Suzie Bennett: From Training Horses to Mastering Accounts Payable
Suzie Bennett's journey to becoming an accountant at Martin Horn has been anything but conventional. With a career that began with working as a Veterinarian Technician and then a horse trainer. While still deep in the equestrian world, she was hired to manage billing at Moore’s Electrical & Plumbing. It was then that Suzie's career path took a turn towards numbers, setting the stage for her success in the construction industry.
Initially hired as a billing specialist at Martin Horn, she was mentored by Suzanne Moubray, who was preparing for retirement. This mentorship marked the beginning of Suzie's deep dive into the world of construction accounting. She quickly demonstrated her potential and was encouraged to pursue further education. With the company's backing, Suzie began her accounting studies at Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) in the summer of 2023.
A major challenge arose when PVCC announced it was discontinuing its accounting program. Determined to continue her education, Suzie discovered that the nearest classes were in Richmond, requiring her to commute twice a week. That’s when Laurel Eberl, HR Manager at Martin Horn, thought outside the box. Leveraging a contact at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) who worked at UVA, Laurel connected Suzie with the appropriate department at UVA. This connection allowed Suzie to attend classes as an audit student and transfer those credits back to PVCC, ensuring she could still graduate with her associate's degree in Accounting in 2026.
Suzie's story is a testament to the support and innovative thinking of the team members of Martin Horn. Her journey underscores the belief that with determination and the right support, any obstacle can be overcome.
Outside of work, Suzie remains passionate about equestrian activities, spending her weekends riding and training horses. Her dedication to her long-time hobby, alongside working full time and earning her degree further emphasizes her balanced and driven approach to life.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the Martin Horn team as we continue to grow and achieve great things together.
Suzie and Tinker