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2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
year in an industry still largely dominated by men. And last year? It was an even more challenging year for everyone involved in the industry. COVID-19, of course, is the reason. The pandemic, and fears over whether cases are rising and government officials might reenact restrictions on businesses, continue to foster uncertainty in the commercial real estate business. And while certain sectors are thriving -- multifamily and industrial, most notably -- others continue to struggle as the country continues to fight against the pandemic. esiliency. That’s a trait that the women working in commercial real estate have long displayed. After all, they succeed year after
But despite the challenges, there is also hope this year. Vaccines continue to roll out, and they’re a weapon we lacked in 2020. We’re all optimistic that the last months of 2021 will be
strong and that next year will see a further return to normalcy. Last year -- not to mention the beginning of 2021 -- truly showcased the amazing talent of those women who have risen to the top of the CRE business. After all, if you could succeed during the pandemic, you should be able to thrive in any other year. We hope that the profiles of these top professionals will inspire you, too, to boost your own business in 2022.
all the work they do in advancing the careers of women in real estate. Their continued outreach efforts, networking programs and scholarships have helped countless women reach their CRE goals. Again, here’s to a post-pandemic future and to even more success for the women in commercial real estate. My best, Susan Mickey
Welcome, then, to the 2021 edition of Midwest Women in Commercial Real Estate, a special section highlighting the success stories of the women CRE pros thriving throughout the Midwest. I’d like to thank CREW Network for
Women are Underrepresented in CRE -- Here’s How We Change It By Lauren Martin, Head of Product, AnthemIQ
balance the scales. Let’s examine some of the primary driving forces behind the unimpressive gender gap that still exists:
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t may be 2021, but the gender gap is still alive and well, and Commercial Real Estate (CRE) is no exception. While 64% of all residential realtors are women, this glass ceiling-shattering statistic isn’t reflective of CRE, where only 36.7% of workers are female. This begs the question -- what can be done to attract more women into CRE and keep them there? But, before we can answer that question, let’s consider a few reasons why female talent has struggled to break into the CRE industry. Then we can talk about some creative ways firms can evolve to attract and retain more women: Where Are The Women in CRE? Make no mistake, there are some powerful women in the world of CRE that I look up to and admire for making an impact, shattering stereotypes, and inspiring positive evolution within the field. That being said, we still have a lot of work to do to
1. Like father, like son. The systemic nepotism entrenched within the CRE industry is clear as day and understandable: in a relationship-driven business, it’s not what you know but who you know. But when the CEO hires his COO’s nephew as an intern because of a favor-owed, it perpetuates the problem. While there is nothing fundamentally wrong with working in the family business or returning a favor, issues arise when that’s the primary funnel for sourcing new talent. The result is a narrow, one-dimensional organization that has historically left highly qualified female candidates overlooked or encouraged into more gender-traditional career paths. 2. Lack of leadership opportunities. Unconscious bias, the lack of well-defined promotional rubrics, and outdated management styles can fuel gender imbalances across the highest levels within a firm. Women hold only just 9% of C-suite positions in the CRE industry, making a path to executive leadership seemingly vague and unattainable for the remaining female workforce in addition to their interests not being well represented. By building clear, merit-based paths for growth and career advancement in lock-step with competitive compensation, firms can begin to move towards a more balanced C-Suite which studies have shown to positively boost the bottom line. 3. Resistance to change. A notable inflection point was reached during COVID-19 when baby boomers who had previously resisted technology out of fear of disintermediation were quickly forced to embrace digital tools
to manage their entire workflows, many – for the first time in their careers. This resistance to change also permeated through the CRE industry’s culture for decades resulting in a staunch, old-school workplace which made attracting a wider pool of qualified, tech-savvy new hires hungry to leverage technology and work in a diverse place an uphill battle. Here’s How to Change It
1. Cast a Wider Net & Invest in Outlier Talent Early. CRE firms can partner with local universities & clubs to expose more female students to the myriad of lucrative opportunities within CRE. Lifting the veil on a historically opaque industry could encourage more students to consider a wider set of career options that may suit their unique personalities and skill sets. Firms could set a goal to bring an equal number of qualified female candidates into their programs early and invest in providing access to training, mentorship, and certifications for top female talent. 2. Seats in the C-Suite. If your C-Suite is absent of any female or diverse representation, how can you expect the rest of your company to look any different? By diversifying your leadership, you’ll be sending an encouraging message that growth is attainable and good work is rewarded. Before looking to make an external hire to balance the scales, look at your pool of internal candidates to reverse some of the promotional favoritism that’s transpired. 3. Reimagine The Culture. The industry, by and large, has a brand problem: a good
ol’ boys’ club image that firms will need to address as the Boomers retire. Maybe the problem takes care of itself with that turnover, but the process of addressing a culture must be genuine and thoughtful. The new generation of workers are smart, connected, and can instantly sniff out something inauthentic– your company’s culture is no exception. Unfortunately, a new logo, TikTok account, and a fresh mission statement won’t cut it. Start by revamping your recruiting process, addressing equal compensation, and building an inclusive culture that rewards great work. But then again, maybe learning a TikTok dance or two wouldn’t be half bad.
In 2021, there’s never been a better time in history for women to enter and advance in any industry they want to pursue. But to my fellow females, it’s our responsibility to show up, ask for the raise, be vocal about what we need and be willing to help work collaboratively to inspire positive changes desperately needed within the industry. If CRE leaders are willing to honestly address the historical challenges that have previously prevented more women from entering and remaining in the CRE industry–the future begins to look a lot more bright and balanced.
About Lauren Martin Lauren Martin is the Head of Product at AnthemIQ, a CREtech company. She’s also a licensed Tenant Rep Specialist at Elevate Growth Partners in Austin, Tex
2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
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Midwest Real Estate News
Akrete
AMS Elite Solutions, Inc.
Founder and CEO
President
Margy Sweeney 909 Davis Street, Suite 500 Evanston, IL 60201 P: 312.612.0343 | F: 847.556.0738 margy@akrete.com www.akrete.com I am the Founder and CEO of Team Akrete, where we articulate & amplify thought leadership and ideas that drive change. I pioneered a hybrid work model that we’ve been improving since 2011, and advocate for economic empowerment via Board Director and other roles at SomerCor, IMEC & other organizations. Akrete articulates and amplifies thought leadership in the commercial real estate, finance, professional services and cannabis industries. Our senior teams deliver outstanding value via marketing, PR and content writing services.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
John Quincy Adams (one of my favorite family tree members) said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Hairdressing game is strong, thanks to 10+ years as an ice- skating mom. I’m a feminist—but I never undervalue the power of sequins and hairspray!
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
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Julie Savitt
11 N Skokie Hwy, 207 Lake Bluff, IL 60044 P: 847.838.9501 j.savitt@ams-es.net Julie Savitt is an industry leader in construction. She works tirelessly to promote small, diverse businesses and has been recognized nationally for her environmental and civic contributions. Julie can spot talents and strengths in people and help them develop to be their best and then share their abilities with others.
AMS Elite Solutions, Inc is a Midwest leader in semi dump, flatbed and lowboy hauling as well as a supplier of aggregate. AMS is an industry influencer and business resource, providing safe, expert, and efficient solutions.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
My favorite sayings came from my grandmother. They are -You can see a fly on another but you can’t see an elephant on your own and DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY!
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I am told I can take an every day occurrence and turn it into a well told story.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
You may find me enjoying my home in the country or hanging out with family and friends. I may be at a local venue listening to live music, or traveling.
You’ll find me hanging out with my adult children and other family members; practicing yoga; visiting vegan health retreats; and traveling the world whenever I can.
AREA Real Estate Advisors
AREA Real Estate Advisors
Office Broker
Valerie McCracken Office Broker
4800 Main Street, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO, 64112 P: 816.895.4800 info@openarea.com
4800 Main Street, Suite 400 Kansas City, MO, 64112 P: 816.895.4800 info@openarea.com
Mary Crowe joined AREA as an associate with the office team in August of 2016 after spending two summers interning with the firm. Mary quickly became a significant producer at AREA due to her long-established relationships within the community as well as her analytical prowess. Managing the company’s most valuable relationships is her greatest value-add to AREA. Her communication and reporting skills combined with her analytical abilities makes her a valuable advisor to AREA’ s most demanding clients.
Valerie joined AREA Real Estate Advisors in 2020 to focus on the niche market of healthcare office space in and around the Kansas City metro area. After 14 years as a Registered Dental Hygienist, her working knowledge of how these spaces should flow helps her clients find precisely what they need. Her ties to the dentists/doctors, practice brokers and sales reps in the area affords her clients an inside advantage when looking to buy, sell, lease or renew their contracts. In her first year, Valerie successfully negotiated and closed deals all around the Kansas City Metro, including: Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Independence, Overland Park, Leawood, Claycomo, Westwood, Parkville, North KC, River Market, Ottawa, Topeka and Manhattan.
Mary Crowe
AREA Real Estate Advisors is a full-suite commercial real estate firm specializing in office, retail, industrial, multi-family, property management and project management services. AREA is the hometown team that plays in the big leagues. Our size and scope allow us to be nimble and apply a team-driven approach while providing best-in-class service.
AREA Real Estate Advisors is a full-suite commercial real estate firm specializing in office, retail, industrial, multi-family, property management and project management services. AREA is the hometown team that plays in the big leagues. Our size and scope allow us to be nimble and apply a team-driven approach while providing best-in-class service.
AREA Real Estate Advisors
AREA Real Estate Advisors
Vice President
Rachel West Retail Broker
4800 Main Street, Suite 400, Kansas City, MO, 64112 P: 816.895.4800 info@openarea.com
4800 Main Street, Suite 400 Kansas City, MO, 64112 P: 816.895.4800 info@openarea.com
Tiffany Ruzicka is a leading member of the AREA Real Estate Advisors team focusing on the sale and leasing of retail properties, tenant representation and entertainment concepts. Tiffany has gained significant credibility through her keen business insight, lasting relationships and competitive drive. Her retail clients range from nationally expanding tenants to local start-up businesses. Understanding both the tenant side and the landlord side, her experience runs deep. She has handled large and small shopping centers, ground-up development, historic buildings, neighborhood centers, and destination and lifestyle centers.
Rachel joined AREA Real Estate Advisors as an associate of the retail team in 2019. Rachel specializes in landlord and tenant representation and site selection. As a lifelong resident of Kansas City, Rachel’s focus is building lasting relationships with clients, and making a positive impact on the retail scene that she grew up around.
Tiffany Ruzicka
AREA Real Estate Advisors is a full-suite commercial real estate firm specializing in office, retail, industrial, multi-family, property management and project management services. AREA is the hometown team that plays in the big leagues. Our size and scope allow us to be nimble and apply a team-driven approach while providing best-in-class service.
AREA Real Estate Advisors is a full-suite commercial real estate firm specializing in office, retail, industrial, multi-family, property management and project management services. AREA is the hometown team that plays in the big leagues. Our size and scope allow us to be nimble and apply a team-driven approach while providing best-in-class service.
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2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Ashley Capital
Bamboo Equity Partners
Industrial Property Manager
Principal, Managing Director
Sharane Funk, CPM, RPA
Alice C. Benner
2575 S. Haggerty Rd., Suite 500 Canton, MI 48188 P: 734.394.1900 sfunk@ashleycapital.com ashleycapital.com
11701 Borman Drive, 2nd Floor, Maryland Heights, Missouri 63146 P: 314.744.8998 abenner@bambooequity.com Alice Benner, Principal and Managing Director of Bamboo Equity Partners, is responsible for overseeing all new equity and real estate investments as well as strategic asset management of the existing portfolio of properties. Her more than fifteen years of experience started at Colliers Turley Martin, Tucker where she managed a commercial real estate portfolio located across, the Saint Louis metro area. From there, she became a financial analyst at TriStar Properties overseeing new acquisitions and presenting strategic development recommendations to the investment committee. Most recently, Alice was an advisor to high net worth families with Alvery Bartlett Group, helping identify investment opportunities in hard asset classes such as real estate, energy and natural resource portfolios.
Sharane has worked as an industrial property manager for over 20 years with Ashley Capital. She manages approximately 10 million SF of their metro Detroit portfolio and holds her BA in Finance from the University of Akron as well as her CPM and RPA designations through IREM and BOMI respectively. Ashley Capital is among the largest privately-held real estate investment companies in the country. With approximately 25 million SF in its portfolio, Ashley provides innovative, flexible methods of enhancing real estate value.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Bamboo Equity Partners provide access to investment opportunities that ordinarily were only available to high net worth individual and institutional investors. Bamboo is a fully integrated real estate investment and advisory firm founded in 2012. We specialize in acquiring and repositioning undervalued and mismanaged U.S. real estate assets by utilizing our entrepreneurial and market valueadd strategies. We offer investors over four decades of experience in solving complex real estate challenges with proven innovative and flexible solutions.
I have a few: “Know your audience.” “Don’t keep score.” “Hope is NEVER a mistake. Love is NEVER wasted. Faith is NEVER unanswered.”
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
I have never met a stranger. I’ve been blessed with a talent to be able to talk with people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
On a golf course whenever possible. If not, a beach, reading, or spending time with family and friends.
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will always remember how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
I do a mean load of laundry. It is a secret obsession with clean clothing that is neatly folded and put away just right.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
I am usually outside with my two young boys at the park, working in my garden or taking a walk around my neighborhood. I have always been a serial real estate stalker, so when the weather isn’t ideal, I drive around to see new commercial developments and homes that went on the market.
Bankers Trust
Brinkmann Constructors
Vice President/Manager Commercial Real Estate
Senior Director of Client Development & Marketing
Rebecca Randolph
Jennifer Cooper
16650 Chesterfield Grove Road | Suite 100 Chesterfield, MO 63005 P: 636.537.9700 rrandolph@brinkmannconstructors.com www.brinkmannconstructors.com
453 7th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309 P: 515.245.2401 JCooper@BankersTrust.com Jeni has been active in commercial real estate for 30+ years. She joined Bankers Trust in 2004 after 14 years with Wells Fargo, managing commercial real estate and construction lending, community reinvestment, and portfolio auditing. Jeni has an emphasis in commercial lending for LIHTC and multifamily, historic rehab, retail, office, industrial, and land development. Bankers Trust is the largest privately held commercial bank in Iowa with $5.8 billion in total assets serving small- and mid-sized businesses through locations in Central and Eastern Iowa, Omaha, NE, and Phoenix, AZ. The Commercial Real Estate Division manages over a $900 million investor/developer loan portfolio and provides support for owner-occupied and specialty property financing.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
My favorite quote is, “Expectation is the root of all heartache,” from William Shakespeare. Finance is a science, but to me, successful client relationships are all about managing expectations and deliverables.
