Story & Lesson Highlights with Susan McCall of Phoenix Metro

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Susan McCall. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Susan, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
The life that my husband (Michael) and I have created is pretty wonderful. We have a couple of sweet dogs, and we adore playing with them. Michael and I sing and are frequently found performing together for a fundraiser or social event. He’s a retired opera singer and I’m a cabaret and musical theater singer and we come together nicely in song. There is nothing like singing a love duet with your spouse to keep things between you both alive and exciting. Last, but certainly not least, is our son Tyler Donovan McCall who is currently living in NYC and pursuing a career as a Musical Theater, and Straight Play Actor-Singer- Dancer. We absolutely LOVE to see him in different shows around the country and support him 100% in this creative endeavor. It doens’t hurt that he’s quite talented and has the right mindset for achieving great heights in that field.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I own and operate Commercial Property Connect, a commercial real estate brokerage focused on working with clients who own businesses they want to locate into (or out of as the case may be) commercial properties; or purchase/sell commercial investment properties. We also advise people who are selling their businesses on how to best navigate the selling of the real estate the business occupies; either to the Buyer of the Business or to someone else to their greatest advantage. Setting that up badly can cost a significant amount of money and the seller of the business is often so focused on the business sale piece of the transaction, they make a huge mistake with the real estate piece. We advise them on how to maneuver through that part so the highest and best outcome can be achieved.
The Commercial Real Estate industry tends to be a conservative male dominated field. One could even describe it as stuffy. When I founded Commercial Property Connect there was a litmus test I used as I navigated through business decisions. We often ask ourselves: Is it SMART FUN AND BOLD? Those were the pillars that I wanted to execute my craft with and those pillars have served us very well over these many years. We can still get the job done and done well; and sometimes adding a little levity can make it a nicer ride.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
When I first got my real estate license, I sold houses for a year before I decided that I was more comfortable in the commercial (business) arena. A man named Hercel Spears, mentored me when I was just starting out at a ReMax Alliance Group in Gilbert as a residential agent. He had a tremendous impact on how I learned to properly work with clients on their residential transactions and those lessons still greatly influence my actions today. Hercel instilled a deep commitment to ethics in me which I carried through not only to my work as a commercial agent but also informed my coaching with my agents at Commercial Property Connect.. Whenever we find ourselves at a crossroads on how we should handle a particular situation the question we pose to ourselves is always: “What is in the best interests of the Client?” The answer always becomes clear and informs the understanding of what we need to do next. Often, we will point out to a client that the advice we are giving them may not in our best interests, but it is in theirs and that is where we want to land – always. Not only does that build trust but it also allows us to sleep at night. Thank you Hercel for imparting your strong moral code into those of us who were lucky enough to have you as their mentor.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Never stop moving the ball forward. In life, and certainly in my business, we will always experience highs and lows. Either way we must get up each day and move the ball forward. The highs and lows are both always a point in time that we move through and the challenge is to navigate the best way we can that day.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I enjoy working with a Personal Business Coach (Rena Huber). The process really helps to flush out the seeds of thought that I can then apply my own creativity to and grow them into strategy. It keeps me focused on the positive and holds me accountable to make sure results are achieved. I’m also a member of the Women President’s Organization and I get to learn how women in other industries do things there and often I can see that an idea which works effectively for one of them would also work in my industry.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
We have a proprietary process we use with our clients called “The Intentional System”. It makes a process seamless and efficient that can usually be complex and arduous. My clients only know this contrast when they experience what is standard operating procedure in the industry. Many of our clients are very aware of that contrast if they have used another firm in the past; However, some would not know what they miss until it is gone! Oh and did I say we lead with being SMART, FUN and BOLD? They would miss that as well I would think.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.CommercialPropertyConnect.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/commercial-property-connect
• Twitter: GetSusanMcCall
• Facebook: commercialpropertyconnect
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@commercialpropertyconnect

Image Credits
Sarah Hoag Photography (the one on the bridge)

Joseph Saddeh Photography(the portraits)