14C — October 25 - November 7, 2013 — Executive Women in Business — Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal
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Executive Women in Business
up with some different answers than a man would. Do you feel there are any differences in the way that menandwomendevelopbusi- ness relationships and if so, what activities or venues do you participate in? I am not a golfer, so I do not develop business relationships on the golf course. A lot of men do develop business relation- ships that way. I try to do more networking events, find different venues to participate in to meet other people. Tell us a little about your family. I am married with two little boys, ages 7 and 8. If you are the primary care- giver to your children, what obstacles and challenges do you meet on a day-to-day basis? Both my husband and I are primary caregivers, but that be- ing said, it’s a time management issue. For me personally, I’m scheduling for four people; my husband is really only scheduling for himself. That’s challenging on a day-to-day basis—keeping everything straight for everyone, between sports, school work, my work, my husband’s travel. Who do you feel was most influential in your life when choosing a profession? My grandfather, David Rappe- port, who was a real estate attor- ney and led me from an early age to really love the real estateworld and want to be a professional. What outside activities do you enjoy during your free time? Hiking, tennis, reading, watch- ing football What do you feel is the key to your success? I think I have the ability to multi-task, good listening skills, the ability to act decisively, the ability to be fair, and hard work. n Kimberly Brennan, Cushman & . . . continued from page 6C when I heard someone outside my office door telling a dirty joke. I thought, “what did I get myself into?” That bit of culture shock helpedme develop a thick skin, though, which has benefit- ted me throughout my career. What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? In my spare time I hike, ski and run. I also love to garden. What do you feel is the key to your success? I always try to bring a differ- ent perspective to the projects I work on, and I have a lot of confidence in my abilities. n
us proud each and every day. Our son, Brendan graduated from Boston College in 2011 and is an analyst for an in- vestment banking firm in New York City. Our daughter, Casey graduated from the University of Delaware in May and works for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce as a special events coordinator. Our Golden Retriever, Beemer will be ten in November and makes us all happy with her happy-go-lucky disposition and companionship. What do you feel is the key to your success? The key is my success is my incredibly supportive and un- derstanding family, especially my husband Gregg. Having a demanding career is often difficult for a family, especially when you are traveling and involved in many community organizations. We’ve always been a team by encouraging each other to succeed, sup- porting each other in our careers and aspirations and lending a hand to help keep all the balls in the air. n Cindy McDonnell Feinberg, Fein . . . continued from page 11C the “twins” because of my size. It was a completely inappropriate environment but I had no choice but to put myself above their level and continue with the case without letting the Judge know how inappropriate his comments were and how un- professional opposing counsel was. That trial was fifteen years ago, and I did not have a similar experience again until recently when I was in court and the opposing at- torney (another older gentle- man) referred to me before the Judge as his “younger sister in the law” in what was a deliberately demean- ing statement. Unlike in my prior experience, the Judge presiding over this case (also an older gentleman) immedi- ately stopped the proceedings and told the attorney that he would not tolerate any demeaning or insulting com- ments about counsel, that all counsel should consider the Judge’s admonition to be a court order, and that if such inappropriate conduct hap- pened again, the Judge would consider imposing sanctions. What do you feel is the key to your success? Hard work and the ability to give frank, practical busi- ness advice. n Kimberly Russell, Kaplin Stewart . . . continued from page 4C
continued from page 6C Eileen Carey, Cushman & . . . – and have influenced the way business is conducted. For example, since there are more women in the workforce they want to make sure the inves- tors of their companies seek to somehow return value to other women, therefore, clients are looking for real estate service providers that also have a di- verse staff of men and women. Being successful however, takes hard work whether you are a woman or a man. Do you feel there are any differences in the way that men and women develop business relationships and if so, what activities or ven- ues do you participate in? I believe that men are better at looking for opportunities to build business relationships. I think women are more in- terested in simply building relationships. I think men may be quicker to see business op- portunities and women may be better at sustaining a business relationship. When you under- stand what a person wants in a service industry, you are better