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For more than 25 years, Susie Busch-Transou and her husband, Tripp, have been serving and cultivating community in Tallahassee, Florida, through their joint business ventures.
Tri-Eagle Sales, a leading beverage wholesaler in the North Florida region, was founded by the couple in 1996 – and what started as a small distribution endeavor grew to be one of the largest wholesale distributors in the region.
“Tri-Eagle Sales has grown from an original team of 64 employees to now with more than 200 employees,” said Tripp. “We cover more than 10,000 square miles of distribution and service over 2,000 retail customers across a 14-county territory from our two facilities in Tallahassee and Ocala.”
Tripp and Susie Transou have been serving the Tallahassee community through their business ventures for over 25 years.
The success and growth Tripp and Susie experienced with their first business laid the groundwork for a new concept in retail.
Susie’s entrepreneurial spirit was stoked when she was inspired at a milestone birthday gathering of old and new friends to reflect on unmet needs in her world and what feeds her soul. Shortly thereafter, Hearth & Soul was born in 2015.
“Hearth & Soul is more than just a store, it’s an experience, a gathering place and a place of community,” said Susie. “I look forward every day to interacting with our ‘friends,’ bringing them joy by helping them find the perfect piece for their home, or supporting a local organization or artisan in town. Hearth & Soul is my dream come true.”
The floor plan is carefully designed to feature each room of the home, including the Women’s & Men's Closets, Family Room, Dining Room, Kitchen & Bar, Pet Corner, Library, Bed & Bathroom, Patio and more.
Upon entering Hearth & Soul, you can count on a friendly greeting and warm welcome from Susie or one of her team members. Whether you’re there to shop, meet and talk with friends, or join a community class or workshop, you’re bound to feel at home.
“The dream has always been to have eight strategically located stores with Tallahassee as our flagship store,” shared Susie. “Thanks to our sustained growth here in the market, we’ve begun the initial phase of our expansion.”
Three years after opening their doors in Tallahassee, Susie cut the ribbon on a brand-new location in Austin, Texas, with a third planned to open in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2022.
With businesses to manage spanning two states, the Transou family had only one bank in mind to be both their partner and trusted financial expert in their entrepreneurial journey.
“It’s extremely unique to find a bank that has the financial security and balance sheet of a company like Hancock Whitney, that puts the customer first,” said Tripp. “The team at Hancock Whitney truly does everything they can to not just meet but exceed our expectations every day."
In a time of personal and professional growth – and with the uncertainty many have faced during a global pandemic – Tripp and Susie have looked to Hancock Whitney to guide them through what comes next as a family and as business owners.
“As a small business owner, it’s important to be ready to pivot and stay nimble,” shared Susie. “So, having a banking partner that is right there with you and always 10 steps ahead is critical. Hancock Whitney is more than just our bank; they feel like family, and we’re so excited for the work we’ll continue to do together.”
The future of Hearth & Soul and Tri-Eagle Sales has never been brighter, and Hancock Whitney is proud to be part of the journey serving Tallahassee and beyond.
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