Getting to know Suzanne & Dave Merrick
Suzanne joined Harcourts The Garner Group as a licensed Broker in February 2011. She has been a real estate professional in Central Oregon since 2002, when she earned her Oregon Broker’s license. She was licensed in Hawaii prior to that time, beginning in 1999.
Suzanne is certified by the National Assn. of Realtors as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). This designation comes through advanced course work and educates Realtors on how to profitably and ethically serve the needs of clients aged 50 and above.
Suzanne also has completed advanced training in the field of green building practices. Earning the Earth Advantage Broker (formerly STAR–Sustainability Training for Accredited Real Estate Professionals) designation involved classroom work, site visits and testing. Brokers are able to identify home features and building products that provide greater energy, water and resource efficiency and create a healthier living environment for their clients.
Suzanne was raised in Eugene and graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Leisure Studies and Services. After graduating, she pursued a career as a tennis professional, teaching at Amelia Island Plantation in Florida and in Hawaii at the Maui Marriott, Hyatt Regency Maui and Kapalua Tennis Garden. While on Maui she was heavily involved in revitalizing the United States Tennis Association’s Tennis In The Schools” program throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Suzanne spent 14 years in Hawaii before moving to Bend in 2002. Her parents, Joan and Keith Iselin, were long-time real estate brokers in Central Oregon. She had the pleasure of teaming up with her parents until they retired. Suzanne’s interests focus on Central Oregon’s outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly skiing, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding and fly fishing.
https://youtu.be/CSkh-MSuy0s
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Who do I admire the most?
My kids. Every milestone they hit growing up, I’d tell myself “This is the greatest age! I wish they could stay this age forever!” Then they’d hit the next age and it would be even better! Now that they’re young adults out on their own, I’m just so in awe at the amazing people they have become! Sierra’s living in Germany and loving the easy travel throughout Europe. She’s one of the most engaging people I know. She can play the piano by ear, talk with anyone in any language! Jake is living in Portland and working his dream job as a freelance film editor and animator. His easy smile and great sense of humor draws everyone in.
Have you ever had a dream come true?
Yes. The moment I picked up my first tennis racket and was able to beat my older brother, I was in love! I loved everything about the game and used to dream about one day being able to get paid to play tennis with people. After 2 years of playing college tennis, I realized that I didn’t like the competitive side, so I jumped into teaching. For the next 20 years I was fortunate enough to teach and coach in Florida, Hawaii and Oregon.
What’s my greatest regret to date?
That it took me 30 years to finally marry the love of my life! Dave and I grew up in Eugene and were friends in high school. After graduation we both went different directions and didn’t stay in touch. One day up at Mt. Bachelor I literally was putting my skis on next to this guy and he said “Suzanne?? I’s Dave Merrick!” We skied together the entire day and pretty much have been inseparable since!
What’s your favorite Central Oregon activity?
Anything outside that I can do with Dave and Bette, our Golden Retriever/ Husky mix!
I’m obsessed with…
Heart Shaped Rocks! Every summer I stealthily load up the drift boat with heart shaped rocks, and even though Dave has to row extra hard the last day of our trip, he pretends not to notice the extra weight in the boat!