Meet Our Agents
Having been born and raised in Piedmont, South Dakota by two self-employed parents, Suzette learned early on what it takes to run a business and how to establish good customer relationships. At age 14, Suzette began as a sales associate for her parent’s store, Alex Johnson Mercantile. Upon high school graduation, Suzette attended and received her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing, in 2002 from the University of Montana-Missoula.
After graduating from the University of Montana-Missoula, Suzette pursued a career in the financial industry in Minneapolis, MN; however, she moved back the beautiful Black Hills to raise her children. Once back in the Black Hills, Suzette promoted Rapid City as a tourist destination and, as a result, has many exciting “factoids” about the area that she loves sharing with new property owners! Suzette was then given the opportunity to work for Destination Rapid City, the downtown economic corporation that brought the Rapid City Community Main Street Square. This job was the catalyst for Suzette’s real estate career. In 2017, Suzette obtained her real estate license and found her passion in helping people buy and sell their properties.
In 2017, Suzette was top producer for 5 months, and was featured on HGTV's House Hunters. Suzette obtained the top number of closings in 2018, and was the Top Producing agent in January, March, May, October, November and December. 2019 and 2020 were record breaking years as Suzette was the Top Producing Agent, as well as the 2019 and 2020 Top Volume Agent at her previous agency. In 2021, Suzette was the Top Producing Agent for 3 months and Top Volume Agent for 1 month. In 2022, Suzette, along with her business partner, Ariel Rudland, started West River Realty, where she has continued to serve her amazing clients and looks forward to serving you.
Having been born and raised in Piedmont, South Dakota by two self-employed parents, Suzette learned early on what it takes to run a business and how to establish good customer relationships. At age 14, Suzette began as a sales associate for her parent’s store, Alex Johnson Mercantile. Upon high school graduation, Suzette attended and received her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing, in 2002 from the University of Montana-Missoula.
After graduating from the University of Montana-Missoula, Suzette pursued a career in the financial industry in Minneapolis, MN; however, she moved back the beautiful Black Hills to raise her children. Once back in the Black Hills, Suzette promoted Rapid City as a tourist destination and, as a result, has many exciting “factoids” about the area that she loves sharing with new property owners! Suzette was then given the opportunity to work for Destination Rapid City, the downtown economic corporation that brought the Rapid City Community Main Street Square. This job was the catalyst for Suzette’s real estate career. In 2017, Suzette obtained her real estate license and found her passion in helping people buy and sell their properties.
In 2017, Suzette was top producer for 5 months, and was featured on HGTV's House Hunters. Suzette obtained the top number of closings in 2018, and was the Top Producing agent in January, March, May, October, November and December. 2019 and 2020 were record breaking years as Suzette was the Top Producing Agent, as well as the 2019 and 2020 Top Volume Agent at her previous agency. In 2021, Suzette was the Top Producing Agent for 3 months and Top Volume Agent for 1 month. In 2022, Suzette, along with her business partner, Ariel Rudland, started West River Realty, where she has continued to serve her amazing clients and looks forward to serving you.
1997 to begin a career in the Air Force. During his time in uniform, he was stationed around the world
and deployed numerous times in support of the war on terror. In 2019, he received orders to Ellsworth
Air Force Base, South Dakota which would prove to be his last tour of duty.
Over the years, Richard earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from University of
Maryland and a Master’s Degree in Leadership from Central Michigan University. Additionally, he
served a 4-year tour as a recruiter in Chico, California where he excelled in a high-pressure sales
environment. Richard was recognized as the top producer in his organization for 3 out the 4 years.
While stationed at Ellsworth, Richard and his wife Nelli fell in love with the Black Hills and decided to
stay after his retirement in December 2021. The area offered them an abundance of outdoor activities
and a safe environment to raise their 10-year old son Richard.
As a career military man, Richard understands first-hand the stressors on both the member and their
families as they are transferred to a new location. He speaks the military language and wants to
continuing serving in real estate to help ease the transition for those who sacrifice and serve our
country.
1997 to begin a career in the Air Force. During his time in uniform, he was stationed around the world
and deployed numerous times in support of the war on terror. In 2019, he received orders to Ellsworth
Air Force Base, South Dakota which would prove to be his last tour of duty.
Over the years, Richard earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from University of
Maryland and a Master’s Degree in Leadership from Central Michigan University. Additionally, he
served a 4-year tour as a recruiter in Chico, California where he excelled in a high-pressure sales
environment. Richard was recognized as the top producer in his organization for 3 out the 4 years.
While stationed at Ellsworth, Richard and his wife Nelli fell in love with the Black Hills and decided to
stay after his retirement in December 2021. The area offered them an abundance of outdoor activities
and a safe environment to raise their 10-year old son Richard.
As a career military man, Richard understands first-hand the stressors on both the member and their
families as they are transferred to a new location. He speaks the military language and wants to
continuing serving in real estate to help ease the transition for those who sacrifice and serve our
country.
Fueled by a tremendous amount of coffee and wearing flannel like it's a lumberjack cosplay contest, my focus isn't on wearing the nicest suit, but on getting you the best deal possible, whether you're buying or selling.
I've been in the Black Hills since I could barely reach the plate cupboard and I spend my time connecting with local businesses and building relationships with the people that actually live and work here.
When I'm not selling houses, you'll find me buying and rehabbing homes, tinkering on a car or making indie films with friends.
I don't like tooting my own horn, so I'll let others do it for me:
"I made more money by choosing Ryan" - Seller Client
"He made the whole process so easy" - First Time Homebuyer Client
"He made the whole process a breeze and helped us navigate the competitive market" - Seller Client
Fueled by a tremendous amount of coffee and wearing flannel like it's a lumberjack cosplay contest, my focus isn't on wearing the nicest suit, but on getting you the best deal possible, whether you're buying or selling.
I've been in the Black Hills since I could barely reach the plate cupboard and I spend my time connecting with local businesses and building relationships with the people that actually live and work here.
When I'm not selling houses, you'll find me buying and rehabbing homes, tinkering on a car or making indie films with friends.
I don't like tooting my own horn, so I'll let others do it for me:
"I made more money by choosing Ryan" - Seller Client
"He made the whole process so easy" - First Time Homebuyer Client
"He made the whole process a breeze and helped us navigate the competitive market" - Seller Client