8C — October 24 - November 13, 2014 — Executive Women in Business — Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal
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Executive Women in Business Beverly Blum, President, DesignWorkBuild Nothing comes easy that’s worthwhile
began my career at a commer- cial furniture dealership. Back then we had Herman Miller and Steelcase going head to head on ”open office landscape” work. I “cutmy teeth” educating myself about every furniture manufacturer and designing with every one of them. I live and breathe design, it’s like fashion, you need to stay on top of the looks and trends and I love how it is constantly chang- ing and growing. What were some of your early goals and did any- thing happen in you career/ profession to change them? After working at the furni- ture dealer I went to work for Frank Lautenberg’s company-
ADP where I was taken under the wing of an Engineer/Project Manager. He taught me how to work in the field, howtomanage Mechanical, Electrical, Plumb- ing, and Structural issues and be demonstrative about the direction I give the contractors. This knowledge along with my design background made me a powerful individual in the field. What unique qualities/ personality traits doyou feel make youmost successful in your profession? I am well rounded and edu- cated. I have been fortunate to learn the construction industry and tenacious enough to not take no for an answer. I enjoy challenges, and renovation has its challenges. Most designers cannot manage commercial construction projects as they do not know enough to give direc- tion, I do. What challenges and/or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to be- come as successful as you are today? I’ve been challenged every step of my career as a woman in what was considered aman’s profession. I stood toe to toewith contractors and subs until my knowledge convinced them I knewwhat I was talking about. Tell us a little about your family. I am married and have one son from a previous marriage and two stepsons. They are all grown and married and we are empty nesters now. My 2 stepson’s have provided us with grandchildren at a very early age, and I love being with them. Our extended family works well. What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? Being creative I enjoy repur- posing furniture. I can take a piece, refinish it myself, add new hardware and give it a new life. 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 say study hard and learn your craft. Nothing comes easy that’s worthwhile, and design and construction management is a field that requires education and hands on work. Do not be timid, be forthright, and be correct and certain with any direction you give others. n
What impact has social media/networking had on your business? Since the creation of social media /networking there has been an explosion of informa- tion and opportunities present- ed. Now I can reach thousands of people with the press of a button. I can blog as a subject matter expert, and get loads of free press and recommenda- tions. Tell us about your current positon and how and when you began your career in the profession you are in. Why did you chose this career? I always wanted to be in the design and construction field. I
Beverly Blum, President DesignWorkBuild
Years in Field: 25 Years in Real Estate Industry: 25
ow do you contrib- ute toyour company and/or the industry? I am the main force of our company and set the example for professionalism, honesty and integrity. Who or what has been the H
strongest influence on your career? I believe that my mother was the strongest influence on my career. She always toldme that I can be whatever I wanted to be and would be successful at it. She was my rock.
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