Quandt ’76 Brings Success Story Back to Valpo

She worked for a variety of Fortune 500 companies and forged her way ahead with technology startups. In 2000, at the age of 45, Susan Quandt ’76 “retired” to form her own real estate development firm and later a consulting group.

This past April, Quandt returned to Valparaiso University to discuss her book, “Sudden Impact on the Job: Top Business Leaders Reveal the Secrets to Fast Success.”

Susan Quandt ’76 speaks with a Valpo student during her visit to the university earlier this year.

“I truly value my Valpo education and the values it instilled in me throughout my career,” she said. “I’m proud to say that I’m from Valpo.”

Her book tells the stories of 14 CEOs, providing insight into what the execu­tives believe they did correctly and what they would have done differently while on the job.

“I learned there are a lot of misconcep­tions,” Quandt said.

The goal of the book is to help people who are starting new jobs, either within their company or with a new company, she said. The book dispels myths that there are certain plans or specific criteria that need to be followed. Valpo College of Business Administra­tion Dean Thomas Boyt said it was a joy having Quandt on campus for the day.

“We have so many graduates like her who are successful and who love Valpo,” Boyt said. “What an amazing story.”

Learn more about Susan Quandt at www.susanquandt.com.