14C — October 24 - November 13, 2014 — Executive Women in Business — Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal
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Executive Women in Business
Susan Karp, Member Cole Schotz Affiliations: CREW-NJ What was your greatest professional accomplish- ment in 2014? Well, technically, it’s not an accomplishment yet since the deal hasn’t closed but it’s scheduled and everything is in place. This deal had some of everything challenging and fun that I do: complex groundwater and soil contamina-
Jennifer Mazawey, Esq, Partner Genova Burns GiantomasiWebster, LLC Years with company/firm: 12+ Years in field: 17 Years in real estate industry: 7 Affiliations: CREW-NJ; CREWNetwork; NAIOP What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2014?
I helped a developer acquire the necessary land use approvals for a multi- phase mixed use development, with rental units, retail, and a 5-level parking structure located in a New Jersey community’s downtown business district. The project also included the relocation of a local civic organization to an alternate site location, which required additional site plan approval as well. How do you contribute to your company and/or the industry? By maintaining a strong and stable influence in the firm, I am able to men- tor our junior attorneys and help them grow in the profession. In addition, I serve as the chair of the firm’s professional development committee, and serve on the pro bono and inclusionary initiatives committees. What unique qualities do you feel make you most successful? I am a dedicated problem-solver. It is very easy to get stuck in the weeds when dealing with conflict. My approach is to understand a problem, get to its root, and come up with a solution. In real estate development, most parties have the same general goal -- to get the deal/development/building done. My aim is to find the best way to accomplish that goal and execute it to ensure my clients get to the finish line. What challenges and/or obstacles do you feel you needed to over- come to become as successful as you are today? In many respects real estate development is still considered a man’s field and women have to work very hard to prove that we “belong.” Women must be assertive and make sure that we have a seat the table. 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? Be passionate about what you do; don’t just go through the motions. If you are passionate about your work, others will notice, and that will eventually lead to success for you and your clients. Your clients, colleagues, and adversaries will respect that passion and you will accomplish more in your field because of it. n What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2014? My most notable project in 2014 has been the development of a multi-story Medical Arts Building project in Middletown, NJ. I performed the engineer- ing design and secured the necessary land use approvals from local and state authorities. The project is currently under construction and is unique with regard to its modern architecture. As an engineer, to watch a project emerge from a concept on paper to reality is extremely rewarding. What impact has social media/networking had on your business? Networking has a tremendous impact on the real estate business. The CREW NJ organization has played a pivotal role for me. Serving on the Board of Di- rectors and attending our monthly meetings, I have the opportunity to meet professionals in the real estate industry who are eager to assist each other with referrals. CREW NJ has also provided a unique forum for professional women to share both personal and professional experiences with each other. Tell us a little about your family. My grandparents were survivors of the Armenian Genocide and ultimately immigrated to the United States, as did my parents, independently. I am very fortunate and grateful that my parents raised my twin brothers and me fully immersed in the Armenian culture and with strong family and moral values. Those values have been instrumental in my work ethic. What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? One of CREW NJ’s philanthropic events was an afternoon volunteering at the Jon Bon Jovi Foundation’s Soul Kitchen restaurant in Red Bank. I was so moved by what Soul Kitchen represents, that I have become a regular volunteer to “give back” to my community. 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? Always do and be your best, even when you don’t think anyone is notic- ing. Network. Believe in yourself, especially when you face the challenges that come with being a woman in a male dominated industry. And enjoy the journey of your career. n Lory Karakashian, PE, CME, Project Manager InSite Engineering, LLC Years with company/firm: 3 Years in field/industry: 20 Affiliations: CREWNJ, NJBA, Shore Builders Association of Central Jersey, Inc.
tion; coverage under old CGL policies; belt and suspenders coverage under a Pollution Legal Liability Policy; negotiations with the buyer that were difficult but which ultimately yielded a practical result. There is no better experience than taking a property that nobody thinks will get sold and getting the deal done using every mechanism out there to protect your client and make it happen. How do you contribute to your company and/or the industry? My strongest asset (and the kudo I like getting the most) is my practical ap- proach to getting deals done despite the presence of environmental contamina- tion. Some seasoned real estate developers/owners are still scared off by these issues, although in their defense, they can be complex and they have other fish to fry. Contamination is usually manageable, and while business people need to accept that these issues warrant a line item in the budget, that line item rarely needs to be a deal killer. How do you manage the work/life balance? Very simply: Life and work must be fully integrated. Whichever one needs to get done at that moment gets done…including enjoying yourself and your family and friends! If you’re leaving at 4pm for your kid’s game, you might be drafting at 4am. It can all get done. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career? The directors at my prior firm, one of whom is my partner at my current firm. They set very high standards but also empowered me early on to believe that I am really good at what I do. I may have earned those accolades by doing good work, but nurturing is not something that comes easily to all superiors. I see that as an absolutely critical characteristic of effective management and it is my goal to pay that forward to others. n Tell us how and when 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? I graduated law school with the goal of becoming an entertainment lawyer. I had an undergraduate degree in communications and had worked in radio and publishing before entering law school. However, upon my graduation and subsequent employment in the legal field I was introduced to the world of real estate in order to complete a transaction for a family member. After my first transaction, I immediately knew this would be the field I would practice in. I loved every aspect of it from reviewing a title chain history to the closing of complex financial transactions. I quickly changed firms to follow this new path and learned fast from a great mentor. What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2014? My greatest professional accomplishment in 2014 is actually both profes- sional and personal. I have become much more involved with the professional organization CREWNJ and have accepted a position on the Board of Directors as Director of Programming. I have also accepted a position on the Honors Council for The Honors School at Monmouth University. Accepting these positions and causing myself to become more involved with these organiza- tions has forced me to push myself beyond my comfort zone in connection with networking activities, business groups, speaking engagements and writing opportunities. I have found the extra effort I have put in this year in this re- gard has allowed me not only to “get my name out there” but also to engage with other professional women (and men) in my field. As a result, 2014 has been very rewarding both professionally and personally. How do you contribute to your company and/or the industry? I believe an important contribution I make to my company is my true be- lief that each of us are stronger/better in groups and no-one can do it alone. To that end, I approach each new transaction/matter as a “team effort” and make sure each team member knows how much I appreciate their input and assistance. I also try to mentor the younger attorneys in the firm and provide support/guidance when appropriate/requested. I have also been asked to act as a liaison between the support staff of the firm and the human resources man- ager relative to issues that may arise between attorneys and staff members. n Tara Phelan Carver, Shareholder Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, PC Years with company/firm: 9 Years in field: 19 Years in real estate industry: 18 Affiliations: CREW-NJ
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