Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal — Executive Women in Business — October 24 - November 13, 2014 — 3C
www.marejournal.com
Executive Women in Business Joni Sweetwood, Senior VP & Janet Bortz, VP, The Kislak Co. Joni Sweetwood & Janet Bortz of The Kislak Co. discuss their careers
My initial career objective was to work in product market- ing with a national company. My entry began in sales and after a few years, I joined the Continental Group, working in marketing management. After ten years in the industry, I was looking for a more entrepre- neurial career. Investment real estate was and remains a great fit for my skill set and personal objectives. What unique qualities and/or personality traits do you feel makes you most successful in your profes- sion? I’m organized, assertive, persistent, thorough and hard working. Enjoying people and
having a sense of humor and a realistic and intuitive feel for what is required to make a deal. 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 a wom- an is an advantage disad- vantage or no advantage in today’s business world?
continued from page 2C sports, whether playing golf or discussing sports. I have found that women tend to be more focused on their families, espe- cially with any spare time. I do volunteer work with a variety of charities. Who do you feel was most influential in your lifewhen choosing this profession? I did not choose this profes- sion. Once I became a CPA, jobs have always foundme both in banking and real estate. What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced / conquered during your business career? When I first moved to New Jersey, I interviewed with and ultimately worked for The Howard Savings Bank. I had a great interview, ini- tially discussing art and then “workouts.” The interviewer repeatedly discussed workouts. Humorously, I thought he was talking about exercise. Of course, I later realized he was talking about loan workouts. Since then I have handled or participated inmore loanwork- outs than I can count, both as a banker and broker. Janet Bortz, What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2014? Although my focus is in northern New Jersey and the New York State market, I had a sale in Hoboken, NJ right on Washington Avenue for $18,500,000. The 4.75% cap transaction was an “A” loca- tion. How do you contribute to your company and / or the industry? Through many associations and networking, attracting high-profile clients and listings; I also work with a strong ethi- cal standard that I continue to make a priority. How do you manage the work/life balance? One day at a time. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career? My parents who managed to raise 8 children and always pushed for higher education and personal achievement. What impact has social media / networking had on your business? Excellent. The client reach is extensive and immediate and facilitates all aspects of trans- action from listing to closing. Tell us how andwhen you
began your career in the profession you are in, about your current position and why you choose the field/ profession you are in today? About 18 years ago, I changed careers, moving from product marketing to real estate. After working two years in real es- tate development, I joined The Kislak Company, Inc., a real estate brokerage firm special- izing 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 career /profession to change them?
Why? Why not? When I first started my ca- reer, 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 good my 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 if so, what activities or ven- ues do you participate in? Everyone is unique in their skill development and social continued on page 16C
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