We believe that our unique and rich heritage is what sets us apart. It holds us to a high standard, as individuals, as a family, and how we conduct ourselves in every aspect of our business.
Our company name reflects our legacy. It honors our ancestral ties to this industry, reminding us daily to carry our name with pride and uphold the honor and integrity exemplified by those who came before us.
At The Von Sues Group, we don't just strive to provide excellent service; we stake our name and heritage on how we conduct ourselves in business. We deliver our services with utmost professionalism and kindness, without compromise. Read below to learn more about our family's history.
Our family's heritage in the real estate industry traces back to our Great-Great-Grandfather, Bernard Sues. Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1862 to a distinguished family within the House of Lords, Bernard defied familial expectations by falling in love with Lena Weiss, a Jewish woman from Hungary. Bernard and Lena embarked on a journey to America to evade their union's opposition.
Our family's heritage in the real estate industry traces back to our Great-Great-Grandfather, Bernard Sues. Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1862 to a distinguished family within the House of Lords, Bernard defied familial expectations by falling in love with Lena Weiss, a Jewish woman from Hungary. Bernard and Lena embarked on a journey to America to evade their union's opposition.
Their initial attempt to escape Austria failed when Bernard's family intercepted them by tracking them down through a ship’s passenger records. They brought the couple back to Vienna and forbade his union with Lena. His determination led him to successfully reunite with Lena and make their way to the United States by stowing away on a ship, undetected and unrecorded.
Upon reaching Ellis Island, Bernard shed the "Von" from his last name, opting to be known simply as Bernard Sues, as a means of assimilating into American society and eluding his family's pursuit. Bernard and Lena married in 1887 and settled in their charming home on 703 7th Street in Santa Monica, California. They welcomed their only child, Simmons “Simmie” Sues on Christmas Day of 1891. In the early 1900s, Bernard established his first real estate office at the intersection of Pico Blvd and Ocean Ave. As WW1 approached Bernard heeded the call to serve the country he now called home. He joined the Army and became a Captain during World War 1. Bernard was one of the lucky souls to return home to their family, and as the years went on he became renowned as a leading figure in the local community, distinguishing himself as a successful businessman and entrepreneur.
Additionally, Bernard played a pivotal role in shaping the social fabric of Santa Monica, notably as a founding member of the Elks Club's local branch. In 1910, he generously donated the land upon which the current Elks Club building stands, leaving a lasting legacy of the American dream coming true.
Simmie Sues was born on a snowy Christmas Day in 1891 while his parents, Bernard and Lena, visited Chicago for business. Simmie enjoyed a picturesque childhood in Santa Monica before venturing into the realm of cinematography during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Simmie Sues was born on a snowy Christmas Day in 1891 while his parents, Bernard and Lena, visited Chicago for business. Simmie enjoyed a picturesque childhood in Santa Monica before venturing into the realm of cinematography during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Simmie made a name for himself as a skilled cameraman. Through his lens, he immortalized the performances of iconic figures in the film industry such as Gene Autry, Helen Holmes, and Greta Garbo.
In 1912, Simmie married the beautiful Muriel Gladys McCoy, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. After their union, the couple welcomed their son, Carl Bernard Sues, into the world on December 16th, 1916, and later their daughter Miriam.
Tragically, Simmie's life was cut short by tuberculosis, a common and devastating illness of the time. He succumbed to the disease on May 23rd, 1919, at the age of 27. His untimely passing left Muriel to shoulder the responsibility of raising their young son, Carl, on her own.
On December 16th, 1916, in Santa Monica, California, a remarkable soul entered this world - Carl Bernard Sues. Despite facing early adversity with the loss of his father at a tender age of three, Carl was raised by his devoted mother, Muriel Sues, in the beautiful sunshine of southern California. From a young age, Carl's exceptional intellect shone brightly, propelling him towards a life filled with innovation and creativity.
On December 16th, 1916, in Santa Monica, California, a remarkable soul entered this world - Carl Bernard Sues. Despite facing early adversity with the loss of his father at a tender age of three, Carl was raised by his devoted mother, Muriel Sues, in the beautiful sunshine of southern California. From a young age, Carl's exceptional intellect shone brightly, propelling him towards a life filled with innovation and creativity.
It was fate that brought Carl into the path of Thelma Connie Woodhouse-Cranney, the love of his life, who he met in a chance encounter that changed the course of his destiny. Despite the demands of his work for the State Department and the DOD as an engineer and designer of aeronautical equipment during wartime, Carl's heart remained tethered to his beloved wife with handwritten love letters exchanged every night.
The joys and sorrows of life intertwined in Carl's journey, as the loss of their first-born son, Gregory, was followed by the birth of Gayne Gary Sues, who bravely battled hemophilia from birth. Against all odds, Gayne defied medical predictions and thrived in a life filled with love and courage until his untimely passing at the age of thirty-four.
