An Interview with Suzanne Fischer-Huettner
Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, Group Publisher for BridgeTower Media which includes THE DAILY RECORD MD, THE DAILY RECORD ROCHESTER NY and THE ROCHESTER BUSINESS JOURNAL, shares her story. From answering a job ad to becoming Publisher, Suzanne shares how she: forged her path, said “yes” to opportunities and DUG IN to her job. Suzanne provides advice for women who are just starting out in their careers and addresses the myth of work-life balance. Finally, Suzanne shares THE DAILY RECORD’S secret for staying relevant and nimble in a digital age.
Suzanne has been at the Daily Record for 22 years. THE DAILY RECORD started as (and still is) the go-to daily newspaper and leading source for business, legal and government news in Maryland. However, with Suzanne at the helm, the paper has become a digital powerhouse – bringing people together across various digital mediums and through numerous annual events which recognize leadership, achievement, innovation and contribution.
I answered a job ad
I graduated from Washington College in 1995 and then went to work for a personnel company doing recruitment. While I enjoyed the field, I didn’t love the company I was working for. I was ready to move on. So, I answered an ad in THE BALTIMORE SUN Paper. The Ad was for THE DAILY RECORD who was looking for someone to sell employment ads.
My Grandfather’s respect and admiration gave me the courage to try
After reading the ad, I immediately thought of my Grandfather who was a prominent Maryland attorney. He had an incredible respect for THE DAILY RECORD. He read it every day to stay updated and told me that “THE DAILY RECORD was the news source he trusted and came to rely on.” So, I picked up the phone and called about the job.
Sales, here I come
I got the job at THE DAILY RECORD and was successful in selling employment ads. They were so pleased with my work that I was given the opportunity to build a Classified Department.
Associate Publisher – I said “Yes” before I knew what I was doing
In 2000, I was promoted to Associate Publisher. While I was very excited, this position was way above my skill level at the time. I worked with such an amazing team and was mentored and fitted to my new role daily.
While I had doubts in this new position (that I knew very little about), my boss (who became my mentor) told me “Suzanne, give it a year. Then we will reevaluate this position if it isn’t right for you.” I guess THE DAILY RECORD saw something in me that I was yet to see in myself… So, I did the only thing that I could do, I DUG IN. I worked hard, and I put in the long hours to learn every aspect of my new role. I was and I am still willing to take the time to learn. I raised my hand for projects.
Promoted to Associate Publisher
Over the next 10 years as Associated Publisher, I oversaw the entire revenue side of the business and built out the events side of Daily Record. Surrounded by an incredible team, THE DAILY RECORD launched 8 new events to recognize and award individuals who are paving the way for others. These events also serve as excellent networking opportunities. Some of the events include: Leadership in Law, Heath Care Hero’s, Innovator of The Year, Most Admired CEOs and Influential Marylanders. We also redesigned and relaunched our website multiple times to engage all ages of our readers by delivering accurate, timely and essential business and legal news using whatever medium readers want to engage with us. The Daily Record – staying relevant and nimble in a digital age.
2010 Promoted to Publisher
In 2010, I was promoted to Publisher for the Daily Record. In 2017, I was promoted again to Group Publisher for THE DAILY RECORD’S parent company BridgeTower Media adding two titles in Western New York to my responsibilities – THE DAILY RECORD NEW YORK and THE ROCHESTER BUSINESS JOURNAL.
Defining Moment in my career
This was definitely a defining moment in my career. I finally reached the place in my career that I worked so hard for. I reflected and thought about all the mentors and sponsors I had along my journey. These men and women helped me reach the point of Publisher. It was then, that I truly realized the power all those men and women had in helping to shape my life and impacting me so deeply.
TOP 100 WOMEN
My second day at THE DAILY RECORD was the second Top 100 women event. Imagine being only 23 years-old, and being surrounded by the most influential women in the state of Maryland. The evening was 
inspirational. I knew then that I had a rare opportunity to learn from these high achievers. I did not understand until years later how hard they worked to break the glass ceiling and pave the way for my generation to achieve any goal they set before them.
Over the past 23 years that passion I felt that evening has stuck with me and helped my team and I launch Leading Women (honoring women 40 years old and younger), Path to Excellence (a 6 time a year Women in Business Magazine) and networking series, the annual Women’s Leadership Summit and just this past week Women of Excellence in Rochester NY which carries on the tradition of Top 100 Women in a new market. Our first event hosted 650 professionals to honor 40 outstanding women.
