With nearly 30 years in the field, Sue Stevenson knows what it takes to be an effective sales executive. Since moving to Perrysburg from Columbus in 1976, she’s built lasting relationships with her clients, and has even rediscovered her love of tap dancing.
Why I love my job:
Once I got into advertising, I was amazed at what Toledo had to offer. People from outside this area know that better than the residents, who tend to have blinders on. They don’t realize what a great area this is. My job is sales, but it’s also customer service. We take care of every aspect of the business. I love meeting people, and helping them. Whether or not outdoor advertising is a forum that works for them, I educate and try to help them use it in the right way.
What inspires me:
First and foremost, I’m a Christian. I have great inspiration from my beliefs. I’m a very honest person. In some sales positions, they might persuade you to bend the truth, but I won’t lie to somebody just to make a sale.
The best advice I ever received:
“What do you have to lose?” It’s what my husband said, encouraging me to enter the sales field in 1987. I was the first female salesperson at the company, kind of a test case. But you do what you have to in order to do your job well, and that’s what I’ve done all these years.
My passion:
Tap dancing. I’m with a performing group now. I danced as a child, but after high school, I didn’t dance for 30 years. In 1989, I discovered a group that was an offshoot of the Mother’s Club at St. John’s High School. It was Manhattan Dance Company, now it’s known as Off Broadway Dance Company. We performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2001, right after the 9/11 tragedy. I’m so grateful I was able to be part of that experience.
Photo by Nick Amhrein, 3byOne Media
