The S.B. Questionnaire: Suzanne Perkins

Suzanne Perkins was one of the first people I met when I moved here in the late 1990s, and I’ve admired her tenacity and drive ever since. She’s the type of person who excels at everything she does, and is consistently named in such publications as Variety and the Wall Street Journal as one of the top real estate agents in the country.

Suzanne is also a third-generation horsewoman and, with her husband Perry, breeds, trains, and shows world-class Arabian horses, including four national champions. She’s also been a licensed United States Equestrian Federation Judge since 1989. A former flight attendant for Pan Am, Suzanne heroically participated in the Saigon evacuation flights at the end of the Vietnam War.

The indomitable Suzanne answers the Proust Questionnaire.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My success in real estate and in becoming a world-class Equestrian Judge. Also, during the Vietnam war, while flying for Pan American World Airways, I volunteered for the Department of Defense to fly in and out of Vietnam, transporting troops. Having been raised in the military, it was important for me to assist our country.

Who do you most admire?

My father and mother, for teaching me at a very young age to be self-reliant, not to depend on others to determine my self-worth, and, whatever I do, to be responsible for it. And to never, ever blame others for mistakes I make.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Knowing I have done an incredible job for my clients. And at the end of the day, my clients are thrilled that they have hired me. As you can see, most of my happiness is centered around my work.

What do you like most about your job?

The amazing people I have been able to meet and work with. Each day is completely different and always exciting.

What is your greatest fear?

Actually, I do not have any fears!

What is your greatest extravagance?

The incredible horses my husband and I breed and show. They bring us a great deal of joy and pride.

What is your current state of mind?

Peaceful and focused.

What is the quality you most like in people?

Truth, honesty, and hardworking.

What is the quality you most dislike in people?

Excuses, bitching, and laziness.

What do you most value in friends?

Honesty, and their ability to be themselves with me.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I do what I say and say what I do!

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Okay!”

Which talent would you most like to have?

If I didn’t have horses, I would have loved to have been a world-class runner and an Olympic equestrian.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Nothing!

Where would you most like to live?

Right here!

What is your most treasured possession?

Peaches, my Saddlebred mare.

Who makes you laugh the most?

My assistant, Kalai.

What is your motto?

Get it done and hold the BS!

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Ronald Reagan

On what occasion do you lie?

Never.