Susan Fogleman
Taking Business to Heart
story by MEGAN THIBAULT MORRIS photos by SUSAN DELOACH
Without a doubt, Susan Fogleman is a local businesswoman known for having a big heart and a friendly smile. She has a natural ability to lift others up and connect closely with them. She is always determined to engage with and learn about others to create opportunities and connections.
Just as much as she loves people, Susan loves Beaufort. Her father was stationed at Parris Island in the 1960s when her family first called it home. She fondly remembers her childhood in Beaufort, and grew up with parents who ran their businesses and worked in sales. Now in her career, she is following her parents’ footsteps with the lessons she learned through their hard work and determination to succeed.
After the Vietnam War, her father, Orren Bell, moved on from the military and became well-known for being one of the best salesmen in town. Her mother was an accomplished real estate agent, and her stepmother was too, though some may remember when Rita Bell ran “Rita’s Dress Shop” on Ribaut Road. It was where many ladies purchased the perfect attire for special occasions, weddings, and Water Festival dances. Spending time at the shop and modeling girls’ dresses in the local fashion shows are memories Susan cherishes.
Late in childhood and her college years, Susan was based in the Atlanta area, attending the University of West Georgia. As she built her family with two beautiful children, both Charlotte and Atlanta became home. With her girls blossoming into adults and her dad’s health declining, Susan decided to move back to Beaufort in 2017.
Susan is now the Director of Membership for the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce. She is steadfast in her focus on building the Chamber’s network and helping businesses of all sizes prosper in Beaufort. She especially loves helping people who are new to town make connections and get their businesses up and running.
“The best part of my job is getting to know people and bringing them together,” says Susan. “Often, that happens with a peer-to-peer connection at a networking event or over coffee. It is always my goal to shed light on local businesses and opportunities in the region.”
Another facet of her role is leading Beaufort’s finest, up-and-coming professionals in the Chamber’s Ambassador Program, a collegial group that supports members and events throughout the year. The Ambassadors advance the Chamber’s mission and help the message reach further. Susan is as proud of those who serve as Ambassadors as much as they admire her mentorship.
“Susan is responsible for keeping the Chamber’s membership healthy and growing,” says Chamber CEO Ian Scott. “It’s a big job, but her value to the organization is so much bigger. Susan really is the Beaufort Chamber’s heart. Business owners can feel how much she cares about their success and appreciate how hard she works to get them connected.”
When asked what she would like to see happen in Beaufort, Susan immediately replied, “For a more diverse economy that allows people with a variety of skills to find jobs that are higher paying, so they can support their families and love Beaufort too.”
Susan’s return to Beaufort led her to rekindle a friendship with Steven Fogleman, who had grown up “down the street” from the Bells. The two married in 2017, just before Susan started working for the Chamber. Then, they opened their own small business: Southern Coast Flowers in Port Royal. While Susan works full-time at the Chamber, it is not uncommon for her to help set up weekend weddings with gorgeous arrangements and make beautiful, floral deliveries on high-volume holidays. (Public Service Announcement: Mother’s Day is May 8!)
When she takes time away from her responsibilities at the Chamber and the flower shop, Susan loves to spend time with her book club, exercise at the YMCA, golf at the local courses, and bike ride down the Spanish Moss Trail. She also loves hosting her beloved daughters, mother, and other family members when they visit Beaufort.
Susan is proud to be a woman in business in Beaufort and loves to spend her time helping others. All the Chamber members, directors, and staff appreciate her hard work and her notable qualities: a sweet tooth, a kind heart, and a positive spirit.