Rebecca Randolph is the Senior Director of Client Development & Marketing at Brinkmann Constructors, a national general contractor specializing in industrial, senior living, student housing and more. She is responsible for aligning strategic priorities with new project opportunities, growing and expanding relationships and working with other senior leaders to develop markets that align with company growth. Brinkmann Constructors is an employee-owned, creative leader in the construction industry. We advocate for clients through straight talk, unwavering integrity and smart solutions that drive down costs, save time and deliver value.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
“The biggest risk in life is taking no risk at all.”
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
I’m the daughter of a mortician and grew up in a funeral home.
By age 2, my father taught my twin sister and me to recite Hamlet’s soliloquy, “To be, or not to be, that is the question” and had us perform for guests at parties. Maybe that explains my favorite quote being Shakespeare? Reading, walking my dog, golfing or lounging on our boat at Lake of the Ozarks.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Running or biking on the Katy Trail.
Buckingham Companies
Byline Bank
Vice President, Production Operations and Design
Sarah Hunter Vice President
941 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN, 46204 P: 317.554.6640 Justine.massonnier@buckingham.com
180 N LaSalle Chicago, IL, 60601 P: 847.256.9531 shunter@bylinebank.com
Justine holds the responsibility for overall execution of Buckingham’s new construction projects from inception to completion and strategic consideration for future product development. Justine brings over 15 years of international experience in real estate development and project management in Germany, France and in the USA. Justine is a licensed architect, a member of the ULI Indiana District Council Management Committee and mentor for the NAIOP University Challenge.
Sarah is a commercial real estate lender for Byline Bank. Her target clients include developers and owners investing in multi-family, medical office, and industrial/ warehouse for bridge, construction, value-add, and permanent financing. Sarah has been with Byline for two years after a 10 year career with the former MB Financial Bank. Sarah is also an active member in NAIOP, serving as NAIOP’s Developing Leaders Board President in 2021. Sarah graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in Business Administration.
Justine Massonnier
Founded in 1984, Buckingham Companies is a fully integrated real estate firm specializing in the development, acquisition, management and construction of multifamily, mixed-use, commercial and hospitality projects across the United States.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Headquartered in Chicago, Byline Bank is a full service commercial bank serving small- and medium-sized businesses, financial sponsors, and consumers. Byline Bank has approximately $6.7 billion in assets and operates more than 40 full service branch locations throughout the Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan areas. Byline Bank offers a broad range of commercial and retail banking products and services including small ticket equipment leasing solutions and is one of the top five Small Business Administration lenders in the United States.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Less is more – Mies Van Der Rohe
With a passion for design, Justine enjoys renovating homes, building a personal art collection and creating her own pieces.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working
When Justine is not at work, she enjoys traveling, learning, and visiting her family in France.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters traveling, playing sports, swimming and visiting our family farm. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
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Midwest Real Estate News
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Caton Commercial Real Estate Group
Caton Commercial Real Estate Group
Partner, Senior Vice President - Retail
Amy J. Hall, CRRP, CRX, CLS, SLD Chief Operating Officer
1296 Rickert Dr, Suite 200, Naperville, Illinois, 60540 P: 815.436.5700 Christina@CatonCommercial.com
1296 Rickert Dr., Suite 200, Naperville, IL, 60540 P: 815.436.5700 Amy@CatonCommercial.com
Christina has over 14 years of experience in commercial real estate focusing on retail leasing, investment sales, and groundup mixed-use property development. With her experience representing both landlords and tenants she understands the deal points on both sides of the table and can bring parties together in a transaction.
Since 1997, Amy has enjoyed a fruitful career in the commercial real estate industry, involved in both ground up development of master planned communities, enclosed regional shopping centers and established retail shopping centers. As Caton Commercial’s COO Amy oversees the day to day operations and growth of Caton.
Christina Caton Kitchel
Caton Commercial Real Estate Group is a family founded regional commercial brokerage and property management firm with offices in Naperville, Aurora, and Chicago. Representing the interests of landlords, tenants, investors and property owners.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
As President of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, Christina can often be found at ribbon cuttings welcoming new member businesses to the community or busy shuttling around her three kids.
Caton Commercial Real Estate Group is a family founded regional commercial real estate firm. Caton represents the interests of landlords, tenants, investors and property owners throughout the city and suburbs.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“It is not enough to be busy - The question is: What are we busy about” -Henry David Thoreau
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
I am a published poetess, hobby artist and photographer, and have sang first soprano in chancel choirs my entire life.
Caton Property Management
Clayco
Managing Director
Executive Vice President, General Counsel
Barbara Montes, CPM, CAPS
Carmen Hernandez
1296 Rickert Dr, Suite 200, Naperville, IL, 60540 P: 815.436.5700 Barbara@CatonCommercial.com
35 E. Wacker Drive, #1300 Chicago, IL 60601 P: 312.229.6424 HernandezC@claycorp.com www.claycorp.com
Barbara oversees the property management operations; providing guidance to staff, due diligence, training, assessment of operations, assisting with property performance evaluation, repositioning properties, creating standard operating procedures, budget preparation, market studies, and providing consulting services to clients.
Carmen has nearly 30 years of experience practicing law, representing clients in commercial real estate, corporate and financial litigation matters. She routinely leads representation of Clayco and its affiliates in the preparation of complex design-build and construction management agreements as well as in corporate, employment, and litigation matters.
Caton Property Management strives to maximize the value of every client’s property, managing each property from an owner’s perspective and always keeping the owner’s best interest and investment goals in mind.
Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
To every problem there is a solution; you just have to think outside the box.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Love to work on puzzles with breathtaking sceneries.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Motorcycle enthusiast with more than 28,000 miles on my 2003 Harley (Softail Heritage Classic) in addition to various motorcycle trips in Europe.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: I enjoy gardening and skiing whenever possible..
Clayco
Clayco
Senior Project Manager
Sandra Marks
Senior Vice President
35 E. Wacker Drive, #1300 Chicago, IL 60601 P: 312.994.1580 KolinS@claycorp.com www.claycorp.com
35 E. Wacker Drive, #1300 Chicago, IL 60601 P: 314.595.6330 markssa@claycorp.com www.claycorp.com
Sally is a Senior MEP Project Manager at Clayco with more than 30 years of industry experience. She is responsible for safety, contract management, quality and coordination of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing subcontractors.
Sandra is responsible for addressing external areas of outreach, aligning community resources, and coordinating minority and women-owned business and mentoring opportunities. She has over30 years of experience in the industry.
Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations.
Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations.
Sally Kolin
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained!!!” Benjamin Franklin
“What you treasure, you measure.”
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
I am passionate about furniture painting.
Singing.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Spending invaluable time with my family listening to music, enjoying good food and laughing!
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2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
AMS Elite Solutions’ Julie Savitt: Don’t treat me as a ‘he’ or ‘she.’ Just treat me as a professional
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By Dan Rafter, Editor
unning your own business and raising three children at the same time? That’s tough. Doing it as a single mother? That adds even more challenges. And doing it in an industry still dominated by men? That’s yet one more hurdle. But that’s what Julie Savitt has done. Savitt is president and owner of AMS Elite Solutions, a construction hauler based in Lake Villa, Illinois. It’s a role she’s held since 2004, when she founded AMS with her former partner. And it’s a role she took on alone when four years later, that partner suddenly had to leave the United States. Savitt faced a new set of challenges, then, in 2008. She was determined to not let AMS die. But she uncovered debts that the business faced, debts she didn’t know existed. At the same time, the strain of raising a family on her own pulled at her time. Savitt, though, didn’t give up. Instead, she took classes at Cycle-of-Success Institute, a Chicago-based program that teaches entrepreneurs how to boost the profits and success rate of their businesses. She applied for and earned a spot in a seven-month executive training program offered through the e200 Emerging Leaders program of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Left: Julie Savitt at the controls. Right: Savitt poses with some of AMS Elite Solutions’ equipment.
“Excitement is seeing small businesses succeed. It’s exciting to see women get the opportunity to work on jobs in this industry.”
But most of all, Savitt worked. Hard. And today? AMS has grown from one truck when it first opened to 12 trucks. The size of the jobs that AMS takes on has grown, too. An example? Savitt says that AMS recently landed a five-year project of $11 million to $13 million. This success is satisfying. But Savitt says that the best part of her job is helping to bring other women into a field that, despite progress, is mostly a male-dominated one. “There is still discrimination against women and minorities every day,” Savitt said. “But it has gotten better. When I first encountered it, it hurt. I wondered why I was even trying to work in this field.
But then I got involved in business and legislative organizations. I saw changes being made. I saw that by being involved in these organizations, I could make a difference. That became my mission in life. I knew that I could help make an impact for women and minorities in this industry.” This is why Savitt spends so much of her time serving as a mentor to women and minorities, helping them make their own inroads in commercial real estate and construction. Seeing her fellow women succeed has become a passion for Savitt. “It’s not the everyday running of the business that is exciting to me,” Savitt said. “Excitement is seeing small busi-
nesses succeed. It’s exciting to see women get the opportunity to work on jobs in this industry that they might in the past not have had the chance to participate in. The mentality once was that everyone in this industry expected to see a white male on the jobs or in the field. I saw that and decided to try to make a difference. It’s about opening this industry to everyone.” An early inspiration Savitt was exposed to commercial real estate early in life. Her grandfather, Maury Young, was a developer who worked in Chicago. Savitt said that Young’s dream was to connect the China-
town neighborhood with the rest of Chicago. Young helped do this by building parking lots, taking down buildings that weren’t up to code and working with famed advocate for the poor, Jane Addams, to build affordable places for Chicagoans to live. Savitt refers to her grandfather as a visionary. But Savitt didn’t go into the commercial hauling business because of him. Before taking over AMS, she worked in the education and healthcare fields. Savitt’s former husband, though, wanted to work as a truck driver. After he accomplished this goal, Savitt began working in the industry almost by default, she said. It was a struggle at first for Savitt’s ex-husband to land trucking jobs. Savitt saw that her former husband was discriminated against because he was Hispanic. Savitt advised him to cut his hair shorter and shave off his moustache to look less “ethnic.” “It was day and night after that,” Savitt said. “People didn’t recognize him. He started getting jobs. That partly inspired my mission to help make the construc-
tion industry a more even playing field. I said to myself, ‘If I am going to be in this business, something good has to come from it.’”
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There are more women in commercial real estate and construction today. But Savitt said that both industries still remain mostly dominated by men. Empowering women Savitt is taking steps to bring more women into the business. She works closely with officials at organizations such as the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Tollway, City of Chicago and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, recommending women-owned businesses to them and sharing projects from these agencies with her fellow female industry professionals. Savitt also mentors younger women trying to enter the business, often helping them through the process of earning their certifications. When she hires women at her firm, she makes sure they earn a fair wage. Savitt stepping into one of her company’s vehicles.
“I am seeing a generational change happening,” Savitt said. “More women are coming to the table. It’s about education. It’s about empowerment.” Savitt points to a woman on one of AMS’ recent jobs who drives a massive 18-wheeler. Women, Savitt said, need to see professionals like this to understand the opportunities that are available to them in commercial real estate and construction.
“I am seeing a generational change happening,” Savitt said. “More women are coming to the table. It’s about education. It’s about empowerment.”
“I should have taken a picture of her and asked her permission to post it on Facebook,” Savitt said. “I want women to get empowered by this amazing person driving 70,000 pounds down the street. What does that story tell other women? That they can do anything.”
with the business. She worked in her father’s shop on Saturdays regularly, something she started when she was 9.
Savitt also participates in industry panels and is a willing interview subject for industry trade publications. This, too, is important in inspiring other women to join the industry.
Later, Savitt’s father accompanied Savitt to an awards ceremony in Florida for women who ran successful businesses. He saw then just how much Savitt had accomplished with AMS Elite Solutions.
“We have to tell our stories,” Savitt said. “We have to tell women that they can do anything.”
“He cried when he told me how he never realized how much I had achieved,” Savitt said. “He was amazed at how much revenue the business was doing. He realized that every woman in that room was doing a spectacular job with their businesses. He said he felt bad that he never sought to embrace my talent for business. That is the mentality women have been up against. It has to change over time. It is inbred in how we were raised. It’s about empowering women and showing them by example what we can do.”
This is an important step in bringing more women into the business, Savitt said. She tells the story of her father who ran a shoe business. When he was ready to retire, he offered the business to Savitt’s brothers. He never asked Savitt, though, if she wanted to take over the enterprise. And it’s not as if Savitt wasn’t familiar
Gaining the confidence Savitt understands the hesitancy some women might have about entering commercial real estate. She understands because she experienced the comments and disrespect when she was starting in the business herself. “I never thought being a woman would impact my ability to be successful in my business,” Savitt said. “It was really surprising. I didn’t think people would be so disrespectful. I didn’t think they’d call me ‘sweetie,’ ‘honey’ or ‘babe.’” But they did. And Savitt worked through it. She steadily built her confidence as she gained more success in the industry. Confidence, though, was only one hurdle. Savitt had to make connections, too. As a shy person, networking didn’t
come naturally to Savitt. But Savitt worked on that. She made connections, which helped AMS pick up more work. And as more work came her way, Savitt’s confidence continued to rise. “As I gained confidence and experience and became established, I began to feel that I had a voice and that I needed to use it,” Savitt said. “When I felt that there was something that was unjust or not OK, I’d do my best to say something about it.” For instance, when male counterparts called her “sweetie,” Savitt responded by saying that she was already someone else’s sweetie. She’d instead ask these men to call her “Julie.” “I had to figure it out,” Savitt said. “I never wanted to burn bridges in this business. I had to find my voice. People had to learn who I was. That got me the respect. And once I had the respect, that gave me the confidence to make sure that people treated me as a professional. I didn’t want to be treated as a ‘he’ or a ‘she,’ just as a professional.”
