Today we’d like to introduce you to Sue Reardon.
Sue, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am where I am today because of the people I’ve been blessed to meet and work with over the years. From my early 20s working in the corporate world, I was drawn to business professionals who possessed an innovative streak. It is through their mentorship that I learned to look beyond what is, to what can be. It’s also why I’m not afraid of change. Some people even say that I’m addicted to it.
Encouraging people to be their best has been a cornerstone of my career as a corporate professional and later as an entrepreneur. Whether in the human resources department of a large organization, or as the owner of a small art gallery/cafe, I found myself motivated to create an environment that people wanted to be a part of.
It’s no surprise that I co-founded a coworking business. Suite Spotte is a culmination of the strengths I have developed through my career. It’s about creating a coworking community of people who work independently as business owners or employees, yet collectively inspire and support one another to achieve what they very likely could not achieve on their own. Suite Spotte brings joy to the workplace
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I really hate it when I fail. Being an optimist, my past failures have often been because I held on too long, or believed in someone more than they believed in themselves.
Over the years, I’ve learned that having a plan with milestones and clear expectations keeps me honest with myself. It forces me to do a reality check on where I’m really as compared to where I should be. I may choose to keep moving forward, but it does require me to face facts and rationalize the decision.
Having a business partner in Suite Spotte who has the same motivation to build a successful business, yet looks at things from a different perspective, has been a game-changer for me. It is a powerful combination of autonomy and accountability, which I find of incredible value.
Above all of this is having the love and support of family and friends. I’ve always had people who were there to pull me up when I failed, and to celebrate when I succeeded. I’m forever grateful to my “tribe”.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
When people walk through the doors of Suite Spotte, they are immediately impressed by the productive and stylish office space. The tangible amenities are the focal point, including the flexibility of membership.
What keeps them coming back is our Suite Spotte coworking community. It’s the relationships that develop among coworkers willing to freely share resources, ideas, feedback, and contacts that is the true value.
Coworking isn’t for everyone. One of the few “rules” here at Suite Spotte – no pitching, no poaching. If you are joining simply to pitch your business to members or to get competitor ‘intel”, Suite Spotte’s not the place for you.
We’re a highly productive community. People come here to get stuff done and value an atmosphere based on mutual respect. Of course relationships are built and business opportunities and referrals among members happens frequently. It’s a natural, rather than a forced outcome.
Suite Spotte’s suburban downtown business model is different from many urban coworking spaces. Most of our members are juggling family responsibilities. They may be here every day for 8 hours or for 2-3, depending on their life outside of work. Some come one day a week, others 6 days. The 24/7/365 member access helps tremendously to leverage their most productive time, which can be early morning or midnight. Whatever works best. Working within the same community that they live helps them to balance the demands on their time, and handle those last minute conflicts.
We opened our first Suite Spotte in downtown La Grange in December 2014, and our second Suite Spotte in downtown Forest Park in June 2017.
What were you like growing up?
I’m a native Chicagoan, one of seven siblings raised in a middle-class household. My parents instilled a strong work ethic in all of us kids. When my youngest brother started school, my mother returned to work. The older kids made sure the younger ones got off to school on time. We were all assigned household chores, which were not optional. Regardless of what your friends were doing, you got your chores done first.
Fortunately, I did not struggle academically. While my grades were good, my report cards always mentioned that I was easily distracted in class. Curiosity about what was happening around me has been a blessing and a curse throughout my life. A love for learning is a strength of mine. That means when I’ve gotten what I’ve set out to learn from a new experience, I get bored and begin to look for the next thing.
It is this curiosity to address challenges that led me to become a business coach. Each new client brings a host of issues that get in the way of their success. As an outside observer, I can see things that they may not see because they are too close to the situation. It’s that clarity that helps them work through their business problems.
I find small group masterminds intriguing and facilitate them as often as I can. The give-and-take that goes on in a mastermind and the moments of brilliance that arise are fascinating.
Hands down, my greatest role is that of mother to two sons, Matt and Mitch. I am so proud of the men they have become. They fill me with endless joy.
Pricing:
- Day Pass: $25
- 10-Day Pass: $175
- Frequent Spotter Membership: $275/month
- Resident Spotter (dedicated desk) Membership $375/month
- Private Office Membership: starts at $675/month
- Team Suite Membership: starts at $1100/month
- Meeting Rooms or Conference Rooms may be reserved by the hour: $20 – $75/hour
- Participate in the Suite Spotte Community: Priceless!
Contact Info:
- Address: La Grange:
21 S. La Grange Road, Suite 200
La Grange IL 60525Forest Park:
7339 Madison
Forest Park, IL 60130 - Website: https://suitespotte.com
- Email: info@suitespotte.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuiteSpotte
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/suitespotte
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/suite-spotte-coworking
Image Credit:
Dan Voss Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
