Background: Sue Thompson

Sue was likely born on a horse. An accomplished trainer and coach, she has devoted her life to the equestrian business world. In the midst of that accomplishment, she runs Western Sky Enterprises with her husband, Jeff. They have raised two children.

Having worked with Lori Wickett in three previous roles, Sue said it was a natural fit to consider EIGHT:18 upon the company's launch in 2020. "I was ready for a professional transition as we begin to think about retiring," Sue says. "When Lori approached me about an office manager role, I did not hesitate." Having launched her own businesses, Sue not only is a solid and experienced bookkeeper, she also provides exceptional business advice. She is an astute manager of funds and has helped the company move to a stronger financial picture of health as we grow. She says that running a tight ship is the ship that gets back to port.

Sue retired from Busch Agricultural Resources where she was in the lab as a grader, some of the most specific work that can make or break farmers. She continues her operations management of WSE, where they install irrigation systems across the Golden Triangle and beyond for Montana farmers and ranchers. Horses are always a part of her story. She enjoys the progeny of their now-passed stallion, Codys Royal Cisco, and continues to coach all ages of riding students.

Sue's top five strengths through Gallup's Strengths Finder are Relator, Connectedness, Responsibility, Significance and Achiever. Her role as office manager draws from her top two strengths as she loves the relationships with our customers. Without a doubt, her strength "Responsibility" is a mark of how successful her own business is today with her hubby, Jeff.