2020 Year in Review: Sheryl Guglielmo, DiPrete Engineering

What was the most difficult part of working during the pandemic of 2020? The most difficult part about working from home was during the shut-down. Trying to work from home with a four-year-old and an infant can really test your patience although it did make my kid-free work sessions extremely efficient. 

What aspects of working from home have you enjoyed most? The best part of working from home has been the way in which we have all embraced technology. Using Microsoft Teams or Zoom allows for immediate access to any file you need in an instant. It is easy to share plans, a google map, or whatever document is being discussed and has made meetings much more efficient. Meetings are typically more concise and eliminating travel time opens capacity in your day. It is also great to see colleague’s work environments whether it’s their office or home workspace. Interruptions from kids, cats, dogs, doorbells, and significant others have a way of lightening the mood. 

What was your greatest professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2020? My greatest professional accomplishment in 2020 was transitioning from maternity leave back to work during the pandemic. It was quite the ride and I didn’t skip a beat. 

What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2021? I am seeing an uptick in the construction of distribution and warehouse facilities. Online shopping and delivery are such a big part of today’s economy and with the shift to home delivery, these local last-mile facilities are becoming popular. 

What is the best advice you have received, and who was it from? If you do not go after what you want, you will never have it. If you do not ask, the answer is always no. If you do not step forward, you are always in the same place.