Spotlights

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Lisa Puffer, Estimator, Groom Construction Co., Inc.

What led you to your current profession? My career started as an Interior Designer in architectural firms where I evolved into a project manager. With my time spent at construction sites and working with budgets I wanted to be more involved in the projects

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Patty Colone, Director of Compliance, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Groom Construction Co., Inc.

What are some of the benefits of being a mentor or having a mentor? Mentorship is one of the most rewarding aspects of my profession. To provide the caring and understanding needed to grow a mentee’s career, not only benefits them but my own work as well.

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Caitrin Foley, Project Manager, Groom Construction Co., Inc.

What led you to your current profession? I previously worked for an engineering firm and was looking for something more challenging and dynamic. I found engineering to be too rigid and repetitive for me.

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Kelley Hannon, Executive Director, Institute of Real Estate Management - Boston

What led you to your current profession? I am passionate about real estate. I have held a broker’s license for the past 23 years and thought this would be a good fit to learn more about the association part of real estate.

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Michelle Latino Assistant Project Manager Callahan Construction Managers

What led you to your current profession? As I was pursuing a master’s in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I got a part-time job as an admin for an apartment building. After working there for a few months I was offered a job on the development and construction side of their company.

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Liz Tavares, Operations/Brokerage, Jay Nuss Realty Group

What led you to your current profession? Commercial real estate is my second career. I hold a law degree and worked in state government for a number of years. When I sought a different direction, real estate appealed to me; I worked first briefly in residential real estate but met Jay Nuss

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Jillian Tara, Associate & Senior Interior Designer, Phase Zero Design

What are some of the benefits of being a mentor or having a mentor? Collaboration is so important in our field. It is vital we learn continuously throughout our careers; working with others that challenge us helps keep those creative juices flowing.

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Amey Bissonnette, Director of Development, Global Learning Charter Public School

What trends will dominate your industry in the coming months? Public charter schools in Massachusetts do not receive funding for building construction or renovations. Many charter schools rent or purchase buildings and then renovate them to create a learning environment

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Dimitra Murphy, Owner, Daddy Jones Bar & Restaurant

What led you to your current profession? I grew up in real estate! My parents were landlords, even doing the interior painting of their properties themselves. As early as age six, I helped with the work and grew to really like real estate. I worked in the hospitality industry before becoming a real estate agent at a Melrose agency.

2021 Women in Commercial Real Estate: Catherine West, CEO, 43 West Properties

What led you to your current profession? I first fell in love with real estate investing when the market crashed in 2008. Unable to find a job in health care after graduating in August 2008, I picked up the book Rich Dad Poor Dad, which started me on my journey.