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2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Clayco
Colliers | Greater Cincinnati & Dayton
Senior Vice President, Public-Private Initiatives
Brokerage Senior Vice President
Mary Person
35 E. Wacker Drive, #1300 Chicago, IL 60601 P: 773.606.7888 PersonM@claycorp.com www.claycorp.com Mary is responsible for establishing public-private market expansion opportunities across the Clayco enterprise, as well as leading programmatic efforts to promote and increase diversity, equity and inclusion on Clayco projects. Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Learn to sit back and observe. Not everything needs a reaction.” Or “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And with all thy getting get understanding.” -Proverbs 4:7
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I am passionate about helping to develop our youth
Erin Casey
425 Walnut Street, suite 1200, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202 P: 513.562.2225 erin.casey@colliers.com 15 years ago Erin left a successful career that she loved as an Environmental Consultant. Erin left because she listened to what her clients saw in her, that her business sense and natural competitiveness coupled with her genuine passion for helping people was “made for commercial real estate.” Colliers is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 67 countries, our more than 15,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert advice to real estate occupiers, owners and investors.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” Eleanor Roosevelt
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Erin enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, reading, hiking, and attending concerts and sporting events.
and exposing them to new things.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
When I am not a work you can find me either watching my daughter Madison and her friends play volleyball or watching our favorite college volleyball team play.
Colliers | Greater Cincinnati & Dayton
Colliers | Greater Cincinnati & Dayton
Brokerage Senior Vice President
Sloane Nichols
Brokerage Senior Vice President
425 Walnut Street, suite 1200, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202 P: 513.562.2238 elaine.gillespie@colliers.com
425 Walnut Street, suite 1200, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202 P: 513.562.2239 sloane.nichols@colliers.com
Elaine launched her career in commercial real estate on a curious and optimistic whim, 20 years later it is still one of the best decisions she has ever made. She loves the changing day-to-day ingredients in her broker recipe for success.
Sloane has dedicated over 20 years to the industry, conditioning her professional focus in both Office and Health Care Services, where she has been able to implement and evolve her love and talent for both relationship building and tactical sales.
Elaine Gillespie
Colliers is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 67 countries, our more than 15,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert advice to real estate occupiers, owners and investors.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Success is a journey, not a destination” -- Arthur Ashe
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Elaine is known to play a mean game of ping pong.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Elaine loves to travel, hike, play the piano and any racquet sports.
Colliers is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 67 countries, our more than 15,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert advice to real estate occupiers, owners and investors.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. Harriet Beecher Stowe
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Sloane is great at knitting and making creative cakes for her friends and family.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
You can find Sloane taking walks in nature, finding a quiet place to read and traveling.
Colliers | Greater Cincinnati & Dayton
Colliers International
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Fabi Miller Vice President
425 Walnut Street, suite 1200, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202 P: 513.562.2213 catherine.williams@colliers.com
200 Public Square, Suite 1200, Cleveland, OH, 44114 P: 216.239.5130 fabi.miller@colliers.com
Catherine has overall responsibility for the marketing and brokerage support teams. She oversees the strategic direction of marketing and public relation for all service lines delivery and corporate efforts. She does not only lead the development of the overall marketing strategy for the firm but also the execution of it.
Fabi is a Vice President with Colliers International with 15 years in the commercial real estate industry with a multidisciplinary background and extensive knowledge in real estate development, leasing, and landlord and tenant representation, sales and property management. During her years in real estate, she has travelled extensively and has handled assignments throughout several estates in the Midwest, and Upstate New York. She specializes in retail and hospitality leasing of mixed-use lifestyle projects in urban, suburban and university campuses, as well as tenant representation of national, regional, and local accounts. Fabi is a native of Brazil and fluent in 3 languages.
Catherine Williams
Colliers is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 67 countries, our more than 15,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert advice to real estate occupiers, owners and investors.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying? Live your life for significance, not for success.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
You can find Catherine traveling, attending concerts and searching out new restaurants.
Colliers (NASDAQ, TSX: CIGI) is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 67 countries, our more than 15,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert advice to real estate occupiers, owners and investors. For more than 25 years, our experienced leadership with significant insider ownership has delivered compound annual investment returns of almost 20% for shareholders. With annualized revenues of $3.0 billion ($3.3 billion including affiliates) and $40 billion of assets under management, we maximize the potential of property and accelerate the success of our clients and our people. Learn more at corporate.colliers.com, Twitter @ Colliers or LinkedIn.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, Live the life you’ve imagined. Henry David Thoreau
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: I enjoy cooking for my family and friends and cycling through our amazing Metroparks.
2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
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Midwest Real Estate News
Colliers International
Colliers International
First Vice President
Senior Associate
Lauren White
Cyndie O’Bryon, SIOR 200 Public Square Suite 1200, Cleveland, OH, 44114 P: 216.239.5074 cyndie.obryon@colliers.com
200 Public Square, Suite 1200, Cleveland, OH, 44114 P: 216.239.5120 lauren.white@colliers.com
Cyndie is a first vice president at Colliers Cleveland, specializing in office leasing. She works with both tenants and landlords in the northeast Ohio market as well as national representation. Known for her responsiveness, client-centered approach and deep industry knowledge, Cyndie is a tireless advocate for those she represents.
Lauren has ten years of experience in commercial real estate, working in property management, real estate development, and most recently Colliers as a member of Cleveland’s retail practice group. She specializes in landlord and tenant representation, handling many assignments throughout Northeast Ohio. Lauren’s favorite thing about her job is how many different people she gets to work with and the array of projects she is a part of every single day. Lauren maintains a consistent record of success in the Cleveland market and has received several awards for her achievements, including the Colliers Cleveland Rookie of the Year Award and the CoStar Power Broker Award in 2019 and 2020.
Colliers (NASDAQ, TSX: CIGI) is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 67 countries, our more than 15,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert advice to real estate occupiers, owners and investors. For more than 25 years, our experienced leadership with significant insider ownership has delivered compound annual investment returns of almost 20% for shareholders. With annualized revenues of $3.0 billion ($3.3 billion including affiliates) and $40 billion of assets under management, we maximize the potential of property and accelerate the success of our clients and our people. Learn more at corporate.colliers.com, Twitter @ Colliers or LinkedIn.
Colliers (NASDAQ, TSX: CIGI) is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 67 countries, our more than 15,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert advice to real estate occupiers, owners and investors. For more than 25 years, our experienced leadership with significant insider ownership has delivered compound annual investment returns of almost 20% for shareholders. With annualized revenues of $3.0 billion ($3.3 billion including affiliates) and $40 billion of assets under management, we maximize the potential of property and accelerate the success of our clients and our people. Learn more at corporate.colliers.com, Twitter @Colliers or LinkedIn.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it” - Maya Angelou
If you work hard enough long enough, eventually you’ll get lucky.
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Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Baking!
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Spending time with her husband and son, taking long walks outdoors, enjoying family and friends, cooking and baking.
Colliers International
Conor Commercial Real Estate
Senior Vice President
Vice President of Capital Transactions
Katie Watts
200 Public Square, Suite 1200, Cleveland, OH, 44114 P: 216.239.5061 katie.watts@colliers.com Katie specializes in tenant and buyer representation, and is a proud member of the national Tenant Advisory Council within the Colliers Occupier Services Group. Katie is a distinguished top producer in the Cleveland market and has received numerous awards for her professional accomplishments, including Crain’s Forty Under 40, and Notable Women in Real Estate. Colliers (NASDAQ, TSX: CIGI) is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 67 countries, our more than 15,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert advice to real estate occupiers, owners and investors. For more than 25 years, our experienced leadership with significant insider ownership has delivered compound annual investment returns of almost 20% for shareholders. With annualized revenues of $3.0 billion ($3.3 billion including affiliates) and $40 billion of assets under management, we maximize the potential of property and accelerate the success of our clients and our people. Learn more at corporate.colliers.com, Twitter @ Colliers or LinkedIn.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Vicki Mutchler
9500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 200 Rosemont, IL 60018 P: 847.692.8831 | F: 847.292.4313 vmutchler@conor.com www.conor.com Vicki offers 15 years of experience managing land acquisition, development and financing within the commercial and residential RE industries. Vicki’s attributes include a strong financial background with extensive experience in cash flow modeling, valuation work, acquisitions, development and project financing. She manages all of Conor’s lending and equity partner relationships. Conor Commercial develops, repositions, acquires, constructs, consults and provides management resources. We specialize in the core commercial markets such as industrial and office while orchestrating the continued success of the firm’s multi-family market interests.
“The most effective way to do it, is to do it” Amelia Earhart
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Enjoying Cleveland’s amazing arts, entertainment and restaurant scene, playing tennis, supporting nonprofits, and planning my next international trip.
Conor Commercial Real Estate
Cornerstone Companies, Inc.
Vice President of Capital Transactions
Gretchen Mensch, CPM
9500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 200 Rosemont, IL 60018 P: 847.692.8857 | F: 847.292.4310 jprotas@conor.com www.conor.com
Chief Operating Officer and EVP, Property Management
8902 N Meridian St, Suite 205 Indianapolis, IN, 46260 P: 317.841.9900 gmensch@cornerstonecompaniesinc.com
Janet Protas
As Senior Vice President – Multi-Family, Janet is responsible for overseeing multi-family efforts and growing Conor’s development portfolio. Conor Commercial develops, repositions, acquires, constructs, consults and provides management resources. We specialize in the core commercial markets such as industrial and office while orchestrating the continued success of the firm’s multi-family market interests.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
When faced with a tough choice or a difficult decision, my mother used to always say to me “You have to be able to look yourself in the mirror”. I still think of her words today - it is my barometer for decision making.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I am an avid baker and won the Chicago Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest a while back.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Walking along the lakefront or Millennium Park or exploring neighborhoods that I haven’t been to before.
As COO and EVP, Gretchen leads Cornerstone’s property management division and company operations. She has been instrumental in developing processes, procedures and operations which have enabled the company to grow rapidly and manage for institutional owners across the country. Gretchen views Cornerstone’s healthcare-specific focus as the company’s greatest strength. Cornerstone, a leading, fully-integrated healthcare real estate firm, helps physicians, hospitals and third-party owners develop, build, lease, manage and optimize healthcare real estate while enhancing the patient and provider experience.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
There is no substitute for working hard and doing the right thing. Success will follow you down that path. Also, handle all situations with grace and honesty.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three daughters. We enjoy movie nights as well as attending the girls’ activities volleyball and dance.
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2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
CRG
CRG
Vice President of Real Estate and Community Development
Senior Design Associate
Ciere Boatright
Alba Colavitti
35 E. Wacker Drive, #1300 Chicago, IL 60601 P: 312.884.8009 ColavittiA@realcrg.com www.RealCRG.com
35 E. Wacker Drive, #1300 Chicago, IL 60601 P: 312.239.1573 BoatrightC@realcrg.com www.RealCRG.com
Ciere helps oversee planning and development of CRG’s high-impact real estate projects, including securing land entitlements and public and private financing, negotiating terms of agreements with government, working closely and engaging with community organizations, developing feasibility studies, and contributing to the full scope of CRG’s real estate development efforts. She works closely with the Chicago Business Unit of CRG’s parent company, Clayco, to advance real estate and construction opportunities and oversee the successful execution of its high-profile pursuits. In collaboration with leadership teams, Ciere is developing a program to mentor and support aspiring commercial developers of color, as well as help establish and launch a national CRG Cares philanthropic program in the numerous markets where CRG is active. CRG is a national real estate development firm that has developed over 9,000 acres of land and delivered over 200 million square feet of assets exceeding $12 billion in value.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.” Maya Angelou
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I’m a mom of two—the ability to multitask is my superpower.
Alba is a Senior Design Associate with over 20 years of experience serving global and Fortune 1000 companies in the industrial and commercial markets. Involved in all phases of a project from design concept through construction, Alba’s projects span between 10,000and 1.3 million-square-feet, in the U.S. and Mexico.
exceeding $12 billion in value.
CRG is a national real estate development firm that has developed over 9,000 acres of land and delivered over 200 million square feet of assets
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
There is always a way!
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I wear something teal 98% of the time.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Spending time with my family or volunteering for a charitable cause.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Gardening in my backyard and spending time with my family.
CRG
CRG
Vice President & Senior Associate General Counsel
Hannah Kiem
Vice President of Development, Southwest Region
2199 Innerbelt Business Center Drive St. Louis, MO 63114 P: 314.592.5606 GroteS@realcrg.com www.RealCRG.com
2199 Innerbelt Business Center Drive St. Louis, MO 63114 P: 314.680.2125 KiemH@realcrg.com www.RealCRG.com
Stacey specializes in real estate development with an emphasis on incentivized development and is experienced in managing complex real estate and finance transactions from inception to completion.
Hannah is responsible for overseeing CRG’s Southwest pursuits. She administers teams for the region and helps lead the sourcing of new land and development opportunities.
CRG is a national real estate development firm that has developed over 9,000 acres of land and delivered over 200 million square feet of assets exceeding $12 billion in value.
CRG is a national real estate development firm that has developed over 9,000 acres of land and delivered over 200 million square feet of assets exceeding $12 billion in value.
Stacey Grote
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” —Abraham Lincoln
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Salsa dancing
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working. Running through Tower Grove Park
CRG
CRG
Senior Vice President & General Counsel
Josie Peacock
Director of Capital Markets
35 E. Wacker Drive, #1300 Chicago, IL 60601 P: 312.919.4575 NicholsJ@realcrg.com www.RealCRG.com
35 E. Wacker Drive, #1300 Chicago, IL 60601 P: 312.239.1580 PeacockJ@realcrg.com www.RealCRG.com
Jennifer Nichols
Jen leads the legal team at CRG and is responsible for overseeing all legal matters and initiatives. With more than 15 years of legal experience counseling corporate clients on all aspects of real estate, corporate, tax, and commercial matters, together with her business bacz faround, Jen brings a unique perspective to CRG. CRG is a national real estate development firm that has developed over 9,000 acres of land and delivered over 200 million square feet of assets exceeding $12 billion in value.
