Meet Your Neighbor… Sue Severt

You know what's near and dear to Sue Seivert's heart when “ABC – Always Buy Chamber” is the first thing that pops out of her mouth when asked if she has any favorite words to live by or a life philosophy. The manager of Cutler's North Canton and Alliance offices, and the 2007 North Canton Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, Sue is one of the strongest advocates for the city and its businesses.
Born and raised in Kenton, OH, Sue entered the work force as a radiology technician . She met her husband Dick in Columbus where she was working in a doctor's office. At the time, Dick was an Air Force pilot at Lockbourne Base. When he retired from the service, earned an MBA and took a job at the Timkin Co., the couple moved to North Canton. Sue worked at Timkin Mercy Hospital in the x-ray department.
Married for 42 years, the Seiverts have two grown children and three grandchildren. Their son Rick lives in North Canton, while their daughter Amy and her husband live in Louisiana. When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf coast, Sue's grandchildren Megan, 13 and Andrew, 11 were living with their mother, an Air Force nurse stationed in Biloxi, Miss. Unable to attend their own school, the children stayed with their father and enrolled in the North Canton City Schools. “They got the blue ribbon treatment,” Sue said. “They felt like everyone embraced them. I can't thank Mr. Gallina (superintendent of schools) enough for what he did for them.”
Sue's second career began in 1977 when she earned her real estate license. “We lived in The Dells at the time and there was a house for sale on our street. I kept telling friends about it and encouraging them to take a look. I liked houses so I went for my license.” She took classes at Walsh University and earned a broker's license in 1983. Sue worked for Marks & Taylor Realtors for five years and spent six years with Pat Hall Agency before joining Cutler Real Estate's management team in 1988. “That was back when our offices were still located in the Acme shopping plaza,” Sue said. “Now we're at 203 Applegrove.” Nineteen years later, Sue now manages both the North Canton and Alliance offices of Cutler Real Estate, overseeing 80 realtors. She's very active with the Board of Realtors and has served as president on several real estate-related boards.
From a realtor's perspective, Sue said North Canton is an easy sell. “The prices are still competitive with other areas and we have such an excellent school system. People are very comfortable with the school system and the education their children are going to get here.”
No stranger to the North Canton Chamber, Sue is once again at the helm. “I was Chairman of the Board back in 2001 and now, in 2007 I'm back again,” she said, joking, “I guess I didn't do it right the first time, this is my second chance.” Sue also chairs the Women's Division of the North Canton Chamber of Commerce.
“There are definitely some challenging things the North Canton area has to overcome.” Sue is enthusiastic about a new program called Sychonis, where Chamber members, along with the city's economic director will meet with businesses to listen to their wants and needs, and learn what other types of businesses are needed in town. “With everyone working together, we'll work it out.”
Dedication to the city and her career leaves Sue with little time for hobbies. “I used to golf and play tennis, but I don't play anymore.” She does find the time to attend all Hoover basketball and football games with her husband who is now retired from the University of Akron. “We also like to go to OSU games when we can.”
Sue is not one who yearns for leisure time though. “I love my job. I love working with the agents because they're good. They're compassionate, educated and very customer-oriented. It's a great company. Cutler's celebrating its 60-year anniversary this year, so it's a very solid company with an outstanding reputation.” .