we do? This is another blog series like my buying a house series. So, here we go, starting with the person most likely to answer questions.

Part One : Sue Ann (Suna) Kendall

First, tell us what your job title is with Hermit Haus Redevelopment and Hermits’ Rest Enterprises.

I guess my title is “Chief Social Media Officer.” That’s the title I made up, anyway. In my other job, I am a Senior Instructional Experience Strategist. At least the title for this job makes sense. In reality, I am one of the four directors of Hermit Haus Redevelopment, LLC, and one of the two directors at Hermits’ Rest Enterprises, LLC. I do various things, like blog, post on Facebook, tweet, write articles on LinkedIn, make color and surface decisions on the houses that Lee and I manage the renovation for, supervise contractors, and talk to people.

Is that what you wanted to be when you grew up?

That’s a big no. As a kid, I wanted to be (from youth to teen) a railroad engineer, a large animal (horse) veterinarian, a drag racer, a movie critic, a professional knitter, and a linguistics professor.  I did all the stuff to get that last job, and did teach linguistics at the University of Illinois for a while. But then I got more interested in technical writing and editing of all kinds. So, I’ve proofread, edited, written newsletters, created software documentation, blogged, made websites, and made e-learning videos. And supervised people who do all that.

Later in life, I had a somewhat popular knitting blog and taught a lot of people to knit and crochet. I think what I really want to be when I grow up is a knitting teacher/real estate investor who owns horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens, and a lot of dogs. I still need sheep and goats.

What has been your biggest accomplishment here?

I’d say handling our Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting ceremony without backup. I acted cheerful even though I was worried about Lee and I knew Mandi had to hide in the kitchen to keep her kids out of the way.

The second best real estate accomplishment I’ve made is finding the Bobcat Lair house and surviving the lengthy permitting and renovation process. In the end, that house is an amazingly good investment.

Otherwise, really, I take a back seat to the more outgoing team members, who have lots of accomplishments, and I am proud of them.

Why do you do this? Also, has there been a defining moment where you knew you were in the right place here?

I do this job, because it is a way to take the money I have, combine it with the money of others, and make the world a better place, one house at a time. I am glad to be in a business where I don’t have to sacrifice my ethics, cheat people, or take advantage of people.

When we made our first sale, I knew I was in the right place. It felt right.  I like working with good people and helping them do well.

If you had some advice for someone who wanted to do what you do, what would it be?

Study. Learn the business from people who have succeeded at it and are willing to tell you the down sides as well as the up sides. Flee from anyone who “guarantees” you will make a certain amount of money by a certain time, or assures you you’ll get rich quick. Most people don’t. The ones who do work very hard.

Fun Questions!

What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving. It’s a holiday totally dedicated to delicious food, family, and friends. It’s just about the least commercialized holiday out there, other than pushing turkeys. I really love making my family’s traditional foods, trying new foods made by others, and being able to tell my family how much I love them.

What is your favorite design concept?

I’m not quite sure what this means. I’m so much better talking about what I don’t like than what I do like! I guess my favorite style is Craftsman. I like the colors, all the wood, the stained glass, and the serenity of Craftsman-style home. And I really like Stickley furniture.

Who is your favorite office manager for Hermits’ Rest Enterprises?

Hmm, why do you ask such hard questions? I thought about it for a while, and the best answer I can come up with is Mandi Rose Shuffield, who is a rose by any name at all.

PS: I am actually not anyone’s aunt, other than by marriage. Maybe I’m cool. I’ve been a bonus mom to a bunch of great young people, though, and that means a lot to me. Most of them still speak to me, even!

Final Thoughts from Mandi:

I hope you all enjoying getting to know us Hermits even better! Please keep following as we tackle the Good, Bad, and Ugly of the business. Stay tuned for our next installment, where I will think up some questions for Lee! This may or may not be his official announcement that I want to ask him some questions.

 

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