We had the good fortune of connecting with Susan Mack and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After graduating from Arizona State University, I spent most of my career working for large corporations. In the beginning, I appreciated the structure, the extensive training opportunities, and the camaraderie with colleagues. But over time, things began to shift. Budget cuts, layoffs, and the inevitable corporate politics made it harder to feel truly valued. The environment that once felt stable and supportive became more uncertain and impersonal.

I had experimented with small business ventures in the past, but they were more like hobbies than serious endeavors. Then the pandemic hit—and like it did for so many people, it changed everything for me.

At the same time, my parents were getting older and needed more day-to-day support. I became the natural choice to step in and help, so I moved in with them. That experience inspired me to take a leap and finally start something of my own—something flexible and meaningful. I chose to become a Notary Public so I could both support my parents and build a business that served my community.

I completed the necessary training and received my credentials from the State of Arizona. Starting a business during the pandemic was challenging, but the need for notary services didn’t go away—people were still buying homes, creating healthcare directives, wills, and other essential documents. My goal was to help make those important life moments feel a little less stressful, and maybe even bring a bit of ease and connection during uncertain times.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Sign with Susan was born out of necessity, love, and a desire to serve. When I started the business, it was during a tough time—right in the middle of the pandemic, while also stepping into a new role as a caregiver for my aging parents. I needed flexibility, purpose, and a way to support myself that still allowed me to be present for them. That’s how I landed on becoming a mobile notary.

What sets Sign with Susan apart is the personal touch I bring to each appointment. To me, this isn’t just about signing documents—it’s about being there for people during big, and sometimes emotional, moments in their lives. Whether someone is buying their first home, finalizing end-of-life documents, or helping a loved one handle legal matters, I show up with care, patience, and professionalism. I want people to feel comfortable, understood, and respected.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. Starting a business in a pandemic, with no real blueprint, was intimidating. There were slow months, tech frustrations, and times when I questioned if it would work. But I stayed committed. I kept learning, networking, and showing up—even when things felt uncertain. That persistence paid off.

I’m proud that I built Sign with Susan from the ground up. Today, it’s not just a business—it’s a trusted service that people rely on. I’m especially excited about the relationships I’ve built with clients and other professionals in the community. I never take it for granted that I get to do meaningful work on my own terms.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t need to have everything figured out to start—you just need to be willing to take the first step and learn as you go. I also learned the power of consistency and treating every client interaction with care, no matter how big or small the job is.

What I want people to know about Sign with Susan is that it’s rooted in integrity, compassion, and a deep desire to serve. I show up for my clients the same way I would for my family—because, at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Welcome to Gilbert!
We’d kick things off with brunch at The Coffee Shop at Agritopia—super cute spot with delicious coffee and homemade cupcakes (yes, cupcakes for brunch are a thing on vacation!). After that, a stroll through Agritopia Farm and the artisan shops nearby sets the vibe for the week: relaxed, local, and unique. Dinner would be at Liberty Market—cozy, historic, and absolutely delicious.

Day 2: Downtown & Desert Vibes
We’d explore Downtown Gilbert, starting with breakfast at Joe’s Real BBQ (yes, they do breakfast now and it’s SO good!). We’d check out the boutiques, maybe grab an iced tea at Peixoto Coffee, and take some cute photos around the water tower. In the evening, we’d catch the sunset at Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch—it’s peaceful, scenic, and a bit of a hidden gem.

Day 3: Art, Culture & Cocktails
We’d head to Mesa Arts Center (just a short drive away) for a show or gallery visit, then back to Gilbert for dinner at Postino East—charcuterie boards, bruschetta flights, and amazing wine. If we’re in the mood after dinner, we’d stop by The White Rabbit, Gilbert’s speakeasy. It’s got that 1920s glam vibe and always feels like a secret night out.

Day 4: Day Trip Adventure
We’d do a little road trip to Superstition Mountains for a short hike or a scenic drive along the Apache Trail. Maybe even a visit to Goldfield Ghost Town for a fun Old West experience. On the way back, we’d stop in for tacos at Barrio Queen—because tacos are always a good idea.

Day 5: Spa + Shop + Chill
Time to relax! We’d start with a spa day at Alvea Spa in Queen Creek (just next door), followed by shopping at SanTan Village—great mix of big brands and boutique finds. We’d keep dinner low-key with burgers and beers at Culinary Dropout—great food, live music, and good vibes.

Day 6: Farmers Market & Foodie Fun
We’d hit the Gilbert Farmers Market early—lots of local produce, handmade goods, and food trucks. Lunch would be something casual and amazing, like Joe’s Farm Grill, with all those fresh ingredients from Agritopia. For dinner, we’d go big: The Keg or High Tide for seafood lovers. It’s our second-to-last night—we’re treating ourselves!

Day 7: Sunday Funday
We’d wrap up the week with brunch at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (can’t leave Gilbert without trying their pineapple upside-down pancakes). Then maybe a final walk around the Veterans Oasis Park, just to soak in that desert sunshine one last time. We’d probably end the trip with takeout from our favorite spot earlier in the week, a glass of wine, and a sunset from the backyard—Arizona skies never disappoint.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Starting a new business can feel overwhelming, but having the right support can make all the difference. As I entered the notary world, I was fortunate to cross paths with two incredible mentors: Ronnie Mickle and Beth Hathoot from Notary Stars.

Their dedication to excellence is unmatched. From day one, they’ve gone out of their way to provide guidance, share their knowledge, and offer genuine encouragement. No matter how simple—or how “silly” I thought my questions were—they always responded with patience, clarity, and a true desire to help.

What sets Ronnie and Beth apart is not just their expertise, but their heart for helping others succeed. They’ve made a lasting impact on my professional journey, and I’m deeply grateful for their mentorship. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.

Website: https://www.notarysignwithsusan.com

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/sign-with-susan

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.