Susanna Lorg

CELEBRATING LEADERS

PHOTOS BY SHAWNA MCDUFFIE, PEAK RES | STORY BY ZACH COHEN

“Let your light shine before others so that they may see and glorify your Father in heaven.”

—Matthew 5:16

For over a decade, Susanna Lorg kept herself busy with family and church life. From teaching babies and toddlers to singing in the church choir to participating in the women’s ministry, Susanna lived a fulfilling, family-based life.

“Life was good,” she reflects with a smile. “I thoroughly enjoyed my children and being a mother.”

But, life circumstances don’t always go as planned, and in 1997, Susanna faced a shift that presented both challenge and opportunity.

“That shift was a divorce that didn’t seem best at the time but worked out to be a new beginning,” Susanna explains. “That ended up being what brought me into what I feel was God’s plan for my life.”

Coming Back Home

Susanna was a single mother of four. She desired a career, but with an already full schedule, she struggled to find work that would support her lifestyle.

“The next year, I happened to get better acquainted with a church friend, which grew into a relationship,” Susanna remembers.

In 1998, Susanna married Don Lorg, who had been a REALTOR® since 1978. Through Don, Susanna witnessed how exciting — and flexible — a career in real estate could be. By the fall of 1998, she was licensed.

This difficult time in Susanna’s life helped bring her closer to God and strengthen her commitment to prayer. She learned how important her friends were and how much support they were willing to offer. She grew in self-worth, confidence, and determination. So, as she set off to build a career in real estate, she did so with an entirely fresh outlook.

With Don’s expertise and support, Susanna quickly got up to speed in the business. In 2000, Don joined Susanna back in a sales role, and they worked as a team for the next 11 years. When Don returned to management, Susanna continued working as a single agent. Over the past two decades, Susanna and her team have closed anywhere from 26 to 75 transactions per year.

In 2021, Susanna closed 21 transactions — her lowest total in some years. However, this statistic doesn’t represent failure; rather, Susanna began to shift her focus to a brand new role as the 2022 President of the Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® — an organization with approximately 13,500 members.

A Commitment to Service

Susanna’s 20-plus-year real estate career has been one devoted to serving others. In fact, her entire life has been dedicated to service. From her role as a mother to the volunteer work she’s done with her church, Susanna is always on the lookout for an opportunity to help. She has the heart of a servant.

“Is overcommitted really a word?” Susanna quips. “I know so many in the service industry are like me and enjoy being involved wherever there is a need. I feel like it is my calling to serve others as much as I possibly can and to be dependable and faithful in doing it. I get that from scripture that basically says, ‘Look not only for my own interests but also for the interests of others.’”

Susanna never intended to be a leader, but through her natural desire to follow and serve, she has found herself deeply entrenched in leadership with professional associations.

In 2010, Susanna served on committees at the Oklahoma City Metro Association of REALTORS®, opening her to a new world of opportunities. Over the next decade, she served on the Oklahoma City Metro Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors, as the Secretary-Treasurer, and as the President, alongside various other local, state, and national committees.

More recently, she served a two-year term as Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® District 5 Vice-President (2019-2020), President-Elect (2021), and is the 2022 Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® President. She also continues to serve on a committee for the National Association of REALTORS®.

“Some may consider much of this to be overcommitted. However, I love the blessing that comes from giving of myself.”

Resting in Gratitude

Together, Susanna and Don have five sons, one daughter, five lovely daughters-in-law, and twelve grandchildren. They cherish family gatherings at their home, a ¾ acre partially wooded lot that gives the grandkids lots of play space. They enjoy engaging in various church activities, working in the yard, and spending an occasional summer weekend at the lake.

“I can’t go without saying how grateful I am to my husband who taught me almost everything I know about real estate and leadership. He’s my ultimate real estate advisor.”

As Susanna reflects on her journey, she rests in a state of gratitude.

“I am humbled to be considered a leader, I fully appreciate the gifts and talents in all those around me, and I am grateful for every opportunity to serve others in real estate and in life.”