Josie Peacock is a Director of Capital Markets for CRG. Josie has eight years of commercial real estate experience in Chicago and New York and has been with CRG since 2018. As Director of Capital Markets, Josie oversees the capitalization, development, and disposition for CRG’s Industrial team. Josie has also been instrumental in the closing and operations of CRG’s first three investment funds: USLF I, CRG GP Fund I and USLF II.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
CRG is a national real estate development firm that has developed over 9,000 acres of land and delivered over 200 million square feet of assets exceeding $12 billion in value.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
“Life is either a great adventure or nothing.” —Helen Keller
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
I’m a super social person and also an excellent planner – to the point where I have helped my friends plan whole weddings, showers, etc. Bringing people together is what “sparks joy” for me.
Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. – Michael Jordan I have an amazing ability to capture professional caliber photos with an iPhone (even before iPhones came with amazing cameras). I also make an amazing poke bowl from scratch! Riding my peloton, cooking an adventurous meal, reading a great book, or hanging out with family and friends.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Probably at one of the aforementioned social events!
The Industry’s Premier Business Networking Event
SEPT. 21-23, 2022 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS The CREW Network Convention brings together more than 1,200 commercial real estate leaders annually for deal making, business networking, industry education and leadership development. If you are looking to expand your business network and learn about the latest trends, technologies and innovative projects in our industry, this event is for you.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION CREWNETWORK.ORG
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2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Crossroads Real Estate Partners dba Crossroads Partners
Curry Real Estate Services
Sr. VP of Real Estate Brokerage & Development
2700 NE Kendallwood Parkway, Kansas City, MO, 64119 P: 816.414.5200 etodd@curryre.com
Ellen Todd
Christine Simek
President & CEO
4201 Lake Cook Road, Suite 100, Northbrook, IL, 60062 P: 847.239.7512 christine@xr-partners.com
Christine has been in Commercial Real Estate for over 15 years, and passionately fulfills various roles and responsibilities. Her experience includes Leasing Medical Office, General Office, Retail, and Industrial Real Estate, as well as managing several properties that she has listed for Lease and for Sale. She has vast experience in contract negotiations, overseeing tenant buildouts and space design. In addition to managing the daily operations, she specializes in canvasing the surrounding properties and the marketing of the properties she manages and leases. As a Tenant representative for new Leases or Lease Renewals as well as a Building Owner representative, her leadership style enables her to impact the lives of those she serves. Christine has represented clients in the purchase of commercial, medical and retail properties. Crossroads Partners is a boutique Real Estate firm specializing in Property Management and Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Services.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
You are the director and producer of your own LIFE!
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I love to Hula Hoop.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
For fun I enjoy attending art festivals and all outdoor sporting events. For relaxation I take long walks around the pond and seek out a quiet spot to meditate. I also love listening to all genres of music.
Ellen Todd is president and CEO of Curry Real Estate Services, responsible for strategic planning, business development and day-today oversight. With more than 30 years’ experience in the company and industry, Ellen has guided Curry to be one of the top real estate companies in the area. Curry Real Estate Services, a full-service real estate company, manages, leases, sells and provides consulting services for commercial and multifamily properties, treating clients’ assets as if they are our own since 1924.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“I’ll sleep when I am dead.” ~ Warren Zevon
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
I enjoy sourcing and creating gifts of appreciation. I am surrounded by so many dedicated, talented, hard working people there is never a lack for a reason to say thank you. It satisfies my need to be creative in a wholly different way and it is gratifying to pull something together that does our best to say, you’re the best, thank you!
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: I love to read and I am most relaxed around water.
Duncan Commercial Real Estate, LLC/ CORFAC International
District Capital
Crystal Kalinowski
Anne Marchal
Managing Director
Senior Vice President Property Management
42 Watson Street Detroit, MI, 48201 13132419200 Sue@DcapDetroit.com Crystal Kalinowski is Managing Director of District Capital and District Servicing, a mortgage banking and servicing firm based in Detroit. She enjoys every aspect of the loan closing process from origination to pay off. In addition to overseeing the closing and servicing operations, she is also an active member of CREW and the MBA. District Capital is a full-service mortgage banking firm in Detroit. District Capital will not only be placing commercial mortgage loans but also providing servicing through our numerous correspondent agreements with various life companies and CMBS lenders.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“To succeed, planning alone is insufficient. One must improvise as well.” - Isaac Asimov
150 Thierman Lane, Louisville, KY, 40207 P: 502.292.5464 amarchal@duncancre.com One of Anne’s primary roles at Duncan is leading and expanding the Property Management portfolio. Her broad scope of experience provides her clients with excellent service whether it is leasing or selling their properties. Anne joined Duncan Commercial Real Estate in 2011. She has twenty years of experience in both commercial and residential property management. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, Anne moved to Boca Raton, Florida where she started her career in real estate. She worked for Trammell Crow and The Altman Company, leasing and managing apartment communities for both established and new construction projects.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Painting...landscapes, portraiture, or abstracts.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I have the ability to mesh well with a variety of personality types.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: In my backyard pub, playing my bass guitar.
Duncan Commercial Real Estate, LLC/ CORFAC International
F.C. Tucker Commercial
Senior Vice President Land Sales
7820 Eagle Crest Blvd, Suite 200 Evansville, IN, 47715 P: 812.455.0001 kristind@fctuckercommercial.com
Suzanne Cheek
150 Thierman Lane, Louisville, KY, 40207 P: 502.292.5464 scheek@duncancre.com Suzanne was named to Louisville Business First’s 2018 “20 People to Know in Real Estate” list. Cheek is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, Kentucky Commercial Real Estate Alliance and Commercial Real Estate Women. Suzanne joined Duncan Commercial Real Estate in February of 2019. She has been active in commercial real estate since 1987. She is experienced in both buyer and seller representation and has generated more than $100-million in land sales and acquisitions, primarily out-lot, big box retail, commercial, residential and multi-family.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: You can find me at the Lake House, just relaxing!
Kristin Dannheiser Commercial Broker
Kristin is an experienced broker with over 27 years in the Commercial Real Estate industry. Her specialties range from leasing and selling investment property to selling commercial land and business park developments. To better serve her clients across the Tri-state, Kristin holds Real Estate Licenses in both Indiana and Kentucky. F.C. Tucker Commercial is a full service commercial real estate firm with over 100 years of combined experience and industry knowledge in all aspects of the commercial market.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself !” Glenda the Good Witch, Wizard Of Oz
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Understanding and connecting with clients is a very important talent. Getting to really know people (interests, motivations, skills, family) leads to transactions that are generally more beneficial to everyone involved.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Tailgating at Purdue; exploring NYC; sitting on my favorite beach or flying off to find new adventures. If not traveling, you will find me volunteering where needed in my community.
2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
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Midwest Real Estate News
Gould & Ratner LLP
Gould & Ratner LLP
Managing Partner
Linsey N. Cohen
Chair, Real Estate Practice
222 N. LaSalle St., Ste 300 Chicago, IL 60601 P: 312.899.1664 | F: 312.236.3241 ablumenthal@gouldratner.com www.gouldratner.com
222 N. LaSalle St., Ste 300 Chicago, IL 60601 P: 312.899.1659 | F: 312.236.3241 lcohen@gouldratner.com www.gouldratner.com
Amy M. Blumenthal
Recognized by her peers and clients as a leader in commercial real estate, Amy Blumenthal has more than 35 years of experience in all areas of real estate, including office, retail, hotel, industrial and luxury residential properties, often concentrating on financing, acquisitions and sales, as well as real estate development and land use. Her clients, from a variety of industries such as manufacturing, hospitality, food and beverage, and publishing, value her ability to listen and understand their priorities and needs to best help them achieve their business goals. Amy currently serves on the inaugural Distinguished and Notable Advisory Board (“DNA)” of CREW Chicago, after serving as a Board member and President of CREW Chicago. She also serves on the board of directors of the Erie Family Health Foundation, supporting the provision of high-quality, affordable health care for lower-income Chicago residents. In addition to her firm leadership role as a Managing Partner, Amy is also the firm’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer. In this role, she oversees the D&I efforts for the firm, including providing operational leadership of all diversity and inclusion efforts and driving awareness, accountability and commitment. Amy was named an inaugural honoree for Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and Chicago Lawyer Magazine’s “Influential Women in Law Awards” for 2020. She also has been recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as a “Notable Woman Executive Over 50” for 2020 and 2019, and a “Chicago Notable Woman Lawyer” for 2020 and 2018. In January 2018, Amy was inducted into the Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame by Midwest Real Estate News. Gould & Ratner’s Real Estate Practice is national in scope and experience, supporting clients with interests in some of the most desirable, iconic and innovative properties in our hometown of Chicago and across the United States. The sophistication and business practicality of our full-service counsel matches the complexity of our clients’ projects and transactions. We represent property owners, developers, lenders, franchisees and investors in their acquisitions, dispositions, sales, financings, leasing and development of vacant land, office buildings, residential properties, and retail, commercial and industrial projects.
As chair of Gould & Ratner’s Real Estate Practice, Linsey Cohen draws upon more than 20 years of experience in all areas of real estate, including retail, office and multifamily. Her deal-making experience strikes the strategic balance between risk and executing her clients’ vision. Linsey represents developers, owners, investors, property managers and entrepreneurs with property interests in Chicago and throughout the United States. Linsey has an indefatigable business acumen that keeps good deals alive, even in the most complex negotiations. In handling sophisticated commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, financing and leasing transactions, Linsey advises an impressive roster of clients, including: One of the nation’s largest drugstore retailers, Philz Coffee, a discount supermarket chain and a Pennsylvania-based national media company and radio network. Linsey has been named a “GenX Leader in Law” by Crain’s Chicago Business for 2021. She has also been recognized previously as a “2020 Notable Woman in Law” by Crain’s Chicago Business and “2020 Real Estate Lawyer of the Year” by the Illinois Real Estate Journals. In February 2020, Linsey was inducted into the Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame by Midwest Real Estate News. Linsey is a member of the board of directors of ZCenter, a suburban Chicago-based nonprofit organization providing support to sexual abuse survivors. Gould & Ratner’s Real Estate Practice is national in scope and experience, supporting clients with interests in some of the most desirable, iconic and innovative properties in our hometown of Chicago and across the United States. The sophistication and business practicality of our full-service counsel matches the complexity of our clients’ projects and transactions. We represent property owners, developers, lenders, franchisees and investors in their acquisitions, dispositions, sales, financings, leasing and development of vacant land, office buildings, residential properties, and retail, commercial and industrial projects.
Gould & Ratner LLP
Gould & Ratner LLP
Of Counsel
Jessica G. Lingertat Managing Partner
222 N. LaSalle St., Ste 300 Chicago, IL 60601 P: 312.899.1683 | F: 312.236.3241 thibbard@gouldratner.com www.gouldratner.com
222 N. LaSalle St., Ste 300 Chicago, IL 60601 P: 312.899.1679 | F: 312.236.3241 jlingertat@gouldratner.com www.gouldratner.com
Tamara K. Hibbard
With more than 20 years of real estate law experience, Tamara Hibbard represents developers, landlords, tenants, buyers and sellers in virtually all aspects of real estate law. Specific experience includes: Facilitation of a retailer’s transition from a build-to-suit to self-development model for a new store roll-out, creation and improvement of an organization’s form transactional documents, process map and reporting dashboard and collaborating with other practices and departments to complete multiple site acquisitions. Acting as both in-house and outside counsel throughout her career, Tamara has a unique understanding of stakeholder interests in real estate transactions that allow her to anticipate issues and formulate alternatives for her clients that help transactions move forward quickly and effectively.. Gould & Ratner’s Real Estate Practice is national in scope and experience, supporting clients with interests in some of the most desirable, iconic and innovative properties in our hometown of Chicago and across the United States. The sophistication and business practicality of our full-service counsel matches the complexity of our clients’ projects and transactions. We represent property owners, developers, lenders, franchisees and investors in their acquisitions, dispositions, sales, financings, leasing and development of vacant land, office buildings, residential properties, and retail, commercial and industrial projects.
Jessica Lingertat steers financings and other transactions related to the construction, development and acquisition of offices, multifamily, hospitality and other large-scale properties. She concentrates on middle-market lender representation, typically loans ranging from $5 million to $40 million. Jessica’s recent matters include: transit-oriented development in connection with multifamily housing projects in Chicago, multiple industrial site acquisitions by national clients, complex construction financings ($15-20 million) and value-add loans and vertical subdivision projects. In addition, Jessica serves as local Chicago and Midwest real estate counsel to national clients seeking on-theground due diligence, local lender opinion work and project guidance. To address clients’ competitive pressures, Jessica creates an efficient deal environment for her lender clients, which include traditional banks and other lending institutions with significant real estate portfolios. Jessica has earned a reputation within Chicago’s commercial real estate community as a practical deal closer who “finds practical solutions rather than causes trouble,” as her clients say. Along the path to closing, Jessica secures the full range of protections for clients while preserving their important business relationships. In addition to her representation of real estate lenders, Jessica also advises and counsels investors, developers, operators, landlords and tenants. Her more than 20-year career includes significant experience in mortgage and construction loans, asset-based lending, operating lines of credit and other commercial loans, including those involving complex distressed assets. Jessica has been named a “Best Lawyer” for 2022 by U.S. News. She was also recognized as a “Notable Woman in Law” for 2020 and as a “Notable Gen X Leader in Law” for 2019 by Crain’s Chicago Business. In February 2019, Jessica was inducted into the Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame by Midwest Real Estate News. Gould & Ratner’s Real Estate Practice is national in scope and experience, supporting clients with interests in some of the most desirable, iconic and innovative properties in our hometown of Chicago and across the United States. The sophistication and business practicality of our full-service counsel matches the complexity of our clients’ projects and transactions. We represent property owners, developers, lenders, franchisees and investors in their acquisitions, dispositions, sales, financings, leasing and development of vacant land, office buildings, residential properties, and retail, commercial and industrial projects.