Carl's impact extended beyond his own family, as he became a mentor to his brother-in-law, Jack Cranney, offering profound wisdom that shaped Jack's career in diesel mechanics and welding. Carl's unconventional approach to education emphasized the importance of independent learning and critical thinking, laying the groundwork for Jack's success as a Master Mechanic in the industry.
With numerous patents to his name, Carl's innovative spirit drove him to develop pioneering creations ahead of his time, including a diesel piston-powered aircraft engine and a reusable water filtration system. His visionary inventions foreshadowed modern sustainability practices and technological advancements in water filtration and agriculture.
Tragically, Carl's life was cut short by lymphoma on April 5th, 1949, at the age of 32, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, ingenuity, and unwavering devotion. His enduring impact lives on through his cherished wife, Connie, and their family, embodying the spirit of overcoming adversities with grace and determination. Carl Bernard Sues, his indomitable spirit, innovative mind, and boundless love continued through his son Gayne and his Grandson Timothy Sues, whom he never got to meet.
Gayne Gary Sues was born in 1946 in Southern California. Diagnosed at birth with hemophilia, a rare and incurable disease that prevents blood from clotting, even small wounds or bruises posed potentially life-threatening risks. Doctors did not expect Gayne to live past the age of 12.
Gayne Gary Sues was born in 1946 in Southern California. Diagnosed at birth with hemophilia, a rare and incurable disease that prevents blood from clotting, even small wounds or bruises posed potentially life-threatening risks. Doctors did not expect Gayne to live past the age of 12.
After losing his father, Carl Sues, when he was just three years old, Gayne's loving mother, Connie, dedicated herself to ensuring his childhood was filled with love and happiness, despite the daily pain inflicted by his condition.
An adventurous spirit by nature, Gayne vowed to pursue the many activities his disease seemed to forbid. Despite encouragement from both his mother and his doctors to stay within 30 minutes of a hospital for his safety, Gayne chose to break free from these constraints.
He moved to the mountains just outside of Yosemite National Park, making his home in a 15-foot travel trailer. Embracing the life of a mountain man, he adopted the philosophy of living life on his terms, regardless of how long or short it might be. Connie followed him there, buying a house nearby to remain close to her beloved son. He was known throughout the small town of Oakhurst as a typical free-spirited mountain man, who hunted for his food and lived off the land.
At 18, Gayne met a young woman from Mississippi. After the birth of their son, Timothy Carl Sues, they were married in a small ceremony near his home. Soon after Tim was born, Gayne’s wife left. He only saw her a handful of times over the next decade. Gayne was also in and out of his son's life, hoping for better opportunities for Tim if he lived with relatives rather than his own crippled father. When Tim was no older than ten, he stood his ground and told Gayne that he would stay with him, learn to take care of him, and that was that. So they lived together in that small 15-foot travel trailer and began building a better relationship.
One night, while his son was away at a relative's house, Gayne left a candle lit in his trailer as he slept. A gust of wind knocked the candle over and set the trailer ablaze. Gayne Gary Sues died that night in 1982, leaving behind his only child, Tim, who was just 16.
Tim Sues was born in 1966, in Los Angeles, California. Raised in a 15-foot travel trailer near Yosemite National Park alongside his father Gayne, who battled hemophilia, Tim's childhood was filled with both struggles and adventures. In his teenage years he climbed Half Dome and El Capitan, raced dirt bikes across the state, and excelled in high school athletics.
Tim Sues was born in 1966, in Los Angeles, California. Raised in a 15-foot travel trailer near Yosemite National Park alongside his father Gayne, who battled hemophilia, Tim's childhood was filled with both struggles and adventures. In his teenage years he climbed Half Dome and El Capitan, raced dirt bikes across the state, and excelled in high school athletics.
Enduring a rugged upbringing in California's rural mountains and his father's disability, Tim had to take on the responsibility of providing for both of them from an early age. He learned the value of hard work, founding his first company at 12, splitting and stacking firewood, and enduring grueling 15-hour shifts with few days off.
Tim's father passed away when he was just 16 in a tragic fire that engulfed their camper. After his father’s passing, Tim gave in to his thirst for knowledge, and set out into the world. He masteried various trades and climbed career ladders, eventually escaping the sleepy town of Oakhurst for the bustling life in Southern California.
Due to the historical premature deaths of the Sues men, Tim grew up without many male role models, shaping his outlook to live each day as if it were his last, fearing a similar fate. However, everything changed when he met Suzanne at 26. Over the course of their more than 30-year marriage, she provided Tim with stability, guiding him away from the wild days of his youth and into a partnership founded on mutual support and love. Their journey together culminated in marriage on August 6, 1994.
