Susan Byers has 13 years experience in real estate and has worked in Summit County since 1999. She is a broker with Powdr Copper Properties.Q: Where did you grow up? Northern California originally then Southern California for college and my early career.Q: What do you love about Summit County?The fresh air, no traffic and friendly people who chose to live and work here.Q: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? Golf, powder days and spending time with friends and family.Q: How long have you worked in real estate? 13 yearsQ: What is your specialty? Commercial leasing and retail property management.Q: What is the most unique property you’ve leased or sold?They’ve ranged from hospitals to donut shops, custom homes and restaurants to just about everything in between. Q: What designations do you have and what does that mean for people you work with?I hold certificates in interior design, project management and real estate property management and negotiation. Q: What is the most challenging/gratifying aspect of what you do?Finding the balance between landlord and tenant and striving to fulfill the needs and wants of both. I enjoy searching for talented retail and restaurant entrepreneurs to join the Copper merchant family when we have a vacant space opportunity.Q: What tips do you have for someone looking to lease property?Know what your concept is and how it is unique from others. Write a realistic business plan than considers the seasonal environment and if it is sustainable with the capital necessary to buy inventory and operate the business. Do your homework on finding a location that will allow you to execute your brand to your target customer. These are key questions to answer before you sign a lease.Q: What do you see in the future for commercial real estate? Stabilization of rents, and absorption of vacant space in prime areas that feature quality, well maintained retail space. E-commerce will continue to grow, but that does not mean “bricks and mortar” are a thing of the past. Customers still want to shop, make a connection with a store owner and buy goods and services. Restaurants are showing signs of growth and dining out is on the rise.

Susan Byers was selected as this week’s Agent Spotlight in Summit Homes & Properties. Byers was asked to provide information to a standard set of questions designed to help the reader learn more about her.