Gould & Ratner LLP
Inland Bank
Partner
Gia Tomaszewski Vice President
222 N. LaSalle St., Ste 300 Chicago, IL 60601 P: 312.899.1602 | F: 312.236.3241 kmeehan@gouldratner.com www.gouldratner.com
2805 Butterfield Road, Suite 200, Oak Brook, IL, 60523 P: 630.908.6551 gtomaszewski@inlandbank.com www.inlandbank.com
Karen Osiecki Meehan
Karen Meehan represents clients involved in a myriad of real estate activities and enjoys guiding them through the purchase and sale of low-rise apartment buildings, industrial buildings, mid-range and luxury residences (including co-ops), and vacation homes and properties. She has also worked with clients in matters arising after renovations, and represented clients purchasing vacant land for development. Karen frequently represents Habitat for Humanity in affordable housing focused, pro bono matters. In 2016, Karen was awarded Habitat for Humanity’s “Golden Hammer” in recognition of her extraordinary legal service to the organization and to its clients. Gould & Ratner’s Real Estate Practice is national in scope and experience, supporting clients with interests in some of the most desirable, iconic and innovative properties in our hometown of Chicago and across the United States. The sophistication and business practicality of our full-service counsel matches the complexity of our clients’ projects and transactions. We represent property owners, developers, lenders, franchisees and investors in their acquisitions, dispositions, sales, financings, leasing and development of vacant land, office buildings, residential properties, and retail, commercial and industrial projects.
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Gia Tomaszewski is Vice President, Commercial Real Estate with Inland Bank. She represents clients in commercial real estate purchase and refinance transactions across multiple asset classes, primarily industrial, multifamily and retail properties. Gia has been with Inland Bank for over 14 years and brings real estate expertise from her previous roles as a commercial real estate analyst, credit manager and loan portfolio manager. She has been recognized as a top performer in business development and prides herself on building strong, lasting relationships with her clients. Gia is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a BA in Business Administration. Inland Bank and Trust, a subsidiary of Inland Bancorp, Inc. has 11 locations throughout the Chicagoland area. Inland Bancorp, Inc. holds over $1.2 billion in bank assets.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
You can find me chasing my two boys...when I am not chasing loan opportunities!
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Midwest Real Estate News
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2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Interior Construction Group, Inc.
JLL
Vice President/ Project Executive
Jessica Mogilka
Executive Vice President
210 S. Clark St., Suite 1300 Chicago, IL 60603-4009 P: 312.224.3958 dhorsley@icgconstruction.com
801 Grand Ave. #330, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309 P: 515.419.2963 Jessica.Mogilka@am.jll.com
Denise Horsley serves as Vice President/Project Executive for Interior Construction Group, Inc. (ICG). As a member of the leadership team, Denise is responsible for strategic planning and the overall financial success of ICG. On projects, Denise serves as the primary team leader to ensure relationships, budgets and deadlines are built/maintained.
As an Executive Vice President for the Minneapolis Tenant Representation team, Jessica advises clients of all sizes, from single location offices to businesses with a global portfolio. Her expertise is aligning business strategy with real estate by supporting the full life cycle of real estate decisions.
With a focus on interior commercial/tenant development projects in the Chicago area for more than 30 years, ICG is a partner in your vision for general contracting and construction management needs.
JLL is a leading professional services firm that specializes in commercial real estate and investment management to shape the future of real estate for a better world.
Denise Horsley
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception -Ruth Bader Ginsburg
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” - Nelson Mandela
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Making effort to always put myself in someone else’s shoes in order to understand a situation from their perspective prior to discussing said situation.
Denise enjoys golfing with her husband, walking her dog Maizey, getting her hands dirty in flower beds, and trading funny TikToks with her daughter while having a nice glass of wine.
I have an offensively loud singing voice that only gets louder when the Christmas carols start.
In the garden, in the woods hiking, or on a plane/train/automobile leaving for an extended stay anywhere that sounds interesting.
JLL
JLL
Senior Associate
Meredith Young Senior Associate
801 Grand Ave. #330, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309 P: 515.419.2963 abi.Reiland@am.jll.com
801 Grand Ave. #330, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309 P: 515.419.2963 meredith.young@am.jll.com
As a Senior Associate for the Des Moines team, Abi works with clients on both the agency leasing and tenant representation side to analyze their real estate needs and
As a Senior Associate for the Des Moines team, Meredith works on both the agency leasing and tenant representation sides, evaluating her clients’ needs,
JLL is a leading professional services firm that specializes in commercial real estate and investment management to shape the future of real estate for a better world.
JLL is a leading professional services firm that specializes in commercial real estate
Abi Reiland
develop strategies that align real estate initiatives with overall business plans.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“The world needs strong women - women who will lift and build others, who will love and be loved, women who live bravely, both
developing strategic solutions for them and closing deals across a wide variety of retail properties.
and investment management to shape the future of real estate for a better world.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
tender and fierce, women of indomitable will.” - Amy Tenney
“Stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside.”
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
My kids say I make the world’s greatest mac-n-cheese (about the extent of my cooking talent), and as a former collegiate diver I have some solid poolside and trampoline tricks.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
I love traveling. Whether it’s snorkeling in the Caribbean, hiking in the mountains or attending concerts/sporting events, creating memories in new places is my favorite free-time activity!
I’ve been told I’m a pool shark.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
You can find me hanging out with my french bulldog, amazing nephew (and family) or shopping!
Kessinger Hunter
Kessinger Hunter
Senior Office Broker
Debbie Schulte, SIOR Principal, Office Brokerage
2600 Grand Blvd., Suite 700 Kansas City, MO 64108 P: 816.842.2690 | F: 816.421.5659 sgartin@kessingerhunter.com www.kessingerhunter.com
2600 Grand Blvd., Suite 700 Kansas City, MO 64108 P: 816.842.2690 | F: 816.421.5659 dschulte@kessingerhunter.com www.kessingerhunter.com
Thirty plus years of specializing in office leasing with an emphasis in landlord representation of institutional clients, Sharon handles nearly 1,000,000 SF of office space. As a recipient of many awards, Sharon understands the art of balancing her clients’ needs with multi-tasking all aspects of leasing, negotiating, and reporting.
Debbie is a 33-year office brokerage veteran and Principal at Kessinger Hunter. Debbie specializes in both Landlord and Tenant Representation in addition to sales transactions services. She is the past President and current marketing chair of the Western Missouri/Kansas City Chapter of SIOR.
Sharon Gartin, SIOR
Kessinger Hunter is a full-service commercial real estate company headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri providing development, management, and brokerage services. The firm was founded in 1879 and currently has over 200 associates. The firm manages nearly 26 MSF in 23 U.S. states and two European countries. In the last 40 years, KH has developed or acquired upwards of 14 MSF of properties and consistently ranks among the area’s largest commercial real estate companies.
Kessinger Hunter is a full-service commercial real estate company headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri providing development, management, and brokerage services. The firm was founded in 1879 and currently has over 200 associates. The firm manages nearly 26 MSF in 23 U.S. states and two European countries. In the last 40 years, KH has developed or acquired upwards of 14 MSF of properties and consistently ranks among the area’s largest commercial real estate companies.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Here’s to the crazy ones...the rebels, the troublemakers, the ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. You can quote them, disagree, glorify or vilify them, but you can’t ignore them because they change things. They push the human race forward and while some may see crazy, we see genius. The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” - Steve Jobs
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Walking dozens of dogs in one day.
“I believe luck is preparation meeting opportunity. If you hadn’t been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn’t have been lucky.” - Oprah Winfrey
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I enjoy playing racquetball and pickleball.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Outside working in my yard or traveling to the beach or mountains.
2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
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Midwest Real Estate News
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Krieg DeVault LLP
Krieg DeVault LLP
Partner
Sarah Jones Senior Associate
12800 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Carmel, IN, 46032 P: 317.238.6242 thaney@kdlegal.com
12800 N. Meridian St., Suite 300, Carmel, IN, 46032 P: 317.238.6314 sjones@kdlegal.com
Tammy Haney is a Partner with Krieg DeVault and concentrates her practice in commercial and residential development, acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and financing. She also has experience with municipalities, public utilities and other public entities related to real estate acquisitions, dispositions, development, rights of way, eminent domain and recreational trails.
Sarah Jones concentrates her practice in a blend of corporate and real estate transactions for a variety of established and start-up companies, banks, and individuals. Her practice includes corporate transactions such as entity formation and organization, stock and asset sales, mergers, reorganizations, joint ventures, and other general business matters.
Krieg DeVault LLP is a diversified law firm headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The firm’s Real Estate Practice helps real estate developers in all segments of the market including commercial, industrial, health care, banking, multi-family dwellings, and residential and student housing developments.
Krieg DeVault LLP is a diversified law firm headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The firm’s Real Estate Practice helps real estate developers in all segments of the market including commercial, industrial, health care, banking, multi-family dwellings, and residential and student housing developments.
Tammy Haney
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” - Arthur Ashe
“Nobody cares about how much you know until they know about how much you care.” - This quote is so powerful for relationships & trust with clients and in the community.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
I go all out decorating the house for pretty much all holidays.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Depending on the day, traveling, hiking, reading, cooking, at the movies, at a sporting event, just enjoying life with family and friends.
I love creating new and healthy twists on family favorites and appetizers and truly enjoy spending time in the kitchen with my family and children.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: I love spending free time with my family. My husband and I have 2 young boys and a puppy so we are constantly doing everything active and being outdoors.
LANE4 Property Group
The Lerner Company
Executive Vice President
Associate Broker
Lisa Kallmeyer CPM 4705 Central Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 64112 P: 816.268.9116 lkallmeyer@lane4group.com
As Executive Vice President, Lisa oversees every facet of the management divison, implementing highly successful systems for LANE4’s entire property portfolio and management team. An industry veteran and invaluable leader at LANE4, Lisa has been with the company for over a decade providing service to owners, tenants, and asset managers. Her approach to property management is at once detail-focused and broad-thinking. She began her career with Corporate Woods, one of the largest and premier office parks in the Midwest, and has since become an expert in properties of all types, including true vertical mixed-use with retail, hospitality, office and medical space in a single building. Her portfolio includes many of LANE4’s premier projects as well as third-party assignments, and she also provides consulting services on new projects. LANE4 is a premier, full-service commercial real estate and investment firm, with over $850 million in development and acquisition projects and a reputation for working with the best in the industry. Today, our projects span the Midwest and include infill industrial projects, multifamily and mixed-use developments, office, retail, hospitality and senior living. Beyond the scope of her work, you can find Lisa spending time with her beautiful family and finding new ways to give back to the community.
Mandi Backhaus
10855 W. Dodge Rd. Suite 270 Omaha, NE 68154 P: 402.330.5480 | F: 402.330.3109 mbackhaus@lernerco.com www.lernerco.com Mandi joined The Lerner Company in 2019 as a Commercial Real Estate Broker, licensed in Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota, with a focus on Landlord Leasing, Tenant Representation, and Development. The Lerner Company is a retail commercial real estate brokerage with over 120 years of combined proven experience in development, brokerage, landlord leasing, property management, investment sales, and tenant representation.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” – Marilyn Monroe
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I can make tasty homemade breads or banana muffins. My last name means “bakery house” in German for a reason!
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Walking my French Bulldog, Bonnie, or enjoying time with family and friends.
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2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
The Lerner Company
Marcus & Millichap
Associate Broker
Senior Associate
Sara Hanke
Marla Čolić
10855 W. Dodge Rd. Suite 270 Omaha, NE 68154 P: 402.330.5480 | F: 402.330.3109 shanke@lernerco.com www.lernerco.com
7800 Forsyth Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63105 P: 314.889.2524 marla.colic@marcusmillichap.com
With a professional background in medical sales and residential real estate investing, Marla first entered the Storage Industry in 2010 as a investor. Marla’s knowledge of the storage asset class includes storage ownership, management, consulting and brokerage. In 2016, Marla joined Marcus & Millichap as a real estate broker where she facilitates the acquisition and disposition of Self Storage assets across Missouri and the Midwest. Marla’s extensive storage industry expertise combined with Marcus & Millichap’s national platform grants her the unique opportunity to share both local and national economic trends with the storage investors she serves. Marla is a partner with First Vice President Investments Anne Williams-Blackwell and the Williams Storage Group. The Williams Storage Group sold over $66 million in storage in 2021. Marla graduated from John Brown University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations.
Sara joined The Lerner Company with a background in commercial real estate, sales, management and financial services. With licenses in Nebraska and Iowa, she specializes in sales and leasing, working with landlords, tenants and investors. Sara is heavily involved within her professional community where she is a Co-Chair for Special Events with CREW Omaha, and on the Leadership Team for RISE Omaha The Lerner Company is a retail commercial real estate brokerage with over 120 years of combined proven experience in development, brokerage, landlord leasing, property management, investment sales, and tenant representation.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Often a sign of expertise is noticing what doesn’t happen.” – Malcom Gladwell
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I can find anything that has been misplaced by a member of my family in a matter of seconds. It’s a true gift.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
At a committee or board meeting (CREW, RISE, PTA) planning events and working on the projects I’m passionate about.
The St. Louis office of Marcus & Millichap provides real estate investment sales, research information and advisory services for multifamily, retail, office, single-tenant net lease and special assets. St. Louis agents leverage the firm’s national marketing platform to provide real estate investors with access to the industry’s largest inventory of deliverable commercial property as well as to the largest pool of qualified private and institutional buyers and sellers. Investment specialists conduct business within the St. Louis MSA, Missouri and the central Midwest.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Every morning en route to school, my kids hear me say, Today’s gonna be a great day! CRE is a rollercoaster of wins and loses. When life is tough, I’ve found that claiming the best with my mouth while walking with grit and tenacity in my spirit forces my mind to accept that the best is yet to come!
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
I discovered weight lifting about 5 years ago. It’s proven to be an amazing stress reliever and self-confidence booster. To date, I can squat 225 pounds.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
You’ll find me exploring one of Missouri’s many beautiful bike trails with my family, reading a book or in church.
