16D — October 26 - November 8, 2012 — Executive Women in Business — Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal
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Executive Women in Business
Kathy Anderson, Progress Realty Advisors, LLC . . . continued from IC-D
Bortz of The Kislak Company . . . continued from page 5D 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 your ca- reer /profession to change them?
differences in the way that men and women develop business relationships and if so, what activities or ven- ues do you participate in? Again, that is changing with men and women being able to join most organizations. I par- ticipate in the industry asso- ciations and outside business and sports activities including golf and tennis. Currently a member of the NJAA, the NJ Professional Real EstateWom- en and the EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association). Tell us a little about your family. Married. My husband, Ed- ward, is an attorney. We have two sons, Jason, 29, and Mark, 26. 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 multi- task, get as much help as I could afford, and work on my sense of humor. Who do you feel was most influential inyour lifewhen choosing this profession? My husband, who works in real estate law, as well as friends in the business. We socialized a lot with my husband’s clients, so I learned firsthand about ownership and brokerage. What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced / conquered during your business career? Being at a closing with ob- servant Jewish buyers. In the early evening, the four buyers needed a minyan (quorum of ten men) for prayers and re- cruited 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, hik- ing, travelling and charity work. What do you feel is the key to your success? Working hard and staying humble enough to listen and learn. ■ It doesn’t hurt that this hobby landed me on the cover of a national magazine (albeit CPA Magazine) in a racing suit and car on the track - what a thrill! What do you feel is the key to your success? Treating each of my clients as if they’re my only client, treat- ing them as business partners and being a friend. ■
my first boss in real estate (She was a partner in a multi office residential agency). “Can’t” was not in her vocabulary. Virginia Barr was a pioneer for women in commercial real es- tate in this area and deserves recognition paving a road for women in this profession. My dad, who helped me develop a work ethic that I hope to pass onto my children. In your eyes, how have women evolved in the pro- fession during your time? There were very few women in commercial real estate when I started and almost all of them are still active today. There are considerably more women in the industry now, working in every segment- commercial, industrial and office. I believe the numbers will continue to grow. What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? tell three people at the office to remind me when to leave, I just cannot seem to hit that mark. Thankfully technology is providing me more and more opportunities to set remind- ers and, I’m happy to say, has helped me begin to overcome this stumbling block. My office sounds like an orchestra tuning up when all of my alarms start going off at the same time, but it is certainly having the desired effect! What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? Walking, reading and trav- What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? Walking, Running, COOK- ING and spending time with my people. 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? Get connected with the stron- gest Male in her area she lives in. Learn from the best, show out to be the best thing that could have happened to me. My husband and I were both employed at Green and when Len and Ralph didn’t see eye to eye, we both had to leave. I had a great job, was doing well and was very comfortable -- Then Boom! Sometimes things change and you just have to figure it out. Starting Progress RealtyAdvisors was like suddenly being told I had to jump out of an airplane. So
I enjoy skiing, boating and beach vacations. 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 that this is a tough business to get started in, for both women and men. You have to work hard because very little is handed to you. You have to commit the time (and it does take time) but it will hap- pen. Most importantly, look for mentors, watch what they are doing and listen. What do you feel is the key to your success? This question has two an- swers. 1) I am not afraid to lose a deal if it’s not a good deal for everyone And 2) I know what success means to me. ■ My attitude of gratitude, my ability to separate church and state, definitely learning from my failures! ■ eling are my go-to activities. Whenever I’m not working, you can usually find me doing one of the three, with my dogs at my side. What do you feel is the key to your success? Having a vision, yet being willing to modify and adapt as the business environment evolves. Surrounding myself with a fantastic team of profes- sionals both inside and outside of Advantage has allowed me to focus on the large-scale success of Advantage and to provide a vision to move the company forward. ■ loyalty and IF the time is ever right, spread your wings. In this business; NEVER burn bridges, women are almost never successful on their own BUT Everyone in this field knows that behind every great man is an AMAZING, FABU- LOUS tiger of a woman! What do you feel is the key to your success? I am drawn to the water. For me, any day wasted on the beach is not a wasted day. What do you feel is the key to your success? Always have a parachute handy! ■ I strapped on a parachute and dove head first into owning my own firm. What outside activities do you enjoy during your free time?
I have been married for 12 years to my husband Mike. I have three children, Max (11), Grace (7) and Tara (2). If you are the primary caregiver to your children what obstacle and chal- lenges do youmeet on a day to day basis? My husband and I both have full time careers but we bal- ance work and all the duties of family pretty well. On a daily basis, getting 3 kids dressed, fed and out the door before 7:30AM is often a challenge in itself let alone adding baseball, football, soccer and karate. It is often a test but we manage to do it, like a lot of families. Who do you feel was most influential in your lifewhen choosing this profession? I can’t say that there was any one person; I have had several people influence me early in my career. Sydney Ruble was Who do you feel was most influential in your life when choosing this profession? I have many agents in my office and now other offices to attribute accolades and my education that lead to my suc- cess. MoAnderson and Dominic Cardone do however receive special thanks and an attitude of gratitude from me. is a Vice President within the executive search industry. She’s been my friend for 25 years and has been a great sounding board for many of the life choices I’ve made. She has, and will continue to be, both a colleague, friend and confidant. What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced / conquered during your business career? Early on in my career and, habitually to this day, I cannot seem to leave anywhere on time. No matter if I set an alarm or continued from page 3D Obstacles, we work around our kids; it’s amazing we are who we are. the firm in many ways in- cluding negotiating large transactions. I will always be grateful to Len for intuitively knowing that I could handle myself. What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced / conquered during your business career? Of course, it didn’t seem like it at the time but leav- ing The Green Group turned
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 for the Plastic Container Division. 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 unique qualities and or personality do you feel makes you most suc- cessful in your profes- sion? Organized, assertive, per- sistent, 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 are rejection and tired feet! Cold calling in person and developing cli- ent relations. Being a quick study of the total investment process, including the finan- cial, legal and environmental aspects. . Doyoufeelbeingawoman is an advantage in today’s business world? Why? Not really. When I first started my career, there were not as many women inmy field and it was a socialization pro- cess for both men and women. Today it is about ability and results and I believe that it is gender-neutral. Do you feel there are any nated, that fact was never a consideration for me entering the profession. What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? Golfing and driving stock cars. Driving 170 MPH on a racetrack is a total thrill and outside the box of what I do and how I am on a daily basis.
Heather Lynne, The James Balliet Commercial Group . . .
Ida McMurray, CCIM, SIOR, NAI CIR . . . continued from page 4D
Trish Faidiga, Advantage Building & Facility Services . . . continued from page 6D
Rebecca Machinga, CPA, WS+B, PC . . . continued from page 8D
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