Hi, I’m Susan. I help businesses achieve the extraordinary.

Who I am

  • Managing partner and board member at Calder Associates

  • Leader of 100+ seminars on business leadership and entrepreneurship

  • M&A and strategic advisor for 35+ years for businesses in the middle market


With over 20 years in the M&A industry and having overseen transactions totaling more than $600 million in value, I've guided countless business owners and leaders through critical decisions and pivotal transitions. I’ve helped companies ranging from $5M to $75M in revenue navigate the complex world of mergers, acquisitions, and exit strategies to realize their full potential.

But my approach goes beyond just the financials. I believe a business must align with the values and vision of its owner. I take time to deeply understand my clients' goals—for their company, their employees, their legacy, and their lives. Then I help chart a path to get there, with integrity as the guiding light.

Served past and present leadership roles in

What I stand for

Good advisory is rooted in expertise. Excellent advisory is rooted in values. People don't call me to tell them what to do. They call me because they know every interaction with me is founded on these three pillars.

Integrity driven

I take on clients only when I'm confident I can help them achieve their goal. Every communication, negotiation, and recommendation is made based on what's best for the client and their business.

People focused

Business "isn't personal"—except you can never take people out of the equation. I'm passionate about helping businesses thrive, but above that, I’m passionate about helping the people behind them.

Trust centered

Advisory is effective when there's trust and transparency—and that's a non-negotiable for me. No matter your stage, I help you gain clarity and confidence that you’re making the right decision.

Areas of Expertise

  • Expert guidance through every stage of the buying or selling process to maximize value and ensure a smooth transition.

  • Developing long-term business plans to achieve organizational goals, maintain competitive advantage, and plan for exit

  • Guidance on strategies to increase your company’s value through operational improvements and market positioning.

  • Preparing business owners for a smooth transition of leadership or ownership, maximizing value for retirement or sale.

  • Mentoring executives and managers to enhance their skills, decision-making, and overall effectiveness.

  • Delivering engaging presentations and interactive sessions on business topics.

What people say about me

  • “I chose to work with Susan because, quite simply, she's the best out there.”

    "I chose to work with Susan because, quite simply, she's the best out there. She paid attention to the smallest of details, not just in regards to my business, but to my personality and long-term goals, to help me find the best fit buyer. I consider her a true partner—but more importantly, a true friend. I'd work with her again in a heartbeat."

    - Mark Schneider, Tri-State Grouting, LLC

  • “The value created by Susan and Calder exceeded our expectations in every way.”

    The Calder team expertly led negotiations, maximizing our value and providing invaluable support throughout due diligence. Susan went above and beyond, addressing concerns and ensuring a smooth transition for our partners. The value created by Susan and Calder exceeded our expectations in every way. I wholeheartedly recommend them to any owner considering selling their business. Susan has the expertise to find the right buyer who will take your life's work to the next level while ensuring you're appropriately compensated.

    - Frank Impagliazzo, Owner, Standard Pipe Services, LLC

  • “The 90 day roadmap process is such a valuable tool.”

    "I had the pleasure of working with Susan as my business advisor. As we progress within our businesses it is easy to lose focus when so much is in front of you on a daily basis. Fear and anxiety can easily shred us of any accomplishments we may have achieved. The 90 day roadmap process is such a valuable tool. It has provided me with a daily accountable list of what I need to do within my concierge business to achieve the goals I have set forth. Thank you, Susan!"

    - Kellyann Schaefer, Business and life coach

  • “Susan taught me the most important lesson of my life: the fundamental meaning and importance of trust”

    "Susan is the ultimate professional. She taught me the most important lesson of my life and that is the fundamental meaning and importance of trust, and not just in life but in business. Without question, as her career has progressed she is a living example of how important the characteristic 'Trustworthiness' is as exemplified by her ongoing achievements."

    - David Alley, Marketing and sales consultant

  • “Thanks to Susan, I handed over the business with full confidence and got to live my dream.”

    "When it came time to sell my business, I knew I needed the right expertise. Susan jumped in, asked thorough questions, and did an amazing job extracting my business's selling points. She helped secure two incredible offers and guided me to the best decision for both me and the company. Thanks to Susan, I handed over the business with full confidence and got to live my dream. I am so grateful for this opportunity."

    - Jennifer Gladysz, CMI Studios, LLC

  • “Strategic thinker, highly professional, goal-oriented and displaying the highest degree of integrity”

    "Strategic thinker, highly professional, goal-oriented and displaying the highest degree of integrity: this is how I saw Susan in her role as my boss. She successfully led a consultative sales team to achieve record revenue in their territory, then, went on to spearhead the National Accounts program nationwide for the Partnership Group of American Management Association. Susan was a role model for me and I am certain, many other women in our organization. I strongly recommend her work."

    - Carol Khoury, Director of Management at American Marketing Association

Whether you're considering an acquisition, preparing to sell, or seeking guidance on how to take your business to the next level,  I’m here to help.

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