Marcus & Millichap
Marcus & Millichap
First Vice President Investments
Kelly Flowers Associate Agent
600 E 96th St, Suite 500, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240 P: 317.218.5366
Milwaukee, WI P: 262.364.1923 kelly.flowers@marcusmillichap.com
Julia Evinger
julia.evinger@marcusmillichap.com
Kelly represents commercial real estate investors in sales and acquisitions of single tenant net leased and multi-tenant retail properties throughout the Midwest. Kelly applies best-in-class marketing tactics to her firm’s large, nationwide pool of qualified buyers to help owners sell for top-dollar with a smooth process from listing to closing.
Julia has been an Investment Sales Advisor since 2015 with Marcus & Millichap. She quickly built a business across the Midwest specializing in Industrial, Office, and Retail income producing properties. Since joining the firm, Julia has been awarded Rookie of the Year, multiple Sales Awards, promoted to Director of NOIPG, and recently promoted to First Vice President Investments. In the past six years, she has sourced and closed over 60 transactions across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and beyond for a valuation of over $250 Million and at a closing price of 97% list price to sales price. For more than 50 years, Marcus & Millichap has worked tirelessly to help our clients create and preserve wealth through commercial real estate investment sales as well as debt and equity advisory. Since our founding in 1971, we have grown to more than 80 offices throughout the United States and Canada, including twelve offices here in the Midwest.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
To quote John Chang, Marcus & Millichap, “Keep your eye on the horizon.”
What is a or talent you have that you might not put on a resume? Logistics-I am a master planner and juggler of all schedules and events
Where you may find me when i’m NOT working
For more than 50 years, Marcus & Millichap has worked tirelessly to help our clients create and preserve wealth through commercial real estate investment sales as well as debt and equity advisory. Since our founding in 1971, we have grown to more than 80 offices throughout the United States and Canada, including twelve offices here in the Midwest.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
I’m an avid skier and hiker and enjoy spending my down time at Milwaukee’s restaurants and breweries or playing card and board games with friends and family.
Active outdoors-running, biking, walking my dog
Marcus & Millichap
Marcus & Millichap
First Vice President Investments
Suzanne Schefcik Associate
600 E 96th St, Suite 500, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240 P: 317.218.5325 madison.harman@marcusmillichap.com
1350 Lagoon Ave Suite 840, Minneapolis, MN, 55408 P: 952.852.9722 suzanne.schefcik@marcusmillichap.com
Madison joined Marcus & Millichap in 2014 as an associate and has since procured and closed over 75 investment deals primarily in the Midwest. In 2016, Madison became a member of the National Retail Group and Net Leased Properties Group of Marcus & Millichap. In 2018 she earned Senior Associate, in 2019 she earned Associate Director and in 2021 she earned First Vice President.
Suzanne is a results-driven, charismatic leader with substantial experience in sales, marketing and entrepreneurship. She uses her communication and interpersonal skills to build strong client relationships that lead to sustained business and overall financial success. Suzanne is an office and industrial specialist in the firm’s Minneapolis office. She exclusively represents buyers and sellers of investment properties throughout the Midwest.
For more than 50 years, Marcus & Millichap has worked tirelessly to help our clients create and preserve wealth through commercial real estate investment sales as well as debt and equity advisory. Since our founding in 1971, we have grown to more than 80 offices throughout the United States and Canada, including twelve offices here in the Midwest.
For more than 50 years, Marcus & Millichap has worked tirelessly to help our clients create and preserve wealth through commercial real estate investment sales as well as debt and equity advisory. Since our founding in 1971, we have grown to more than 80 offices throughout the United States and Canada, including twelve offices here in the Midwest.
Madison Harman
Do you have a favorite quote or saying? “The harder you work, the luckier you get!” My father
What is a or talent you have that you might not put on a resume? I have a knack for learning romance languages and love navigating new cities by asking people directions.
Where you may find me when i’m NOT working
Recently, at home teaching my daughter how to walk or at Shred 415 workout class beating the person on the treadmill next to me.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Do one thing every day that scares you.” - Eleanor Roosevelt.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Suzanne is an experienced sea kayaking guide and has a global track record of leading immersive adventures from the backwaters of the Boundary Waters to the plains of the Serengeti.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
In her free time Suzanne enjoys all things outdoors, exploring new places, raucous dance parties and creating new recipes.
2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
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Midwest Real Estate News
The McShane Companies
Morgan Harbour Construction
CEO
Assistant Project Manager
Annalie Garcia
Molly McShane
7510 South Madison Street Willowbrook, IL 60527 P: 630.734.8800 agarcia@morganharbour.com
9500 W, Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 200 Rosemont, IL 60018 P: 847.692.8854 | F: 847.292.4310 mmcshane@mcshane.com www.mcshane.com
Annalie is an Assistant Project Manager with construction experience in warehouse/distribution projects and tenant improvements with correlating office space. Her technical proficiency, collaborative style and strong communication skills are an asset for both project teams and clients alike. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Florida International University.
Molly provides day-to-day leadership and management of The McShane Companies, focusing her efforts on long-term strategic growth and operational excellence. She consistently delivers innovative thinking on behalf of a wide range of projects, markets and geographical areas and possesses extensive knowledge of the industrial, multi-family, office and commercial market sectors. The McShane Companies is a multi-faceted national real estate and construction organization comprised of various professional disciplines that provides its clients with tailored real estate and construction solutions.
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Morgan Harbour Construction is a design-build general contractor with longstanding relationships in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and mid-Atlantic. Our clients span multiple markets including logistics, warehouse/distribution, office, medical, and business aviation.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“It is a sin not to do what one is capable of doing” - Jose Marti.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I am a perfectionist. Whenever a problem presents itself at work, I would investigate the issue with the team to the slightest detail, before making any ultimate decisions.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
I love to travel to random destinations and explore the locations on my own.
Morgan Harbour Construction
Morgan Harbour Construction
MEP Project Manager
Sarah Stolzman, LEED GA Project Manager
7510 South Madison Street Willowbrook, IL 60527 P: 630.734.8800 sparlato@morganharbour.com
7510 South Madison Street Willowbrook, IL 60527 P: 630.734.8800 sstolzman@morganharbour.com
Susan is a proficient MEPFP Project Manager with deep technical knowledge and seasoned expertise for the demands of today’s sophisticated high-performance buildings. She manages the MEPFP trades from preconstruction through completion, assists in coordinating scopes of work, and monitors quality control on many diverse and complex construction projects.
Named NYC’s “20 under 40 Outstanding Women in Construction”, Sarah’s drive and integrity has led her to a dynamic and multifaceted career. Sarah holds a BS in Interior Design, Master’s in Construction Management and is LEED certified. A champion for women, Sarah is Vice Chair of PWC’s Mentorship program.
Susan Parlato, LEED AP
Morgan Harbour Construction is a design-build general contractor with longstanding relationships in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and mid-Atlantic. Our clients span multiple markets including logistics, warehouse/distribution, office, medical, and business aviation.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
A quote I try to live by is: Treat everyone with kindness and respect, even those who are rude to you- not because they are nice, but because you are.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I am a runner and I start each day off with a run. It is my me-time that I love. The harder you run the better you feel.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
In Arlington Heights running my kids to sporting events and activities or wining and dining on my patio with my husband, kids and friends.
Morgan Harbour Construction is a design-build general contractor with longstanding relationships in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and mid-Atlantic. Our clients span multiple markets including logistics, warehouse/distribution, office, medical, and business aviation.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Persistence guarantees that results are inevitable.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I can do a mean handstand and I’m certified in teaching hot yoga.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
When not working, I am inseparable from my Frenchie, Delancey - kayaking, hiking and indulging in sweets! I never pass up a hot yoga session or brunch with my sister.
Morgan Harbour Construction
Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle LLC
Assistant Project Manager
Partner
Waltz Tsang, PE
7510 South Madison Street Willowbrook, IL 60527 P: 630.734.8800 wtsang@morganharbour.com Waltz is an Assistant Project Manager with a civil engineering background and construction experience in complex multidisciplinary projects including commercial, life sciences, and industrial buildings. Working with varied scopes including MEP, structure, and TI buildouts, she is a strong advocate of team work using her collaborative work style. Morgan Harbour Construction is a design-build general contractor with longstanding relationships in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and mid-Atlantic. Our clients span multiple markets including logistics, warehouse/distribution, office, medical, and business aviation.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it” - The Lion King.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I like to play volleyball in my free time, and I have also started taking voice lessons. Hopefully one day I can sing in public!
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
I love to travel and explore, including looking at different types of architecture, hiking and experiencing different foods and cultures. There is so much to see out there!
Victoria C. Bresnahan
300 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2300 Chicago, IL 60606 P: 312.461.4332 | F: 312.987.9854 vbresnahan@mpslaw.com www.mpslaw.com Victoria C. Bresnahan concentrates her practice of law in the area of Real Estate, with an emphasis on Condominiums and Planned Unit Developments. She is experienced in complicated title and survey matters, commercial real estate developments and leasing. She has represented builders, developers and lenders in development and entitlement issues. Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle LLC is one of the Chicago area’s most successful and respected business law firms, with exceptionally strong capabilities in commercial real estate. The firm provides a fully range of transactional and litigation services to real estate developers, financial institutions, and businesses engaged in corporate, industrial, and retail development as well as financing, leasing, and investment.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resume?
For four years, I coached my son’s basketball team. There is a lot to be said about coordinating and teaching a group of young boys, who have short attention spans and all think they know more than you know, and still make it fun.”
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2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle LLC
Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle LLC
Of Counsel
Joy Goldman Partner
300 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2300 Chicago, IL 60606 P: 312.461.4329 | F: 312.987.9854 jcunniff@mpslaw.com www.mpslaw.com
300 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2300 Chicago, IL 60606 P: 312.461.4321 | F: 312.987.9854 jgoldman@mpslaw.com www.mpslaw.com
Julie focuses her practice in real estate, representing banks and other lenders in commercial transactions, advising clients in land acquisition and development, and representing landlords and tenants in leasing transactions. Prior to joining MPS, Julie practiced law in Florida for over a decade and remains licensed in both Illinois and Florida.
Joy’s experience in the real estate area is extensive from all seats at the table--developer, buyer, seller, lender and JV partner -- and across multiple property classes, such as retail, office, senior housing and industrial projects.
Julie Cunniff
Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle LLC is one of the Chicago area’s most successful and respected business law firms, with exceptionally strong capabilities in commercial real estate. The firm provides a fully range of transactional and litigation services to real estate developers, financial institutions, and businesses engaged in corporate, industrial, and retail development as well as financing, leasing, and investment.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face . . . we must do that which we think we cannot.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle LLC is one of the Chicago area’s most successful and respected business law firms, with exceptionally strong capabilities in commercial real estate. The firm provides a fully range of transactional and litigation services to real estate developers, financial institutions, and businesses engaged in corporate, industrial, and retail development as well as financing, leasing, and investment.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: “Cooking for friends and family.”
Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle LLC
MSI General Corporation
Partner
AIA, Manager of Select Projects
Julie Mitchell
Holly Shuman
W215 E. Wisconsin Ave, Nashotah, Wisconsin, 53058 262.367.3661 juliem@msigeneral.com
300 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2300 Chicago, IL 60606 P: 312.461.4319 | F: 312.987.9854 hshuman@mpslaw.com www.mpslaw.com
Employed by MSI General for 24 years, I am a registered architect managing the Select Projects Division, a team dedicated to smaller projects with budgets under $500,000. My responsibilities include prospecting clients, mentoring project directors, monitoring project progress, and boosting sales and margins.
Holly Shuman concentrates her law practice in the areas of commercial finance, commercial tenant leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, and general real estate matters. Holly regularly represents financial institutions in connection with real estate based construction, acquisition, and refinance loans. Holly also regularly represents tenants across the United States and Canada with their lease negotiations. Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle LLC is one of the Chicago area’s most successful and respected business law firms, with exceptionally strong capabilities in commercial real estate. The firm provides a fully range of transactional and litigation services to real estate developers, financial institutions, and businesses engaged in corporate, industrial, and retail development as well as financing, leasing, and investment.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
“I enjoy traveling with friends and family, spending time with my dogs and cat, and watching Michigan State football and basketball – especially when they win.”
MSI General is a design/build general contractor that employs designers, engineers, estimators and construction managers under one roof. Our teams work together on each project from start to finish.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“I am aware that I am surrounded by people who feel that they could do the job better, strong people with powerful characters, but for better or worse, the crown has landed on my head and I say we go”- Queen Elizabeth II, from the TV show The Crown
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Listening comes naturally to me. I pay attention to all sides and ideas to develop a shared solution or happy compromise. I guide and encourage others to perform their best.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
You might find me with my grown daughters and their families, in my garden, in my barn tending to my horse, or painting watercolors of dogs.
NAI DESCO
NAI DESCO
Director of Property Management
Meghan Donovan Associate Broker
8112 Maryland Ave, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO, 63105 P: 314.994.2330 kchatman@naidesco.com
8112 Maryland Ave, Suite 300 St. Louis, MO, 63105 P: 314.994.2320 mdonovan@naidesco.com
Katie oversees a portfolio of over 900,000 SF of commercial product encompassing office, industrial and retail properties. Her responsibilities include managing operational and financial performance of the portfolio as well as supervising property management and maintenance personnel. Additionally, Katie is responsible for finding new business opportunities and expanding the portfolio.
Meghan works with the retail, industrial and office teams securing new business opportunities throughout the St. Louis MSA. Meghan assists both landlords and tenants in identifying opportunities and negotiating agreements.
Katie Chatman
As an affiliate of NAI Global, NAI DESCO provides commercial real estate brokerage and management services to Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois, providing international services with a local focus.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No Excuses. ~ Kobe Bryant
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I took piano lessons for 13 years.
Where you may find me when i’m NOT working:
I enjoy working out, hanging out with friends and family, traveling, and cooking.
As an affiliate of NAI Global, NAI DESCO provides commercial real estate brokerage and management services to Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois, providing international services with a local focus.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Do one thing every day that scares you. Those small things that make us uncomfortable help us build courage to do the work we do. -Eleanor Roosevelt
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
A skill I don’t put on my resume is volleyball. I played at the collegiate level at the University of Georgia, and now play for fun in sand volleyball leagues.
