What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in commercial real estate? I would give women getting into the CRE industry the same advice I would give to anyone coming into it. In this industry, it’s all about relationships. Be patient and take the time to develop meaningful relationships.
What drew you to commercial real estate, and what keeps you passionate? I have a strong interest in commercial development because these are spaces people use in their daily lives - whether they are restaurants, retail locations, or mixed-use developments.
What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why? The most rewarding project I have worked on was the Citizens Bank Corporate Campus in Johnston, RI. It still remains one of the biggest, most complex and fast paced projects that I have had the pleasure to work on.
What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why? Two projects stand out as especially rewarding. Restructuring Coverys’ lease at One Financial Center gave them stability and flexibility, supporting a changing workplace strategy while reducing costs.
What drew you to commercial real estate, and what keeps you passionate? I worked as a residential paralegal for 18 years before moving into the commercial side of transactions. I had seen many smaller commercial deals close while working on the residential side and became interested in learning more.
What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why? I have just started a project with a young woman investing in her first industrial property. When we find the property that will fund her early retirement, F.I.R.E. style dreams, that will be my favorite and most rewarding project because women need to invest in commercial real estate.
What drew you to commercial real estate, and what keeps you passionate? After moving to New Hampshire from West Virginia and not having a rolodex, I saw commercial real estate as an opportunity to test my skills and resolve. I joined SVN due to its culture of empowering its advisors, collaboration and training.
What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why? The most rewarding project I’ve worked on was the expansion of the Hale Family YMCA in Quincy, MA. I’ve been connected to the branch since childhood, first as a camper and swimmer, then later as a counselor and front desk attendant.
What’s a challenge you faced early in your career, and how did you overcome it? A big challenge early in my career was working in a male-dominated industry. It wasn’t always easy to be taken seriously or viewed as a leader in the auction business. I overcame it through consistent results and persistence.
What has been the most rewarding project or deal you’ve worked on in your career, and why? I recently worked on several hotel renovation projects, many of which are either completed or nearing completion. It is rewarding to see these existing properties transformed and given new life.
