Episode 263
How Suzanne Built a Renovation Empire in Just One Year
Introduction
🎙️ Dive into the latest She Renovates podcast episode!
Meet Suzanne, a Diamond Wonder Woman Renovator who went from funeral director to full-time property renovator—and achieved more in 12 months than most do in a decade.
From surviving toxic workplaces and personal tragedy to negotiating off-market deals, staging unfinished bathrooms, and building a trusted team of investors, Suzanne’s journey is raw, inspiring, and proof that resourcefulness is a renovator’s greatest superpower.
You’ll discover how she turned setbacks like a house fire, financial hurdles, and even trashed properties into six-figure equity wins and a future pipeline of projects, including a creative regional subdivision.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to walk away from a job and back yourself in renovating full-time, this episode is your roadmap to courage, creativity, and financial transformation.
“I wouldn’t recommend giving up your job cold turkey. But if you’ve got six months of living expenses and a money partner, you can make the leap.”
— Suzanne
00:00 – Welcome & Why Suzanne’s Story Matters
01:30 – From Funeral Director to Renovator: The Turning Point
04:00 – Christmas Day House Fire & The First Reno That Changed Everything
07:00 – Landing a $140K-Under-Market Deal in Hot Perth
11:00 – Creative Staging: Fooling the Valuer & Adding $300K in Equity
15:00 – Regional Dream vs Harsh Reality: From Heritage Reno to Subdivision Opportunity
20:00 – Investor Deals, Trust, and Building a Money Team
24:00 – Distressed Sales, Delays & Glass-Smashing Tenants: A Renovator’s Worst Nightmare
30:00 – Settlement Drama & Why Resourcefulness Wins Every Time
34:00 – How to Leave a Job (Without Losing Financial Security)
38:00 – Suzanne’s Advice for Anyone Feeling “Stuck”
41:00 – Reflections on Growth, Grit & Gratitude
Resources
The School Of Renovating
https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com
She Renovates Podcast
https://www.theschoolofrenovating.com/podcasts-page/
Connect with The School of Renovating
ASK BERNADETTE:
https://sherenovates.com.au/podcast/
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