John Drew speaks with REFA Emerging Leaders

John Drew, president and founder of The Drew Company, hosted a luncheon for a group of REFA's Emerging Leaders on June 25th for the opportunity to meet and interact with one of Boston's most prominent real estate leaders. Drew spoke on a variety of topics, including development in the Seaport as well as his firm's most recent project - Waterside Place, which is set to be completed in 2014. The 350,000 s/f mixed-use project sits at the corner of Congress and D St. in the Innovation District, and will include 236 residential rental units, 10,000 s/f of retail, and 8,000 s/f of "innovation" space. According to Drew, the project addresses the needs of the rapidly transforming Seaport market. Before founding The Drew Company in 1982, Drew had served as the director of federal relations for the city of Boston. When asked about finally making the leap to go out and start his own business, Drew spoke of the reputation he had to build and the connections he needed to create and maintain. He also credited professional and personal mentors who pushed him to take a chance and go out on his own. Drew also answered questions about his optimistic outlook on development in Boston and offered his views on pertinent issues such as the upcoming mayoral election, infrastructure response to development in the Seaport, and the effects of rising interest rates on future development. Upcoming REFA Programs Pamela Herbst, managing director at AEW Capital Management LP will speak at REFA's Industry Leaders luncheon on July 16th, at Nixon Peabody LLP in Boston. Herbst has over 30 years of experience with AEW Capital Management LP and has held a variety of roles in asset management, portfolio management and acquisitions. As a managing director, she oversees the asset and portfolio management of approximately $14.8 billion of gross assets, in addition to serving as a member on the firm's management, investment and risk management committees. REFA's Industry Leaders Series was developed to give members of the real estate community the opportunity to hear from prominent figures in the industry and network with colleagues. REFA's annual Summer Reception will be held at Holland & Knight LLP on August 7th, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This annual event brings together members of the real estate finance community for an evening of casual networking over drinks and hors d'oeuvres in a relaxed setting. Early-bird pricing is available for members and non-members who register before July 12th. For more information about REFA's upcoming programs and events, please visit www.refa.org.