Continuing the practice of interviewing the Gateway Greens Community’s Neighborhood Association Presidents is always a pleasure – because it reinforces a belief that people are good, and their motives for volunteering to serve the public are sincere. Their willingness to help others is at the core for each of them, and Sue Sprehn is no exception!
Sue grew up in Cleveland where she continued her education at Cleveland State and even purchased her first house there. She was content. However, after a Valentine’s Day blizzard, when a company responded to her resume asking her if she would “mind” moving to Sarasota, Fla., she couldn’t say “yes!” fast enough! Off to Sarasota she went and thus began a long-term career with US Home Corporation and living in Florida. Sue met her husband in Sarasota, and then they were both transferred elsewhere: she to Fort Myers and he to Miami. Although they lived separately during the week for a year, their commute was easy, as “back then” PBA (Provident Boston Airline) provided a very convenient shuttle service which served them well. With their four daughters, they lived in the Iona area, then Brookshire off of Daniels, and then decided to downsize. After a few different locations including a downtown rental, they found what they were looking for: a one-floor, ground level condo with both lake and golf course views right in Gateway at Santa Luz. Together, they love walking around the beautiful neighborhoods enjoying the friendly people and their neighbors, who are ever vigilant in looking out for each other.
Sue’s entry into leading the neighborhood HOA began like many – she recognized a desperate need that the community had to recruit volunteers, ultimately finding herself on a Board with no president – and no one else willing to serve. Her background in real estate development combined with exposure to various legal areas including court experience, legal documents and working with attorneys has served her well. That same experience also provided her with an understanding of when to say no and when to compromise.
Residents in the Gateway Greens community often wonder why some Neighborhood Associations have multiple boards within the same community, and Santa Luz is a good example. The developments are often established in multiple phases, with different developers, creating a requirement for different associations even when the number of units is relatively small. The downside of this practice is that the “pool” of residents who want to volunteer their time to is very small! What many don’t understand is that if the neighborhood is not able to support a full board, then the state will appoint an attorney to work with the management association. And the cost of that to the owners is significant. So, if you are reading this and you are in Sue Sprehn’s neighborhood, think hard about taking the step to serve – it will save you money and you will bring value within a collaborative and communicative group.
Watching the sun set on Sanibal or Captiva is one of Sue and her husband’s favorite activities – and although they go at least every other week, it’s just not often enough! Their favorite locations (shhh!) are Lighthouse Beach, Gulf Side City Park and at the end of Tarpon Bay road. She considers Gulf Side City Park as the best, with clean restrooms. Pack up your chairs and a beverage and meet them there!
Like many of us, Sue and her husband’s four adult children bring them much joy. Their girls have five children consisting of four grandsons and one beloved girl! In addition to her family Sue is passionate about staying healthy and eating well. And she says she’s a pretty good cook, with a great recipe for gluten-free muffins! Sue’s optimism keeps her life in balance, as she believes in the goodness of others. This is reciprocated throughout her family, friends and even within her employer. She feels supported and loves the people around her (including friends of more than 40 years), and with whom she works.
Sounds like Sue is right where she belongs, and those around her are reaping the benefits.
