Women in Business: Suzett Sparks

Residence: Rogers

Education: NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Professional background: Sparks has worked in the real estate industry for 26 years. She has a broker’s license in Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, serves on the Arkansas Realtors Association’s board of directors and is involved with the Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors.

What character traits do you feel have benefited you in your success? I am very competitive. However, I think the thing that has contributed to my success is that I am a good problem solver. I approach every situation thinking how to fix it or make it better. Usually, I have a plan of action before the problem has been completely presented to me.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far? I’ve had several fulfilling moments. I was president of the Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors and Realtor of the Year in 2017. I was awarded a standing ovation at our previous managing broker’s funeral where I eulogized his life, and that moment still gives me goosebumps.

The moment with the biggest impact was when Jim Lindsey came to our office and asked me to be the managing broker. Jim is “the salt of the earth” kind of man that you just want to make proud of you. The whole Lindsey family is a blessing to all of our employees. I seriously feel blessed to get to work for them.

What advice would you give young women who are currently at the beginning of their careers? Build your brand as a helpful team player. Forming these good relationships in business will benefit you throughout your career. When you are able to, surround yourself with loyal people that you like to be around. If the fit isn’t right in the beginning, find somewhere you feel comfortable as soon as possible.

Of all the mentors in your professional career, who has been the most influential and why? For over five years, I was Meza Harris’ licensed assistant. There were years that we sold over $50 million in real estate together. She has supported, encouraged and championed my success more than anything or anybody. There has not been a major life event in my family that she has missed. I would not be where I am today without her love and support.

What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? I want to continue to grow my office and help our brand but am also seeking an opportunity to serve as an Arkansas Real Estate Commission commissioner.

How do you spend your time away from work? What are your hobbies? I am very available to my agents and staff. I take as many calls, emails and texts after hours as I do at the office. Real estate is time-sensitive. I never want my availability to cause more stress or allow a situation to possibly get worse. I also enjoy spending time with my family: my husband of 30 years, Rick, and two daughters, Katie and Amie, as well as their husbands, Zac and Kyle, and now my grandson.

What’s your biggest passion and why? I love helping our agents be successful and work through ideas to better our organization. My newest passion is loving on my 2-month-old grandson, William.

What is something distinctive people would be surprised to know about you? I am super loyal. It honestly hurts my feelings for other brokers when agents leave them. I started Lindsey & Associates’ formal relocation program. Building those relationships and implementing processes that are still used today has been one of the more rewarding chapters of my career.

Can you share what you have learned about your business from the COVID-19 pandemic? We are ahead of last year’s numbers to date. Without the pandemic, I believe it would have been the best year yet. COVID-19 has shown that people will figure out a way to do something if they want to. The determination of agents to take care of their clients has been impressive.

I think this is true in life in general. If you want to do something, you will find a way.