Susan M. Bender: A Legacy of Heart and Leadership
Susan M. Bender’s legacy at Linc Energy Systems is one of visionary leadership and heart-centered business practices. From her innovative approach in a male-dominated industry to her unwavering commitment to customer service and community engagement, Susan’s impact drives the company’s success and shapes its future.
Life and Career
Susan M. Bender (1953-2023)
Susan M. Bender’s journey began before founding Linc Energy Systems. Driven by her passion for people, she earned a BS in Education from Kean University (1975) and a Master in Transportation Management from SUNY Maritime College (1980).
Having a desire to follow her father’s path, Susan’s early career included roles at Anschutz Petroleum, C.J. Nolte Company, and Control Engineering (known as Control Equipment Sales today), where she discovered her natural, albeit unconventional, sales ability. She prioritized relationship-building over closing deals.
Recognizing Susan’s potential, Mercury Instruments offered her a sales contract. She boldly relocated to Denver and founded Linc Energy in 1990. Her vision was clear: become the premier source of products and services in the natural gas industry, helping customers excel by providing the best solutions available.
Susan was also a founding partner and leader of GPL Odorizers, which provides emissions-free odorization, a more environmentally friendly solution to keep people safe, and became a central strategic partner of Linc Energy Systems.
Under Susan’s guidance, Linc Energy forged strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Honeywell and received numerous accolades.
A pioneer in a traditionally male-dominated field, she stood out by embracing compassion and community involvement. Her innovative approach earned the company an Eclipse Award for Outstanding Company Culture.
Susan’s heart-centered leadership built a successful business and a close-knit corporate family of relatives and non-family employees.
Her legacy of excellence and empathy continues to shape Linc Energy Systems, providing a solid foundation for future growth.
Beyond her professional achievements, Susan was known for her philanthropic efforts, exemplifying her commitment to community service.
Founding Linc Energy Systems
In 1989, Susan Bender’s mentor Dick Hannan of Mercury Instruments, approached her to become a manufacturers’ representative for his company in the Denver and Rocky Mountain states. From Hannan, Bender adopted her initial sales philosophy: “The customer is always king (or queen),” which became foundational to her company’s core values.
Susan’s vision was clear: to become the premier source of products and services in the natural gas industry. Her mission was to help customers excel by providing them with the best solutions. She avoided self-naming the company and drew inspiration from her beloved shih tzu, Abraham Lincoln, who often accompanied her on customer visits across her expansive territory. Thus, Linc Energy Systems was born on January 1, 1990.
As a pioneer in a male-dominated industry, Susan faced numerous challenges, both typical business trials and more personal obstacles. However, her greatest challenge was a 20-year battle with cancer. Despite this, Susan maintained a philosophy of love and understanding, inspired by Mother Teresa’s words: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” This approach became Susan’s guiding principle in her personal life and business operations, a testament to her resilience and strength.
Key Achievements:
Susan M. Bender’s leadership and innovation were widely recognized throughout her career:
- Industry Impact: Awarded “Top Woman in Energy” by Denver Business Journal (2015, 2016)
- Business Excellence: Earned “Outstanding Woman in Business” by Denver Business Journal (2016), “Top 100 Woman-Owned Companies” by ColoradoBiz Magazine (2021)
- Innovation Leadership: Named “Titan 100 Award Winner” (2022)
- Lifetime Achievement: Inducted into the NWBOC Hall of Fame (2015)
- Diversity Distinction: PSCCo Minority (WBE) Business of the Year Award (1992)
Susan has been honored with more than 20 awards for business excellence, personal achievement, and industry contributions throughout her career. Her accolades range from local business recognitions to national industry honors, reflecting her far-reaching impact in the energy sector.
Vision and Values
Susan M. Bender founded Linc Energy Systems with a clear vision: to become the premier source of products and services in the natural gas industry while maintaining a commitment to excellence, integrity, and community.
Core Principles:
- Customer-Centric Approach: Susan believed in putting customers first, always striving to provide the best solutions to help them excel.
- Integrity in Business: She emphasized the importance of honesty and ethical practices in all business dealings.
- Innovation and Adaptability: Susan encouraged continuous learning and embracing new technologies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
- Compassionate Leadership: She fostered a corporate culture that valued empathy, inclusivity, and personal growth. These principles shaped Linc Energy Systems into more than just a business—it became a close-knit corporate family united by shared values and a common purpose.
Long-Term Vision:
Susan envisioned Linc Energy Systems as a leader in the natural gas industry, excelling in measurement, control, and odorization as a catalyst for positive change. She aspired to drive technological advancements to make energy solutions more efficient, sustainable, eco-friendly, and accessible. Her commitment to corporate responsibility was unwavering, inspiring others to prioritize both profit and social good. The vision and values Susan instilled continue to guide Linc Energy Systems today, ensuring that her legacy of excellence, innovation, and compassion remains at the heart of our operations and future growth.
True success is not measured by wealth, title, or the initials after your name. It’s about the hearts you touch while you’re here.” – Susan M. Bender
Lasting Impact
Susan M. Bender’s influence extends beyond her years at the helm of Linc Energy Systems. Her visionary leadership and core values continue to shape our company, industry, and community.
Company Culture: Susan’s heart-centered leadership style remains at the core of our corporate culture. Her emphasis on compassion, integrity, and personal growth continues to guide our interactions with clients and colleagues.
The close-knit “corporate family” she nurtured thrives, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual support where everyone feels a sense of belonging and unity.
Business Practices: Susan’s customer-first philosophy remains our guiding principle. The relationships she built and the trust she earned continue to be the foundation of our business approach, providing a sense of continuity and reliability. Her innovative spirit lives on in our commitment to staying at the forefront, offering technological advancements in natural gas measurement, control, and odorization.
Industry Influence: Susan’s success as a pioneer in a traditionally male-dominated field has paved the way for greater diversity in the energy sector. Her advocacy for ethical business practices and community involvement has set a standard that influences industry norms.
Innovation and Growth: As a founding partner and leader of GPL Odorizers, a strategic partner of Linc Energy Systems, she changed the business landscape and accelerated growth. Her spirit of fearless innovation remains at the heart of both companies’ future.
Susan’s legacy is not just a part of our history—it’s the driving force behind our present and the inspiration for our future. As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to the values and vision she instilled, ensuring that her impact will be felt for generations to come.
Remembrances
Coming soon.
Continuing Influence
While there are no formal initiatives named after Susan, her influence permeates every aspect of Linc Energy Systems:
- Leadership Development: Susan hand-picked her management team, which nurtures the employees to embody Susan’s values of integrity, innovation, and compassion.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Susan’s philosophy of putting customers first remains at the core of our business strategy.
- Industry Advancement: We actively participate in industry forums and collaborations, carrying forward Susan’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the natural gas sector.
- Community Engagement: Following Susan’s example, we maintain strong ties with our local community through outreach and support programs such as Project Angel Heart.
