Title: Chief Executive Officer

Company: SMT Enterprises, Inc.

Location: Oregon City, Ore.

After establishing an accomplished early career in sales and executive management, Sue Thoens decided to trade her cubicle and airplanes for a career working alongside her husband. When he passed away in 2012, she re-branded herself and aligned herself with a collaborative group of hard-working and skilled men and women dedicated to helping others establish businesses and accomplish greatness. Ms. Thoens is now chief executive officer for SMT Enterprises, Inc., where she is committed to providing clients with independent business solutions, bringing to the industry valuable skills in teaching, mentorship, coaching and communication.

In 1985, Ms. Thoens graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in business and mathematics. Her subsequent experience as regional sales director for a major company has provided her with significant ability in business administration, and she currently encourages entrepreneurship through leadership training services. She strongly adheres to the American dream of free enterprise, and would like to see the country embrace traditional business values of integrity, honesty and respect. Passionate about empowering others, Ms. Thoens is also an advocate for young women entering the industry.

Ms. Thoens’ ultimate goal is to positively impact the lives of others, and she wants to be remembered for bringing about change through her work. She furthers this goal through personal efforts as well as professional ones; she participates in breast cancer awareness, Food for the Hungry and the American Cancer Society. She also supports Athletes in Action, a Christian ministry that helps people answer questions of faith. In her free time, Ms. Thoens enjoys exercising and horseback riding.