Latina business leader Suzanne Besu Truchard of Napa Valley Land Brokers overcomes challenges

Suzanne Besu Truchard of Napa Valley Land Brokers is a winner of one of North Bay Business Journal's 2018 Latino Business Leadership Awards.

Professional background: Licensed attorney in Florida and California and real estate broker in Wine Country

Education: Harvard cum laude Class of 2001, Northwestern University School of Law Class of 2005

Tell us your story and that of your organization: I grew up immersed in the Cuban community of Miami. I fell in love with the Bay Area on my first visit and began exploring job opportunities here. Toward the end of 2009, I moved to Napa and managed the business and legal affairs for a family winery portfolio. After establishing roots here, I wanted to use my legal and business background in the real estate world and decided to obtain my broker's license.

Upon doing so, I joined Napa Valley Land Brokers, a boutique firm that handles wine country transactions related to wineries, vineyards, land, and country estates. Since then, I am blessed to say our business continues to grow with both repeat clients and word of mouth.

Is there a major accomplishment in the past year or so that you would like to share?

I am immensely proud of the work and complex transactions I do every day, but to be candid, I felt my greatest sense of accomplishment when I was able to pay off my private student loans from undergraduate and law school earlier this year.

What is the achievement you are most proud of?

I feel very proud of my academic achievements, but unequivocally (without sounding cliché) becoming a mother has been my greatest achievement. Prior to having my two children, I did not fully grasp how challenging it is to be a parent and have a full workload.

What is your biggest challenge today?

Balancing motherhood and work/life (see above!)

As a successful professional, what were the biggest obstacles you faced and how did you overcome them?

As someone that was relatively new to Napa, I found it challenging to break into the professional network here. However, over the last nine years, through a combination of hard work and community involvement, it has been incredibly rewarding to become part of and to contribute to this community.

How do you think your profession will change in the next five years?

Through advancements in technology, the role of the broker is continually evolving. For example, access to information on properties is becoming more readily available. As a broker, it is important to understand the nuances in the industry so that your clients trust you as their advisor and representative in the transaction.

Who was your most important mentor?

There are so many people that have had a profound impact on my life, but I would say that professionally, my business partner Michael Crane has been an incredible mentor to me. He is a seasoned broker and has been so supportive from day one.

Tell us about your community involvement: I am proud to serve on the board of the foundation of OLE Health, an organization that provides healthcare to so many in our community. In addition, I am in constant contact with the Hispanic community here to assist them with their real estate and/or legal needs, most of the time on a pro bono basis. I am proud to volunteer at my son's school as well and enjoy promoting Hispanic culture and enrichment.

What advice would you give to a young person today?

Do what you love and everything will fall into place. When I pursued my dream to live on the west coast, many people thought I was crazy to relocate and leave my family. Through hard work and commitment, I was able to build my life and family here.

Most admired businessperson outside your organization: Richard Mendelson is a person I deeply admire and respect in the Napa community.

Quick takes...

Words that best describe you: Strong, gregarious, loyal, hardworking, fun

Current reading: “Ready Player One”, “Devil in the White City”, “Cuba: A New History”, and New York Times (daily)

Most want to meet: Lin-Manuel Miranda

Stress relievers: Yoga, Zumba, Salsa Dancing, Gym, and Music, rolling around the floor with my 5 year old and 2 year old.

Favorite hobbies: Same as stress relievers! In addition, I'm also fanatic of word puzzles (my claim to fame was as the grand prize winner as a contestant on Wheel of Fortune many years ago!)

Is there something we didn't ask that you would like to add?

Thank you for this prestigious honor and I look forward to continuing to give back to the North Bay community.