We offer this occasional series as your introduction to our volunteer advisors — just a few of your neighbors who truly make local business tick.

Susan Johnson began her career in the banking industry after graduating from UNC Chapel Hill. With more than 10 years of experience in marketing, technology and communications, she chose to refocus her expertise in the field of residential real estate. She has been in the industry for six years, spending the last two with Keller Williams Realty. Johnson has since received several awards for her performance, including the 2011 Five Star Real Estate Professional Award and the Award of Excellence for Online Marketing from Realtor.com.

Johnson lives in Cornelius and is active in the community and her church. When she is not assisting clients, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, boating, running and biking.

• What three words best describe your business style?

Professional, energetic, out-of-the-box thinker (more than one word, I know).

• Who are your mentors, business or otherwise, and why?

Todd Kight, Team Leader of the Keller Williams Realty Office Lake Norman. He is a good friend and has been very successful in real estate. He truly cares about me and my personal and professional growth.

• How do you balance work, personal and leisure time?

I try to make time for everything, sometimes I do a better job than others. I usually am running from one appointment to the next, but I always make time for my children, whether it be to volunteer for lunch duty at their school or participate in their after-school activities. This also supports my business through networking with other parents — I am a great multi-tasker!

• What two stocks are you invested in currently, and why?

I honestly have no idea ... that is what my financial planner is for!

• What advice would you give a local entrepreneurial hopeful?

Make sure you know your demographic before you chose a location!

• If you had it to do over again, what professional path would you choose?

I truly love being in real estate. I was in the banking industry for 10 years before going into real estate, so I wouldn't change my profession!

• What about being a business owner/leader makes your PULSE race?

I truly enjoy being a leader in my profession, my office and my community. I enjoy when people come to me for answers to their questions. I truly enjoy being the problem solver.

Contact Johnson at 704-439-5350 or visit www.homecarolinas.com.