Real Estate Journal — Women in Business — October 25 - November 7, 2019 — 9C
www.marej.com
M id A tlantic
Women in Business
Sarah Finney Miller, NAI Summit, Allentown PA “Knowledge is power and is the solid foundation for confidence that will lead to your success” T Sarah Finney Miller Vice President
few of my current and past col- leagues at NAI Summit. When I first joined Summit’s broker- age team, their vast knowledge of their respective fields and market were so impressive and inspiring to me. I wanted nothing more than to learn as much as possible, so that one day I could feel as respected in the commercial real estate community as they were. What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young woman about to go into the field of commercial real estate or your allied field? I would encourage them to
learn as much as possible, no matter how little or far you are in your career. Knowledge is power and is the solid foun- dation for confidence that will lead to your success. I’d also encourage them to obtain a mentor or join an organization that can connect you with sup- porting professionals that can help you in advancing your career. For me, joining CREW Network’s Lehigh Valley chap- ter was instrumental in my professional development and connected me to our region’s top women industry leaders within various commercial real estate disciplines.
ell us how and when you began your ca- reer in the profes- sion you are in: I began my real estate career straight out of school back in 2009 where I started as an assistant proper- ty manager and leasing agent for a small local real estate and property management firm. In my six years with the firm, I re- ceived my broker’s license and worked my way up to Direc- tor of Property Management & Sales and also became the firm’s managing broker. In this role, I oversaw our portfolio of managed properties as well as all aspects of the day to day brokerage operations includ- ing managing a team of office personnel, property managers, real estate agents, in-house contractors and subcontrac- tors. In 2015, I switched gears into sales and leasing when I was recruited by NAI Summit to be a part of their dynamic commercial brokerage team. What is your current po- sition: I am currently Vice President of Sales and Leasing within NAI Summit where I focus primarily in Asset Dis- position and Landlord/Tenant Representation of Office, Flex and Medical Space. Why did you choose the field/profession you are in today? I was always oddly at- tracted to real estate growing up. As a child, I always loved touring open houses, drawing floor plans and had an unusual appreciation for the detail and architecture that went into new and old buildings. However, all that at the time felt more like a hobby. Until I started taking Real Estate focused courses in college, was really the turning point where I felt my passion for the field began to blossom. What was your most nota- ble project, deal or transac- tion in 2019? My most recent notable transaction for 2019 was a large tract of industrial land within the Phillipsburg, NJ area. This was a two part transaction where I success- fully represented two owners in the disposition of their land totaling just over 650 acres. The tract sold to a regional developer who intends develop the mixed-use tract in the near future. How do you manage the work/life balance? Work/Life balance can be tough at times as you’re consistently doing whatever it takes to cultivate
NAI Summit, Allentown PA Years with company/firm: 4 Years in field: 4 Years in real estate industry: 10 Real estate organizations / affiliations:
NAI Global, CREW Network your relationships. That can include working around other people’s schedules, putting in extra hours to meet a deadline for a client, or after hour socials to meet new business contacts. What’s helpful for me is to have
a spouse that is understanding of these needs and having an equal partnership with home life responsibilities. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career? I would have to say a
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