Trying to use Lists as a very basic CRM but having search issues

Hey All,

I have a small business I'm considering using Lists to track some very basic client info and build a client database that is accessible to all employees on the company SharePoint site (we use MS 365). Workflow would be something like:

• Client calls in
• Receptionist(s) answer
  • If new client, create an entry with first/last name, phone #, email address, their spouse's name (if any) and a Notes section to jot down notes from the call.
  • If current client, receptionist can use search to find client, make new notes, read previous notes, etc

That is basically it. I have this set up in Lists right now as a test with just two clients, each with a spouse. When I do a search for the person's name (Bill or Franklin), it returns a result. When I search for their spouses name (Susan), it returns nothing. I've run through the settings, reindexed the list, etc, and I just can't get a simple search to work.

Am I attempting to use this correctly? Both name columns are single line fields. TYIA for any input!