Where you may find me when i’m NOT working:
I love to go to the beach for fun. My favorite place is Naples, Florida where I walk to the Pier, play tennis, and get to relax by the ocean.
2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
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Midwest Real Estate News
NAI DESCO
NAI FMA Realty
Vice President
Property Manager
Tammy Walter, ARM, AHWD
Michelle Miller
1248 O Street, Suite 550 Lincoln, NE 68508 P: 402.441.5800 twalter@naifma.com www.naifmarealty.com
8112 Maryland Ave, Suite 300 St. Louis, MO, 63105 P: 314.994.4944 mmiller@naidesco.com Michelle specializes in brokerage within the retail and industrial markets focusing on tenant and landlord representation - including the leasing and disposition of commercial properties and investment real estate. Michelle’s strong work ethic and communication skills allow her to provide her clients with exceptional service and achieve their desired results.
As a property manager for over 15 years, she oversees the day-to-day operations for a portfolio of 1.4 million square feet of office, retail, and residential properties. Tammy earned her B.A. in business management from the University of Phoenix of Arizona and holds the Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) certification through IREM.
As an affiliate of NAI Global, NAI DESCO provides commercial real estate brokerage and management services to Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois, providing international services with a local focus.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it” - Thomas Jefferson
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Empathy, the ability to put myself in someone else’s shoes and find a compromise or the best way forward.
Where you may find me when i’m NOT working:
I enjoy traveling and am usually planning a trip, but if travel is not an option, you’ll find me trying out a new recipe with a glass of wine in hand.
NAI FMA Realty is a commercial real estate firm providing expertise and market intelligence in brokerage, landlord leasing, property management, facility maintenance, investment sales and tenant representation for over 60 years.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time” - Ruth Bader Ginsburg
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
I am a DEVO Volunteer Mountain Bike Instructor and during the summer months teach kids ages 5-17 how to ride a mountain bike.
Where you may find me when i’m NOT working Riding my mountain bike on a dirt trail in the forest. I have been an avid mountain biker for over 10 years and love being outdoors.
NorthPoint Development
O’Donnell Commercial Real Estate, Inc.
Project Manager
Broker
Christina Hubacek, P.E.
Meredith Klug
Downers Grove, IL 60515 P: 331.251.3111 chubacek@northpointkc.com
311 N. Second Street, Suite 300, St. Charles, IL 60174 P: 630.444.0444 meredith@odcre.com
Christina is a licensed engineer, turned real estate developer. As a project manager at NorthPoint Development, her focus is industrial development of complex sites throughout the United States. She has extensive experience in both entitlement and construction. Christina brings the technical knowledge to each development with a precise and strategic approach. NorthPoint Development is a privately held real estate development firm specializing in the development of Class A Real Estate facilities. Our firm combines an innovative business approach with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying? It always seems impossible until it’s done.
Meredith has extensive experience in the commercial real estate industry, with emphasis on medical office. She has helped a number of Chicagoland tenants in their search for space, as well as represented local and national owners/institutions. Current clients include Healthcare Trust of America, Healthcare Realty, and Everest Healthcare Properties. Her background in corporate technology allows her to provide clients with unique analysis skills and attention to detail as a commercial broker. O’Donnell Commercial Real Estate is dedicated to providing clients with unparalleled commercial expertise paired with local knowledge, for both tenant and product representation, for all types of commercial real estate, including medical, industrial, office, retail, land, and investment sales. Please visit www.odcre.com for more information.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
My philosophy of life is that if we make up our mind what we are going to make of our lives, then work hard toward that goal, we never lose. Somehow we win out. - Ronald Reagan
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Party Planning! I love throwing themed parties and have a knack for focusing on all aspects down to the small details.
Wrangling my two active boys who love dirt bikes, basketball and everything else outdoors!
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A skill I have gained is being able to do barre classes with ease... as long as I go regularly.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Spending time with my family and supporting my girls at their basketball and volleyball games.
Pace Properties
Pace Properties
Associate - Brokerage
Elise Bozzi
Associate - Brokerage
St. Louis, MO 63144 P: 314.785.7632 lberry@paceproperties.com www.paceproperties.com
St. Louis, MO 63144 P: 314.785.7624 ebozzi@paceproperties.com www.paceproperties.com
With six years of Commercial Real Estate experience, Lauren Berry, CCIM, is a part of the retail leasing team specializing in landlord representation, tenant representation, and investment sales. Her experience in commercial real estate includes financial, analytical, and prospecting responsibilities for retail investment transactions.
With one year of experience in Commercial Real Estate, Elise is responsible for both office and industrial property transactions. Previously interning in the commercial real estate industry, she gained the knowledge and experience to launch her career.
Lauren Berry, CCIM
Founded in 1984, Pace Properties is a multi-service commercial real estate company with dedicated professionals who have intimate market knowledge and are dedicated to creating real estate solutions for clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
My mentor once told me the difference between a good broker and a great broker is the amount of work that falls through the crack – Great brokers don’t let much slip through.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resume? Horseback riding – I have ridden horses for 15+ years.
Where might we find you when you’re NOT working? The barn, hanging out with friends, family or traveling!
Founded in 1984, Pace Properties is a multi-service commercial real estate company with dedicated professionals who have intimate market knowledge and are dedicated to creating real estate solutions for clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Don’t stop until you’re proud.” – Anna Colibri
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
I’m secretly Giada De Laurentiis! I’m actually a really great cook and my specialty is Italian cuisine. Mangia!
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
The mountains or beach are always calling my name, and in 2022, Aruba and Turks & Caicos shouted loud and clear!
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2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Pace Properties
Pace Properties
Associate - Brokerage
Kate Grewe
Associate - Brokerage
Kansas City, MO 64112 P: 816.866.9898 mgraham@paceproperties.com www.paceproperties.com
St. Louis, MO 63144 P: 314.785.7662 kgrewe@paceproperties.com www.paceproperties.com
With eight years in Commercial Real Estate, Madison Graham is responsible for tenant representation and landlord leasing services for national and regional/local property owners. Madison joined the brokerage team after five years as a Property Manager on the Asset Management team. Most recently, she was named to IREM’s 30 under 30 class of 2020.
With five years in Commercial Real Estate, Kate Grewe is responsible for tenant representation and landlord leasing services for national and regional/local property owners. Kate also has a background in Property Management overseeing commercial properties. Armed with this experience, Kate strives for the highest level of excellence in communicating and analyzing St. Louis’ unique demographics and trends.
Madison Graham, CPM
Founded in 1984, Pace Properties is a multi-service commercial real estate company with dedicated professionals who have intimate market knowledge and are dedicated to creating real estate solutions for clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.”– Brene Brown
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Founded in 1984, Pace Properties is a multi-service commercial real estate company with dedicated professionals who have intimate market knowledge and are dedicated to creating real estate solutions for clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try. “ - Jack Canfield
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
I once heard that life speeds up because we get into a routine, which ultimately runs together over time. Since learning this, I’ve made a point to take every opportunity to try something new.
I work to support my needlepoint addiction! Okay, that’s stretch, but I do enjoy it from time to time.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Traveling is my passion. If I’m not working, you can find me taking a weekend trip or immersing myself in another culture.
Outside of work, you might find me at my family farm.
Pace Properties
Pepper Construction Company
Director – Brokerage
Vice President of High Performance and Sustainable construction
Elizabeth Schenk St. Louis, MO 63144 P: 314.785.7633 eschenk@paceproperties.com www.paceproperties.com With 16 years in Commercial Real Estate, Elizabeth Schenk is responsible for tenant representation, landlord representation, and property disposition for retail clients. She also provides strategic consulting services to assist retailers in their store roll-outs throughout Missouri and Central Illinois. Founded in 1984, Pace Properties is a multi-service commercial real estate company with dedicated professionals who have intimate market knowledge and are dedicated to creating real estate solutions for clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
An excerpt from President Calvin Coolidge, “Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent”. It has so many applications to life and work ethic, but especially suitable to Brokerage!
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
I am comfortable talking with most everyone and think that’s a social skill that is important, yet unmarketable on a resume. Listening and learning from others is powerful, especially when their experiences share lessons with simple virtues like integrity, honesty, loyalty, compassion, or work ethic.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Planting TREEBUTE memorial trees with my husband or at home with our three incredible kiddos!
Susan Heinking AIA, LEED Fellow 643 N. Orleans Street, Chicago, IL, 60654 P: 847.620.4155 sheinking@pepperconstruction.com As a licensed architect and LEED Fellow, Susan leads High Performance and Sustainable Construction Group. She provides decision-making tools to determine investment paybacks and reduce operating costs, leads projects to their sustainability goals, assists clients with corporate environmental compliance during construction and puts existing buildings on a path to sustainability. Pepper Construction serves clients in virtually every vertical market. By integrating high-performance and technological expertise into their operational processes, Pepper is transforming the future.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Outstanding people have one thing in common: an absolute sense of mission”
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Hiking and backpacking are a talent and a joy of mine, so much so that I hiked the Appalachian Trail.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
You can find me on the golf course with my husband and 9-year-old triplets.
Pepper Construction Company
Pepper Construction Company
Senior Vice President, CMO and Chief Strategy Officer
Vice President, Technical Services
Jacqueline Lavigne, LEED AP
Jennifer Suerth, LEED AP
643 N. Orleans Street, Chicago, IL, 60654 P: 312.649.7675 jlavigne@pepperconstruction.com
643 N. Orleans Street, Chicago, IL, 60654 P: 312.649.7616 jsuerth@pepperconstruction.com
As Chief Strategy Officer and CMO of Pepper Construction Group, Jacqueline helps establish business plans and growth strategy, focusing on relational approaches that drive metrics-based results. Jacqueline also provides strategic expertise at the project level through kick-off and team-building strategies, which particularly benefits teams with shared agreements.
Jen provides strategic direction at Pepper with regard to Building Information Modeling (BIM), Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), consulting services, and enterprise technology. She advises project teams on constructability and implementation and provides leadership on construction, fabrication and facility management.
Pepper Construction serves clients in virtually every vertical market. By integrating high-performance and technological expertise into their operational processes, Pepper is transforming the future.
Pepper Construction serves clients in virtually every vertical market. By integrating high-performance and technological expertise into their operational processes, Pepper is transforming the future.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see. - Winston Churchill
The most dangerous phrase in the English language is, “we’ve always done it this way” -- Unknown
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
I’m working on my conversational French.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Discovering new places with my daughters - the further away, the better.
Improv comedy. It has translated well in my professional life, as I am able to appropriately react to any situation thrown at me while also listening better.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Exploring everything the city of Chicago has to offer, including walking along the Chicago lakefront path with my new baby, adorable Goldendoodle dog, and husband.
2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
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Midwest Real Estate News
REINHART BOERNER VAN DEUREN s.c.
Shepard Schwartz & Harris LLP
Shareholder, Co-Chair of Real Estate Practice and Entitlements Group
123 N. Wacker Drive, #1400, Chicago, IL, 60606 P: 312.726.8353 mfuller@ssh-cpa.com
Deborah Tomczyk
1000 N Water Street, Suite 1700 Milwaukee, WI 53202 P: 414.298.8331| F: 414.298.8097 dtomczyk@reinhartlaw.com reinhartlaw.com As co-chair of Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren’s Real Estate Practice, Deborah helps her clients in all aspects of real estate development. She specializes in government relations, zoning, land use, eminent domain, licensing, tax incremental financing and business improvement districts. Reinhart is a full-service, business-oriented law firm that delivers cost-effective solutions for today’s most important real estate needs, including land use and zoning; taxincremental financing; tax credits; and condemnation and eminent domain issues. With the largest real estate practice in Wisconsin and offices throughout the Midwest and across the county, Reinhart’s attorneys offer clients customized real estate insight rooted in broad knowledge and deep experience.
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Mary Fuller Managing Partner
Mary Fuller is Managing Partner of Shepard Schwartz & Harris LLP (“SS&H), and specializes in real estate audit, tax and consulting work related to all areas of commercial real estate including multi-family housing, office properties, shopping centers, and senior housing. She advises developers, property management companies and investment entities on a wide range of structure, tax efficiency and due diligence matters. Mary was named a “Woman to Watch” by the Illinois CPA Society and is the current ICPAS’s Vice-Chair. She is a past President of CREW Chicago and is a Distinguished and Notable Advisory Board member. She has served as a mentor for Roosevelt University’s Goldie Wolfe Miller Women’s Leaders in Real Estate Initiative and is an active mentor to all of SS&H’s young professionals. Founded in 1935, Shepard Schwartz & Harris LLP is the accounting and advisory firm of choice for some of Chicago’s most successful and prominent office, shopping center, mixed-use and condominium developers; property managers; home builders, contractors and real estate private equity investment groups.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Inspire others by doing amazing work and make them want to follow your lead”
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I am secretly “Martha Stewart” and besides cooking and cake decorating, I love to sew and create when I have free time.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Either with my family in Delevan or on a sunny beach vacation memorized by the rolling waves.
Signature Associates | AERES Team
Signature Associates
Principal
Megan Malczewski, CCIM, SIOR Principal
One Towne Square, Suite 1200, Southfield, MI, 48076 P: 248.359.3808 edunlap@signatureassociates.com
Four SeaGate, Suite 608 Toledo, Ohio, 43604 P: 419.249.6314 mmalczewski@signatureassociates.com
Erica joined Signature in 2013, coming from an architecture firm in Washington, D.C. Erica attended Georgetown University for her Masters and University of Michigan for undergraduate. Angela and Erica formed AERES in 2017 to maximize their relationships and knowledge of downtown markets. Since 2017, the AERES Team completed 208 transactions totaling 37 acres and 2.66 million square feet, valued over $191 million.
With more than 20 years of experience in the Toledo CRE marketplace, I make it my goal to establish meaningful connections with all my clients. I specialize in relationships with a primary focus on office and industrial sales/leasing. My organized and goal-driven approach enables me to close over 80 sale and lease transactions per year.
