What was your greatest professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2021?At a time when we’ve all witnessed so many companies fade off into the sunset, I have been able to maintain my incredibly talented staff, complete a $2.5 million deal
What is the best advice you have received, and who was it from? The best advice I received this year is to be proud of both my careers. Instead of thinking of them as completely separate, I treat them as complimentary to each other. Hospitality is about caring for others, and that same care exists in real estate.
How has your working environment changed over the last year? Like most everyone, we’ve had to become adaptable at switching back and forth between in-person events and virtual. We held our first in-person event in 15 months in June, and during that gathering I was reminded that nothing really replaces the feel of an in-person event.
What was the biggest lesson you learned while working during the pandemic? Throughout the pandemic we continually assessed issues related to project delivery and efficiency in business operations. However, one of the positives that was highlighted by the pandemic was that our greatest strength as a firm is our diversification of work.
What was your greatest professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2021? My most notable project for 2021 was the start of construction at Hancock Village. In 1946, 800 townhouse units were built at Hancock Village
What was the biggest lesson you learned while working during the pandemic? The pandemic has brought many challenges to our work environment over the past two years. The two most important things in my mind, as a manager, and as a company you need to be flexible and prepared.
What was the biggest lesson you learned while working during the pandemic? Don’t over schedule! Also, find what time of day you work most efficiently, and schedule tasks requiring the greatest focus during that time frame.
What are your predictions for your industry in 2022? The market will continue to strengthen. It continues to be a seller’s market. And this is perhaps more of a hope than a prediction, but I am looking to see the industry adopt standards that will lead to better outcomes for consumers when it comes to buying, selling and renting properties.
What is the best advice you have received, and who was it from? Manage your business don’t let it manage you. Great advice from my father who owned our family CPA firm, Livingston & Haynes. He was a great mentor and coach.
How has your working environment changed over the last year? A hybrid working environment seems to be the new normal. Erland has been working hard to maintain our family culture while ensuring everyone’s health and well-being. This hybrid model allows them to do that.