With over 30 years in the heavy civil construction industry, managing projects exceeding $2 billion in scope, Tim acquired invaluable leadership experience. In 2009, he moved to Texas with Suzanne and their daughter Kiersten, seeking a better work-life balance as the demands of his Superintendent role strained his family. A decade ago, he transitioned to real estate, a decision rooted in prioritizing the well-being of himself and his loved ones.
This shift not only ensured his family's well-being but also laid the groundwork for a flourishing family business. Tim's rapid acquisition of his broker’s license and subsequent success in North Texas positioned him as a formidable force in the real estate landscape.
Over the years Tim has expanded his business from it’s beginnings in Texas to opening brokerages in both Idaho and Montana. This is his legacy and will continue to be passed down through the family, serving the public’s real estate needs for many years to come.
Suzanne entered the world in 1966, in sunny Van Nuys, California, as the fourth child among eight siblings. Growing up in Southern California during the 70s, she embraced the typical joys of the era – bike rides, outings with friends, and the sense of security that defined the time.
Suzanne entered the world in 1966, in sunny Van Nuys, California, as the fourth child among eight siblings. Growing up in Southern California during the 70s, she embraced the typical joys of the era – bike rides, outings with friends, and the sense of security that defined the time.
From an early age, Suzanne exuded independence and maturity. By nineteen, she owned her own home and held a full-time job at an insurance company, a testament to her sharp intellect and strong work ethic. Climbing the corporate ladder came naturally to her, leading her to a role as an office manager at Waste Management, where fate introduced her to Tim Sues, her lively husband of over three decades. Their humorous recounting of their meeting – "We met at the dump!" – is a cherished joke between them.
Throughout her life, Suzanne has found solace in fly fishing in various picturesque locales, from Mammoth, CA, to the San Juan in New Mexico, and the tranquil rivers of Idaho, where she and her family now reside. Her love for horses has remained constant, offering her a therapeutic escape whenever she's not immersed in work.
When Tim proposed leaving his job to pursue real estate, Suzanne wholeheartedly supported the idea. It meant more time together as a family, especially watching their daughter, Kiersten, grow up. As The Von Sues Group took shape, Suzanne juggled a demanding role at a California auction house while remotely managing the burgeoning real estate venture. Eventually, she made the decision to leave her remote job and fully commit to building the family business alongside Tim.
Suzanne's role as an office administrator at The Von Sues Group is integral to its success. She adeptly managed a portfolio of over 300 single-family homes, passing on her expertise to Kiersten as she grew older, making her a valuable asset to the business.
Kiersten Sues was born in Thousand Oaks California in 2004. Her childhood in Southern California was a blend of adventures, from tearing through desert trails on quads with her family to casting lines into the crystal-clear streams near Mammoth with her fly rod. Kiersten's upbringing was marked by a rhythm of shuttling back and forth between California and Texas until her family finally settled in the Lone Star State when she was ten, opening up a realm of fresh opportunities and experiences.
Kiersten Sues was born in Thousand Oaks California in 2004. Her childhood in Southern California was a blend of adventures, from tearing through desert trails on quads with her family to casting lines into the crystal-clear streams near Mammoth with her fly rod. Kiersten's upbringing was marked by a rhythm of shuttling back and forth between California and Texas until her family finally settled in the Lone Star State when she was ten, opening up a realm of fresh opportunities and experiences.
At age 9, her parents gifted her her first bow for Christmas. She started shooting in the small attic area of their shop, barely able to reach ten yards. She never could have imagined what her dreams that started in that attic would lead to. At her school, she was presented with a mandatory choice between the sports offered by their program. Nothing was of interest to her, she just wanted to shoot her bow. Consulting her father, she proposed a solution: why not petition for archery to be recognized as her mandatory sport? There was one condition: unwavering dedication. Kiersten deliberated, then decisively accepted the challenge.That’s where it all began.
Over the next eight years, Kiersten blazed a trail of unprecedented success, becoming the youngest member of TEAM USA's Junior Development Team at just twelve. With five national titles, 14 state championships, and four national records to her name, she transcended age brackets and distances, her relentless drive propelling her to the pinnacles of her sport. This spirit and work ethic have become her hallmark, shaping not only her athletic endeavors but also her professional pursuits.
Alongside archery, real estate has a prevalent presence in her development. Navigating a non-traditional path through online schooling to accommodate her rigorous travel schedule, she absorbed the intricacies of the industry from within her parents' office, recognizing early on her future role in the family business.At eighteen, before graduating high school, she secured her Texas real estate license, laying the foundation for a multifaceted career that spanned across state lines. With licenses in Idaho and Montana added to her repertoire, Kiersten assumed the mantle of lead agent at her brokerage, guiding clients with the same integrity and professionalism that defined her upbringing.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Kiersten finds solace and joy in the wilderness areas of Idaho and Montana, where she roams the backcountry with family, her trusty fly rod, and steadfast horses.