able to meet their needs. Tell us a little about your family. I am one of six siblings in a tight-knit family. Although we are all grown now, I had taken on the role of caring for my brother and sisters when our father died at the age of 49. We still make sure we watch out for each other and help each other through life’s challenges. Who do you feel was most influential in your lifewhen choosing this profession? Richard Korn, one of my high school teachers and also my basketball coach, put me on my career path. I was planning to go to secretarial school, and he got me a scholarship to col- lege. In getting a degree I was able to pursue a career in real estate. It changed my life. What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced / conquered during your business career? Managing properties always comes with stories – some serious, some amusing. My colleagues and I have a tradi- tion of passing a dollar bill to whoever has the most unique story each week. I have held that dollar bill multiple times, including once after I had to deal with a streaker running through an office building. What do you feel is the key to your success? Treating people fairly, work- ing hard and just striving for excellence helped bring me to where I am. n
Joni Sweetwood & Janet Bortz, The Kislak Company, Inc. . . continued from page 8C
if so, what activities or ven- ues do you participate in? Everyone is unique in their skill development and social strengths. It varies by the individual, not sex origin. I participate in the industry as- sociations and outside business and sports activities including golf and tennis. Currently a member of the NJAA, the NJ Professional Real Estate Wom- en and the EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association). Since women are still the primary caregiver to children what obstacle and challenges do you meet on a day to day basis? When my children were younger, I just had to multitask, get as much help as I could af- ford and trying to balance fam- ily and work demands. Who do you feel was most influential in your life when choosing this profession? My husband, who works in real estate law, as well as friends in the business. We so- cialized a lot with my husband’s clients, so I learned firsthand about ownership and broker- age. What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced / conquered during your business career. Being at a closing with obser- vant Jewish buyers. In the early evening, the four buyers needed a minyan (quorum of ten men) for prayers and recruited my client, the seller, to join them. They completed their prayers and returned to the closing. What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? Golf, tennis, bridge, hiking, travellingandcharitywork. What do you feel is the key to your success? Working hard and staying humble enough to listen and learn . n life when choosing this profession? My Dad was in commercial banking for 45 years, and that is where I got my aptitude for finance. He is also relent- less in always wanting to do the right thing for his clients and community. To that end, he recently retired and im- mediately decided to run for mayor of his town. He makes me proud. What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced / conquered during your business career? I had just started a new job
The Kislak Company, Inc., a real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment property, multifamily, retail and office, as a sales associate in 2001 and was promoted to vice president in 2006. What were some of your early goals and did any- thing happen in you ca- reer /profession to change them? My initial career objec- tive was to work in product marketing with a national com- pany. My entry began in sales and after a few years, I joined the Continental Group, work- ing in marketing management. After ten years in the industry, I was looking for a more entre- preneurial career. Investment real estate was and remains a great fit for my skill set and personal objectives. What challenges and or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to be- come as successful as you are today? Persevering during the first few years when all you seem to experience is rejection. Re- lationship development and being a quick study of the total investment process, including the financial, legal and envi- ronmental aspects. Do you feel being awoman is an advantage in today’s business world? Why? Not really. When I first start- ed my career, there were not as many women in my field and it was a socialization process for both men and women. Today it is about ability and results. If you list and sell solid real estate, the clients make money as do I. As long as returns are goodmy clients don’t care, male or female. Do you feel there are any differences in the way that men and women develop business relationships and stresses. I think we bond on different levels. Tell us a little about your family. I have a wonderful boyfriend here in New Jersey. However, the rest of my family is very spread out. My Dad, my Step- mom and one of my brothers live in upstate New York. My other two brothers live in Colorado and North Dakota. We are all very close, but we do not see each other often enough. Who do you feel was most influential in your continued from page 6C
Jan Randall, Cushman & Wakefield . . .
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