20D — February 9 - 22, 2018 — 30 Under 30 — M id A tlantic
Real Estate Journal
www.marejournal.com
30 U nder 30
AVP, Conference Producer Lea Christman Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal
as chemistry, anatomy and physiology. However, after his freshmen year in college when he became exposed to more and more types of classes, he decided to go in another direction. The technical aspect of ac- counting is what drew Adam in initially. He had a natu- ral talent for the work and enjoyed learning and gain- ing experience in the field. Since then, his passion for accounting has never waned and his dedication to the craft only intensifies as he assists more businesses, works on more projects and gains more knowledge. What outside activities do My main focus is my fam- ily. Going home, seeing my 6 month old baby boy and steal- ing him from his beautiful mother for a few minutes to ment as my path because of its complexity and challeng- ing nature, and excelled in it for the same reasons. It never occurred to me to look around for other jobs or to climb the proverbial ladder, because it was more than a job. It was personal, and still is to this day with every project. I was given the responsibility of a senior level CM from day one by cur- rent partner and friend, Gary Fleming, because as he said, he saw the potential and new that a trial by fire would help me grow. I came to love that experience and use that with our employees as we continue to grow. What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? Between quickly becoming the CEO of the New England Real Estate Journal in her 30s to making the extremely brave decision in stepping away from a steady income and building her own business from the ground up, she’s been a true inspiration. Now entering our 16th year, I am proud to be a part of the Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal and continue to learn from my mother every single day. Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in, about
As a lifelong learner, I dem- onstrated my ability to absorb and grasp an understanding of things rather quickly, so my mentors encouraged me to spread my wings rather early, so to speak. Within a very short period of time, I sold my first property and have added to it six-fold. One extremely valuable lesson I have learned is that today’s work breeds tomorrow’s sales. And, no two deals are ever the same. Who do you feel was most influential in your life when choosing this profession? The “who” is actually two people – my father and my father-in-law. The knack for sales and foundation for con- duct becoming of a professional salesperson were passed down from my father, who has been and continues to be my inspi- ration. Simply put, I inherited his personality for selling. Like my dad, I feed off the active flow of the sale – from start to finish – to facilitate resolu- tions that overcome obstacles and getting everyone to agree at the closing table. It was my father-in-law, a long-time real estate manager in Ohio, who actually nudged me toward the brokerage side of the business. What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduat- ing from college? Even though I’m just in my twenties, I now have a better understanding of the saying, “Do what you love, love what you do.” Find what is not just a good fit, but the best fit for you in terms of a career and go after it with all you’ve got. Whether you’re just starting out, or considering a career change like many of the bro- kerage leaders at Gebroe- Hammer, go after a career that will motivate you day in and day out. You spend too much time working to lack passion. n What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced / conquered during your career? Or in your life? When people genuinely think Linda Christman is my sister. n I stopped doubting myself and decided I wasn’t going to let fear prevent me from succeed- ing in my career.
you enjoy during your free time? Adam recently became a new father, and spends his free time with his new family and changing diapers. What inspiring words of advice would you give to a young executive graduat- ing from college? Education shouldn’t stop after college. Always strive for continued learning and experience to improve upon your skill-sets and enhance your capabilities. College is the final stepping stone to your career, and you can truly excel through hard work and dedication. The only ceiling is the one you place above you. n Learn to enjoy/embrace dis- comfort as it is the counter- party to personal growth. Like athletes train to breakdown muscle to grow it back stron- ger, we need to do the same with our mind and spirit, per- sonally and professionally. n make him laugh and giggle is the best part of my day. They are my inspiration for every- thing I do. In addition to time with family and friends, I enjoy traveling, exploring culture through cuisine, cooking and mixology, and reading books about history and the human condition. I also enjoy a lot of physical activities, including but not limited to: Skiing, Hiking, Soccer, Ice Hockey, Racquetball, Shooting (Sport- ing Clays), and many other athletic/ outdoors activities. What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduat- ing from college? your current position and why you choose the field/ profession you are in today? I was working in sales at a wholesale luxury diamond com- pany when my mother offered me the amazing opportunity to work with her here at Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal. I have spent a total of 10 years on and off working part-time at the journal, so I was extremely honored and excited to be hired full time. My choice to be in this industry is largely based on my mother’s ability to influence and nurture my drive
ho or what has been the strongest influ-
units sold to dollar values. I then expanded my research to explore what distinguished Gebroe-Hammer from the larger national firms. I read an article about their training program and from day 1, you are in a territory learning the ropes and participating in the sales process. Fortunately, my path also had crossed with one of the firm’s Executive Manag- ing Directors, Joseph Brecher. Eventually, I “sold” him on the idea of hiring me and inter- viewed with Ken Uranowitz, the firm’s president. Ever since, both – along with Senior Vice President Eli Rosen – have been my mentors. Who or what has been the strongest influence in your career? My fellow Greater Philadel- phia brokerage teammembers, Joseph Brecher and Eli Rosen, have no doubt been my great- est influence. They helped me launch my professional career by literally teaching me ev- erything they know. They’ve also demonstrated how to win a sales listing with grace, and what to do when things don’t exactly go as anticipated – which is to show even more grace. Combined, this team has closed more than $1.2 billion in market-wide sales, totaling over 100 deals and an unprecedented 20,000+ units. I am learning from the best so I can be among the best in the business. What were some of your early goals and did any- thing happen to change them? Like many new brokers, I initially had my eye on closing my first sale – one where I ex- clusively represented the sell- er and identified the buyer. Of course, I allowed for a learning curve and “paying my dues,” so I didn’t expect it to happen for at least two to three years. continued from page 3D What was the most defin- ing moment for you? My entire life, I thought I would never be able to speak in front of an audience until I stood on stage for the first time in front of 150 people at the Philadel- phia Multifamily Conference. At that moment, I realized I was capable of a lot more than I was giving myself credit for.
ence in your career? The stron- gest influ- ence I have in both my career and life would be my mother, Lin- da Chr i s t - W
Lea Christman
Joseph Gehler, Gebroe-Hammer
man. From a young age, I’ve had the privilege to watch her excel in her career and become a driving force in her industry.
continued from page 18D Eric Gatti, G William Group LLC . . . in today?
LinkedIn to further his rela- tionships and widen his net- work. He acknowledges this platform as an effective career tool and encourages younger professionals to leverage it as well. Tell us how and when you began your career in the pro- fession you are in, about your current position and why you choose the field/profession you are in today? Adam truthfully did not al- ways want to be accountant. When he first began college, he was more interested in the route of medicine because he enjoyed his high school sci- ence classes and electives such The end of finals was near during my Spring semester of sophomore year at Univer- sity of Maryland. My friend and current colleague, Jason Kraus, asked me if I had an internship lined up for that summer; I had planned on go- ing back to my summertime life as a camp counselor sit- ting by the poolside, but he got me thinking. I hit the search pages and found an add from GWG, looking for a structural engineer. I was studying struc- tural engineering and project management, and thought, “why not”. With a short email and subsequent interview, my summer plans had changed, and little did I know, my ca- reer had started. I now run the company that once hired me to be an intern, and it’s the best decision I ever made. I chose Construction Manage-
Adam Holzberg, Sax LLP . . . continued from page 10D
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