Susan Stackhouse is recognized as one of the industry’s most respected airport retailers, with more than 35 years of experience.

Susan graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia and spent the next five years at retail clothing chains in Florida, progressively working her way up from Assistant Buyer to General Merchandise Manager. In 1980 she joined Bonanni Exports, a group of companies operating duty free stores and ship chandleries, and quickly advanced to become the Executive Vice President. During that time she honed her airport retail acumen, and she also recognized the company’s potential in the airport retail industry.

After her boss announced his retirement and intention to sell the company in 1986, Susan secured financing with a partner, and Stellar Partners, Inc. was born. A few years later, this irrepressible businesswoman bought out her financial partner and Stellar became 100% woman-owned. Susan expanded her business to include News & Gifts Shops and Duty Free Stores, as well as developing an exceptional specialty retail program. The company developed its own children’s toy and gift concept called Mindworks, and recently became the licensed operator of Ron Jon Surf Shop® stores in airports.

Stellar Partners has received numerous awards of excellence, and Susan has garnered many professional accolades, including:

* The only woman ever elected to the Board of Directors of a publicly held duty free company
* Officer and member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Duty Airport Duty Free Stores (IAADFS)

Throughout the years, Susan has remained true to her vision for Stellar Partners – to build a company that is responsive to the needs of her stakeholders, that is fiscally conservative and detail-oriented, and that is proactive towards helping women build their careers.

Our name has come to exemplify the company's success. Susan and her team are, indeed, Stellar performers.