Susan’s Interview with Maggie Sitar
Breast Cancer Survivor Interview: Susan's Story
Lakes Transportation was recently invited to sit down with Maggie Sitar for an episode of Wise Woman INNERview. We could not be more grateful for the opportunity. Our founder, Susan Koehler Gross, shared her breast cancer survivor story on camera, opening up about surviving breast cancer twice and how that experience shaped the company we are today.
It was an honor to be asked to take part in this conversation. Below, we walk through what was discussed, share a few of the questions Maggie asked, then invite you to watch the full breast cancer survivor interview for yourself.
We Were Invited to Sit Down with Maggie Sitar
When Maggie Sitar reached out about featuring Susan on Wise Woman INNERview, our whole team was thrilled. The show highlights women who have turned personal hardship into purpose, and Susan's journey fit that theme perfectly. Naturally, we said yes right away.
Being invited to share our story felt like a meaningful milestone for Lakes Transportation. After all, the company exists because of Susan's own experience with cancer treatment. Therefore, having the chance to talk about that openly, on camera, with someone as thoughtful as Maggie, meant a great deal to all of us.
A Two-Time Breast Cancer Survivor Story
During treatment, Susan noticed something many patients quietly struggle with: getting to and from appointments. Transportation added stress to an already overwhelming medical journey. Because of that firsthand experience, she understood a gap that most healthy people never even consider, and she later built Lakes Transportation to serve everyone in the community, not only those going through cancer treatment.
Rather than simply moving on after recovery, Susan decided to act. She transformed her own cancer survivor story into a mission to help others facing similar challenges. That decision eventually led to Lakes Transportation.
Questions and Answers from the Interview
Throughout the conversation, Maggie asked several questions that helped unpack Susan's journey. Here are a few highlights from the interview.
Maggie Sitar asked Susan a series of thoughtful questions during the youtube interview. Here are the real questions and answers from that conversation.
What key lesson about life and business success do you wish more women knew?
Susan said the common denominator across every chapter of her life has been doing something she loves, paired with giving back. As a consultant, that meant delivering real solutions to clients. As an executive assistant supporting C-suite leaders, it meant helping them get things done. Outside of work, she volunteered constantly, whether through company-led missions or as a room mom, team mom, and booster mom for her sons. However, once both boys left for college, that sense of purpose came to an abrupt stop.
After moving back to Michigan, she began looking for something rewarding to fill that gap, so she started volunteering for various organizations. Not long after, she received her cancer diagnosis, following the loss of her mother and one of her dogs to cancer that same year. As she put it, hard things tend to come in threes, and 2020, the same year COVID arrived, was not her year.
What daily habits have been key to your personal growth?
Susan admitted she has become tied to her phone, managing social media marketing, email, and calendar scheduling for both drivers and clients. Still, she and her team are exploring apps to simplify that workload. Her independent contractor drivers share her vision and genuinely want to help grow the business, and having a team of like-minded people around her makes a meaningful difference.
If you could give one piece of advice to women stepping into their power, what would it be?
Susan's answer was simple: keep going. As long as what you are doing makes you happy and makes other people happy, that is a win, so go for it.
These answers show how Susan's cancer survivor story became the foundation for turning adversity into impact at Lakes Transportation.
Turning Adversity into a Mission-Driven Company
Lakes Transportation offers reliable rides, but the company's purpose runs deeper than logistics. Susan built the business specifically to support people navigating cancer treatment and other medical needs. As a result, every ride carries a bit of her own story with it.
Giving Back with Every Ride
A portion of every fare supports local cancer organizations. Consequently, customers who book a ride are also contributing to a larger cause without any extra effort. Susan's long-term vision includes building a full charitable foundation and training a team of compassionate drivers dedicated to serving those who need it most.
Thank You, Maggie Sitar, for Having Us
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Maggie Sitar and the entire Wise Woman INNERview team for having us as part of this conversation. Maggie created a warm, honest space for Susan to share a deeply personal story, and that generosity did not go unnoticed.
Being featured alongside other inspiring women on the show is something our whole team is proud of. We are grateful for the platform, the thoughtful questions, and the chance to introduce Lakes Transportation's mission to a new audience.
Watch the Full Interview Today
If you have ever wondered what it looks like to turn adversity into impact, this breast cancer survivor interview is for you. Susan's journey, from surviving cancer twice to building a company that gives back with every ride, shows what is possible when purpose meets action.
Watch the full Wise Woman INNERview episode featuring Susan Koehler Gross to hear her story in her own words. You can also learn more about the mission behind Lakes Transportation and how a portion of every ride supports local cancer organizations.
Changing lives one ride at a time starts with a single story. Watch the interview, share it with someone who needs it, and see for yourself what turning adversity into impact really looks like.