I have a personal passion for helping other women. It is our responsibility as women and influential professionals to mentor the next generation of leaders.
Join me on April 23 to celebrate this year Top 100 women. This is the 23rd anniversary for this inspirational event. (purchase your tickets for our April 23, 2018 event.)
All of these events provide amazing networking opportunities. I believe that networking is critical to a woman’s success and we want to do our part in providing a friendly and inviting atmosphere to connect.
The first thing I did as Publisher
We are only as strong as the people we surround ourselves with. Shortly after being promoted to Publisher, I began to create a team of leaders who bring different strengths to the organization so we would be equipped to navigate THE DAILY RECORD through turbulent times in the media industry. I believe that you should surround yourself with those who know more than you do
Our Secret to staying young and nimble in a digital age
THE DAILY RECORD has to be nimble and willing to change. It is crucial to our success. Our secret at THE DAILY RECORD is that we try to determine what is important to our readers and provide unique content that is essential to the business and legal industries. To do that, we moved to a digital first model breaking news as it happens through various platforms.
The goal is to take every piece of content created and figure out how to reach millennials, baby boomers and everyone in between.
How in the world do you do it all?
That is what everyone asks me! My husband is a Hopkins Researcher, so he too has a very demanding job. However, he is incredibly supporter of my career. So, at home we are equal partners. Everything is 50/50 from cooking to cleaning, etc. We both pitch in. We have a 15-year-old daughter who is strong willed and motivated to reach her dreams. She has watched our family work towards shared goals and clearly knows women can have a career and a family. She has been surrounded by successful women since she attended her first Top 100 Women event at only five-years old.
I have a true professional commitment to excellence, so I do what it takes to make sure THE DAILY RECORD is always at its best, but my weekends are for my family. And, if there is an event at school for my daughter, I work out my schedule to make sure I can be there.
In your spare time?
I am passionate about community service surrounding educational advancement and opportunities to grow our youth.
I have a strong commitment to community service and carve out time to volunteer. I am a currently Co-Chair of the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) Leadership Program, an Advisory Board Member of the Downtown Partnership, Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore, Maryvale Preparatory School, St. James Academy and Chair of the Washington College awards committee through my alumni board role.
Give Back – but not only with your checkbook
I believe very strongly that everyone should give back. It doesn’t matter how big or small, but just do something. And, I don’t mean writing a check. Giving back not only makes you feel good but it sets the tone for others around you and encourages them to give back.
Mock Interviews for Senior Students
For example, I recently went to my daughter’s school to hold mock interviews for a small group of Senior students. The mock interviews were to prepare them for the interviews they will face upon entering a college. While it was a lot of fun, I must say that these young ladies were so impressive. They were far more prepared and intellectually worldly and engaged than I was at 17. Most of the young ladies who I interviewed planned on majoring in math and science in college. And, what I loved the most about the young ladies who I interviewed was that they were so aware of their capabilities and individual worth. I was just so proud to watch them and interact with them. I know they are going to have a great impact on the world in a few years.
Advice to someone just starting in their career
Be true to your values and goals. Don’t bend on the things that are important to you. For me, the hours I worked really didn’t matter, but the milestones did. I didn’t want to miss an event at my daughter’s school or a special moment for my husband or a family member. Find a company that sees you, your ability and potential and also believes in you. Above all, you must be passionate about what you are doing. If you aren’t, consider making a change.
Work-life balance is a myth
Everyone is seeking work-life balance. It is a myth. I do not believe that work-life balance exists. I wish that someone would have told me not to chase this idea of balance. It is daily life balance. Our priorities change every day and we must decide what is most important to us that day and where we need to focus our time and energy that day. When you see a problem at work, or you feel in your gut that you should be more engaged at home – just fix it. Dial back in to your family. Spend a few late nights to fix the work problem. The work-life balance that we seek is not a simple straight line.
Traveling and Roller Coasters
I love to travel and try to take one big trip a year. I am a huge beach person and love a good winery. Going to amusement parks is also top of my fun list. I absolutely love roller coasters! They are my stress relief. I am not good at down time and sitting on the couch. Watching TV is almost impossible for me to do. So, it is better if I am out of my zone so I can unplug and recharge.
Click here to learn more about THE DAILY RECORD and the upcoming events in Maryland. Don’t forget to sign up for new posts and interviews from The Female Force.
Thanks for reading. Hugs & Handshakes, Lauren Rebbel
