Name: Michelle Abel
Title: Director, Tax
Company: PwC US
Location: Boston, MA
Birthplace: LaCrosse, WI
Education: J.D. University of Wisconsin - Madison; B.A. Luther College
First job outside of real estate: Shop girl at a surf shop in Stone Harbor, NJ
First job in real estate or allied field: Working in the fixed assets practice at PwC while flipping residential real estate at night and on weekends.
What do you do now and what are you planning for the future? Currently working with clients who have significant investments in tangible fixed assets (e.g. office space, retail space, hotels, lab or manufacturing facilities), to ensure the maximum tax benefits from accelerated depreciation through cost segregation, fixed assets and repairs & maintenance analyses, and section 179D deductions for energy efficient property. These services provide my clients with increased cash flow and the documentation necessary to support their deductions under exam from the IRS or state taxing authorities. Plans for the future include growing the Northeast fixed assets practice at PwC.
How do you unwind from a busy day in real estate? A short run, a tall glass of wine, and on-line shopping without shame.
Favorite book or author: Biography of Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson - he really did change the world!
Favorite movie: E.T.
Last song you downloaded? Burn - Ellie Goulding
One word to describe your work environment: Energetic
Rules to live by in business: Take risks - to be someone you've never been, you must do something you've never done.
If you could invite one person to dinner (living or dead) who would it be and where would you go? Richard Branson - we would have sushi at O Ya!
What is your dream job? Architect