4A — October 2023 — Women in Business — M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal
www.marej.com
W omen in B usiness Kathy Anderson, Progress Capital
“The credit markets are dysfunctional, it’s our job to stay informed and anticipate upcoming trends.”
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this industry. As I expanded my business, I started notic- ing that successful commercial real estate owners were seek- ing my advice and guidance for financing their projects. This was a turning point for me. It was incredibly empowering to know that these accomplished entrepreneurs trusted me to secure the capital they needed to grow their businesses. Closing my first $100 million loan was another significant milestone that made me ap- preciate how far I had come. Going to a large closing with 20 people sitting around the table
and knowing that I was a major part of making this happen, that’s a pretty good feeling. Lastly, I will always remem- ber being invited to speak at an industry event with over 500 attendees. Not only did the audience show an interest in what I had to say, but there was a line of people waiting to talk to me afterward. That felt pretty amazing. I am an entrepreneur at heart and while it’s not always easy being the chief, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. What has been your greatest professional ac- complishment so far? Each time I close a loan and my client is happy, I take a moment to be proud of the accomplishment. It is particularly exciting though when the very large and dif- ficult transactions are closed. A few memorable transactions are $160 Million loan on a 642 Apartment Complex in Jersey City; helping my client sell his self-storage portfolio for $152 Million; and closing on the acquisition of my first of many commercial buildings. My biggest accomplishment is that my two sons share in my love of our business and have joined the company. I love what I do and get to see my sons and share this crazy ride with them every day. What impact has social media had on your business? While it may seem like social media took a long time to im- pact the CRE industry, I find it to be a crucial part of my business every day. All social media platforms are proving to be great tools for network- ing with existing clients and reaching out to potential new customers. Instagram allows us to showcase the lighter side of Progress Capital, while LinkedIn has been particu- larly valuable for professional purposes. I’ve been able to build an industry network of over 10,000 connections, affording me a direct line of communication with industry professionals, peers, influenc - ers, and clients – which is truly priceless. The ability to regu- larly engage with our clients, market our successes and new initiatives, while also influenc - ing industry discussions with my peers, has changed the very core in which we operate. What distinctive qualities or characteristics do you continued on page 20A
hat is your cur- rent position and responsibilities?
Kathy Anderson Founding Partner Progress Capital Years with company/firm: 25 years Years in field: 30 years Years in real estate industry: 30 years Commercial Real Estate Financing
I’m the Founding Partner, and that means I’ve got a lot on my plate. I’m basically re- sponsible for every aspect at Progress Capital – growth, pro- duction, corporate governance, marketing, taxes, real estate ownership/management, the well-being of all our employees and most importantly, securing commercial mortgages for my clients. Why did you choose the profession you are in today and when did you realize
and I decided to go through. The realization that I had made it in this field came gradually. When I began my company three decades ago, there were very few women in
you made it? I never set out to be the owner of a commercial mort- gage brokerage firm, it almost feels like this profession chose me when certain doors opened
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT...
732.720.6301 kathy@progresscapital.com progresscapital.com
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