Meet Susan Thornton | Estate Liquidator | South Metro Denver

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susan Thornton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susan, what do you attribute your success to?
In building my business, I strive to create an environment in which everybody benefits. I want to create a sale that is pleasing to my clients, customers and staff. For that reason, I choose to focus on a few key areas: 1) Different approaches. We are able to host in-home estate sales or online auctions or a hybrid of the two. This puts us in the unique position to be able to cater to many different situations, such as gated neighborhoods, limited parking, or huge estates. Auctions are particularly wonderful for luxury high-end homes, and collections such as sports memorabilia or fine jewelry. 2.) Curated sales. We remove the smaller unpopular, broken or “junky” items, and set up in a boutique style with black tablecloths and an easy flow. This maximizes the customer experience and leads to higher sales. 3) Teaching my staff to be detail oriented and service driven. We extend courtesy, compassion and flexibility to our clients, and a smile and “can do” attitude to our customers. I try to create a team environment where people feel heard and appreciated, and pay them fairly. 4) An empty home upon completion of the sale. Clients are always amazed once I send them photos of their completely empty home and we have done as we have promised. 5) Community. Businesses thrive when they are connected. We are part of a wonderful community of estate sale companies in our area who share ideas and resources, and sometimes staff! We support and encourage each other. My company is also partnered with multiple real estate offices, elder care services and other affiliated businesses. Of course, no company is perfect and we are always learning and growing, and thinking of ways we can improve. We strive for excellence in all that we do and I think that shows in our results.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have a degree in Molecular Biology, have lived and served with 45 different nationalities on a ship, have a love for helping people, and a passion for research and organizing. I never thought that my diverse background would get me where it has!

I grew up in England and moved to the U.S. a few years after graduating university, shortly after meeting my husband. My professional path in the U.S. took a few twists and turns! I was a nanny, household manager and organizer for about 6 years, before taking a break and then staying home to raise our own son. I put in many volunteer hours with data management at our church while our son was in pre-school, along with starting a reselling business from home. After meeting another lady who was running estate sales, I started to get more involved with her business, realizing I loved it and eventually working alongside her, with the knowledge that I would start my own business in the near future. Sydney Lane Estate Sales has grown from that beginning to where it is now, in a network of about 6 other estate sale companies, busy with both in-home sales and online auctions.

I wouldn’t say growing my business has been easy. It has definitely had and continues to have it’s challenges! One of the areas I grew in quickly is resilience; learning to say, “Well that went badly,” and then picking myself up knowing the next time will be better. That is not a natural thing for me. I am a perfectionist and used to give up rather than let myself make mistakes. This has definitely been my biggest area of growth!

I am proud of what Sydney Lane Estate Sales has achieved so far and am excited about the future of my company. Our processes become more streamlined every day and we are constantly complimented for our well curated sales and friendliness. I am looking forward to being widely known in the South Metro area and being able to serve more clients.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a funny question, because despite appearances, I’m actually quite a homebody! My husband, son and I like to hike, so we would definitely take guests to some local state parks and into the mountains. Colorado is stunning at any time of year. We love multi-cultural food and the Denver Metro area has some great restaurants, including a growing number of amazing Indian restaurants. I’m not a spicy food person but I love flavor and most of these restaurants allow you to choose your heat level, which is perfect! The museums in Denver are a must too. We particularly enjoy the Museum of Nature & Science. We took my parent’s on Banjo Billy’s Bus Tour one time in Denver and that was a fun way to learn about Denver’s history and weird stories!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Sisters-in-law, Sarah & Mary Booras (Owners of Legacies Estate Sales & Denver Online Auctions). Your experience and knowledge in all areas of estate liquidation is invaluable. Thanks for taking a chance on me, for all your advice and encouragement, and allowing me to shape your processes in return!

My staff – Cassie, Chantel, Pam & Taylor. I couldn’t do this without you. Your dedication, hard work and ability to humor me is second to none!

Website: https://www.sydneylaneestatesales.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydneylaneestatesales/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-thornton-669a21268/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sydneylaneestatesales/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SydneyLaneEstateSales

Image Credits
Taylor Anderson
Susan Thornton