Erica Dunlap
Founded in 1989, Signature Associates is the region’s largest volume, full-service commercial real estate firm with eight offices throughout Michigan and Northwest Ohio.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“I never dreamed about success, I worked for it” - Estee Lauder
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? My love for sports. I played Division 1 soccer at the University of Michigan and grew up playing competitive sports my entire life.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Considering I will have three boys, three and under, playing with dinosaurs, sports gear, and trucks.
Founded in 1989, Signature Associates is the region’s largest volume, full-service commercial real estate firm with eight offices throughout Michigan and Northwest Ohio.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Pray as though everything depends on God. Work as though everything depends on me.” - Saint Augustine
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
I am a triathlon athlete, most recently completing my first Iron Man in July 2021. To complete this test of endurance, it took focus, training, perseverance, grit and tenacity, all of which I use every day selling and leasing real estate.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Savoring time with my family! Our weekends and off hours are filled with watching our daughters sporting events and enjoying time with friends and family. I also squeeze in time to train and compete in triathlons.
Signature Associates | AERES Team
Skender
Principal | Associate Broker
Kelly Allen Project Engineer
One Towne Square, Suite 1200, Southfield, MI, 48076 P: 248.359.3838 athomas@signatureassociates.com
1330 W Fulton Street, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60607 P: 312.781.0265 skender.com
Angela joined the Signature Team in September of 2005 after graduating from the University of Michigan. Angela and Erica formed AERES in 2017 to hone in on their greatest strengths, their relationships and knowledge in the downtown markets. Since 2017, the AERES team completed 208 transactions totaling 37 acres and 2.66 million square feet, valued over $191 million.
Kelly joined Skender in 2019 and has helped to deliver a multitude of interior build-outs and renovations, including projects for CCC Intelligent Solutions, and Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, as well as preconstruction for a 500,000-SF interiors project. Kelly earned a degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Villanova University.
Angela Thomas
Founded in 1989, Signature Associates is the region’s largest volume, full-service commercial real estate firm with eight offices throughout Michigan and Northwest Ohio.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Headquartered in Chicago with an office in Indianapolis, Skender is one of the nation’s top 100 building contractors with full-service construction capabilities in every major project sector. It is routinely recognized as a Best Place to Work and widely known for its Lean project delivery that maximizes value, efficiency and results for its clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Never problems, only opportunities” - my dad, Frank Arcori “Be the Change you Wish to See in the World” - Mother Theresa
I often quote the Postman’s Oath: “Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Dark Of Night Shall Stay These Couriers From The Swift Completion Of Their Appointed Rounds.”
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
My love for people. I think every encounter with a person is an opportunity to make someone smile or feel good about themselves or make their day a little sweeter.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Before I was a mom, on the golf course. Now as a mom, in my kitchen,. How life has changed - for the better!
My greatest skill is that I get very invested in my hobbies. Whether it is taking care of my saltwater fish tank or learning a new instrument, I work really hard at perfecting my crafts.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
When I am not working you can find me outside. I am happiest when I am on a fun hike, bike ride or even just a walk around the neighborhood. I love active outings with my friends and family.
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Midwest Real Estate News
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2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Skender
Skender
Project Manager
Taylor Betthauser Project Engineer
1330 W Fulton Street, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60607 P: 312.781.0265 skender.com
1330 W Fulton Street, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60607 P: 312.781.0265 skender.com
Lauren joined Skender in 2019 and is part of the firm’s Commercial group, which focuses on new construction of high-rise office, hotel, multifamily and mixed-use developments. She is currently wrapping up construction of a 15-story office building at 609 W Randolph. Lauren earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Taylor joined Skender in 2018 and has helped deliver numerous healthcare construction projects for Northwestern Medicine and Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. She has also worked on tenant interiors projects such as LinkedIn and Brookfield Properties. Taylor earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
Lauren Bauer
Headquartered in Chicago with an office in Indianapolis, Skender is one of the nation’s top 100 building contractors with full-service construction capabilities in every major project sector. It is routinely recognized as a Best Place to Work and widely known for its Lean project delivery that maximizes value, efficiency and results for its clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“A job worth doing is a job worth doing well.” Both of my parents used this phrase when I was younger about anything: extracurriculars, chores, school projects, etc. The phrase shaped my work ethic.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
I’ve played the piano since I was 7 years old. I practiced every day for hours until I was 18. I’ve since realized it taught me diligence and commitment that has been extremely helpful in my career.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Golfing and hiking! I love the outdoors. During Chicago winters, I also like to sit by the fireplace with my dog, Lucy.
Headquartered in Chicago with an office in Indianapolis, Skender is one of the nation’s top 100 building contractors with full-service construction capabilities in every major project sector. It is routinely recognized as a Best Place to Work and widely known for its Lean project delivery that maximizes value, efficiency and results for its clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson. I love all his writing, but that’s one of my favorites.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Not to brag, but I’m pretty speedy at Sudoku. I typically do several a day to unwind. Not a very applicable skill for the workforce, but it keeps me on my toes.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Out and about outside! I love traveling and hiking in places with beautiful scenery. You can find me exploring local parks and hanging out around the lake.
Skender
Skender
Project Engineer
Savanna Eaglen Project Manager
1330 W Fulton Street, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60607 P: 312.781.0265 skender.com
1330 W Fulton Street, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60607 P: 312.781.0265 skender.com
Mallory joined Skender in 2018 and has worked on both healthcare and tenant interiors projects, including renovations and expansions for clients like Google, Equity Residential, AbelsonTaylor and Northwestern Medicine. Mallory earned a degree in Earth and Environmental Sustainability from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Savanna has been a member of Skender’s award-winning Interiors team since 2016. During her tenure she has helped deliver projects for some of the world’s most recognized companies, including Facebook, Morgan Stanley and Google. Savanna earned a degree in Interior Design from Indiana University.
Mallory Church
Headquartered in Chicago with an office in Indianapolis, Skender is one of the nation’s top 100 building contractors with full-service construction capabilities in every major project sector. It is routinely recognized as a Best Place to Work and widely known for its Lean project delivery that maximizes value, efficiency and results for its clients.
Headquartered in Chicago with an office in Indianapolis, Skender is one of the nation’s top 100 building contractors with full-service construction capabilities in every major project sector. It is routinely recognized as a Best Place to Work and widely known for its Lean project delivery that maximizes value, efficiency and results for its clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“You can’t make an omelet without cracking a few eggs.” Random, but true.
As Tracy Morgan says, live every week like it’s Shark Week.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Enneagram Type 5 all the way - perceptive, observant and self-reliant (sometimes not always a good thing!) In the summer you can find me doing anything outdoors; biking, walking around the neighborhood or sipping drinks on a nearby patio. In the winter I love staying in to watch movies or to try to cook or bake something new.
Working on my camper van.
Skender
Skender
Strategic Account Manager
Luz Mewes Project Engineer
1330 W Fulton Street, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60607 P: 312.781.0265 skender.com
1330 W Fulton Street, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60607 P: 312.781.0265 skender.com
Michelle joined Skender in 2018 and works closely with clients to achieve meaningful results on their construction projects. She has over 10 years of experience, including commercial real estate leasing, site selection and market research. Michelle earned a degree in communications from the University of Kansas and is active in many professional organizations.
Luz joined Skender in 2021 and has more than 15 years of construction industry experience, including time working in California and Honduras. She is currently busy on the new construction of a 200,000-SF office and retail building in Fulton Market. Luz earned a degree in Civil Engineering from Jose Cecilio del Valle University in Guatemala.
Michelle Levy
results for its clients.
I received classroom training in welding and carpentry – definitely a random skill set, but it has for sure come in handy!
Headquartered in Chicago with an office in Indianapolis, Skender is one of the nation’s top 100 building contractors with full-service construction capabilities in every major project sector. It is routinely recognized as a Best Place to Work and widely known for its Lean project delivery that maximizes value, efficiency and
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Headquartered in Chicago with an office in Indianapolis, Skender is one of the nation’s top 100 building contractors with full-service construction capabilities in every major project sector. It is routinely recognized as a Best Place to Work and widely known for its Lean project delivery that maximizes value, efficiency and results for its clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.” -Ted Lasso
My two favorite quotes: “Do what is right, not what is easy” and “condemnation without investigation is the highest form of ignorance.”
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Interior decorating, cooking and snowboarding are all skills, but the talent I use most often is connecting people. I love helping others find solutions or achieve their goals.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:I love
Hanging out with my dog, Frank, or traveling and learning about new cultures. I have been all over the world from Africa to Vietnam to Patagonia. I’m also a huge outdoors fan – camping, hiking, kayaking, etc.
I am not sure if it is a skill or talent, but I have learned how to fix some electronics. I enjoy figuring things out on my own and I also like to learn about the electrical components.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Either at my house relaxing with my two Golden Retrievers and my husband or hiking. When the weather is nice, I love to be outdoors.
The Power of Partnership
At CREW Chicago, we have a simple mission: To positively impact the commercial real estate industry by advancing the power and success of women. We’ve been doing just that for over 30 years.
When you join CREW Chicago, you become a member of the premier professional organization for women in commercial real estate in Chicago and globally. Members enjoy an active program schedule featuring indepth analysis of the latest issues in real estate by industry leaders. You will also have the opportunity to join a select group of high-level professionals at exclusive memberonly events, social gatherings and volunteer opportunities.
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY To find out how, visit us at www.CREWChicago.org or email us at info@CREWChicago.org. North America | Canada | United Kingdom
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2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Skender
Jamie Nieves
Vice President, Business Relationships
333 N Alabama St, Suite 350 Indianapolis, IN 46204 P: 859.907.3988 skender.com
.com
Jamie works out of Skender’s Indiana office, collaborating with clients to achieve meaningful results on their construction projects. She has over 13 years of experience in economic development, business development, civil engineering and marketing. Jamie earned degrees in marketing and finance from Franklin College and is active in many professional organizations. Skender is one of the nation’s top 100 building contractors with full-service construction capabilities in every major project sector. It is routinely recognized as a Best Place to Work and widely known for its Lean project delivery that maximizes value, efficiency and results for its clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” -C.S. Lewis
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I can do several handstand push-ups consecutively.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Relaxing at home with any Marvel movie playing in the background.
Skender
Skender
Project Engineer
Ashlee Pforr Project Executive
1330 W Fulton Street, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60607 P: 312.781.0265 skender.com
1330 W Fulton Street, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60607 P: 312.781.0265 skender.com
Allison joined Skender in 2019 and has since been an integral member of the Multifamily team, helping to deliver affordable housing projects, such as the Presbyterian Homes ABC Wing and Sarah’s on Sheridan, a six-story supportive housing facility for women on Chicago’s North Side. Allison earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Since joining the firm in 2010, Ashlee has overseen numerous teams on awardwinning buildouts, including HERE Technologies, Bank of America, SRAM and Echo Global Logistics. She is recognized for her mentorship and talent development, and she was twice named one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ Notable Women in Construction and Design. Ashlee earned a degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University.
Allison Pales
Headquartered in Chicago with an office in Indianapolis, Skender is one of the nation’s top 100 building contractors with full-service construction capabilities in every major project sector. It is routinely recognized as a Best Place to Work and widely known for its Lean project delivery that maximizes value, efficiency and results for its clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Being a math and physics nerd, I have always loved Albert Einstein. One of my favorite quotes from him is: “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” It never seems to stop being relevant in life.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I do not believe this is a useful skill, but I can do the worm with my eyebrows. It makes for a weird and awkward icebreaker in tense situations. So, I guess it actually is somewhat useful!
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
I love being outside. My husband and I like to take our dog on long walks and check out the new stores and restaurants in our town.
Headquartered in Chicago with an office in Indianapolis, Skender is one of the nation’s top 100 building contractors with full-service construction capabilities in every major project sector. It is routinely recognized as a Best Place to Work and widely known for its Lean project delivery that maximizes value, efficiency and results for its clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
I always say, “Choose your own adventure,” especially when mentoring young women in our industry. There are so many amazing career opportunities in construction.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I’m not much of a cook, but I do have quite the knack for baking. One day I decided to make French macarons and they are now my specialty.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:I love to travel. You can find me on a road trip to visit friends and family or in some exotic location perusing the local shops and restaurants.
Skender
Skender
Project Engineer
Golzar Shobeiri Project Engineer
1330 W Fulton Street, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60607 P: 312.781.0265 skender.com
1330 W Fulton Street, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60607 P: 312.781.0265 skender.com
Arianna joined Skender earlier this year as a member of the Multifamily construction team. She is currently working on Torrence Place, a 3-story, mixed-use affordable housing and health clinic project in Lansing; and Maywood Supportive Living, a five-story, 133,000-SF supportive living facility for seniors. Arianna earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
Golzar joined Skender in early 2021 and is currently working on the expansion of LinkedIn’s fifth floor. Before joining Skender, she worked on the CareerBuilder headquarters and Slalom Consulting projects. Golzar earned a degree in Engineering Management from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Arianna Roldan
Headquartered in Chicago with an office in Indianapolis, Skender is one of the nation’s top 100 building contractors with full-service construction capabilities in every major project sector. It is routinely recognized as a Best Place to Work and widely known for its Lean project delivery that maximizes value, efficiency and results for its clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois voando. It means “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
I’m a pretty good skater, actually. It makes the cold Chicago winters a bit more bearable.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
I have family scattered everywhere, so I am always off visiting someone somewhere. Either that or binge-watching anime with my brother when he’s home.
results for its clients.
Headquartered in Chicago with an office in Indianapolis, Skender is one of the nation’s top 100 building contractors with full-service construction capabilities in every major project sector. It is routinely recognized as a Best Place to Work and widely known for its Lean project delivery that maximizes value, efficiency and
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
I have two! Never take life for granted. And live every day like it’s your last.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Baking. It’s a hobby I enjoy doing, and I love to share what I create with colleagues, friends and family.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Curled-up in my couch watching something on Disney+ while waiting for the cookies I made to bake in the oven.
2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Midwest Real Estate News
Skender
Stream Realty
Project Executive
Executive Vice President
Lauren Torres 1330 W Fulton Street, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60607 P: 312.781.0265 skender.com Lauren graduated from Purdue University in 2008 and began her career in construction graphics before finding her path in construction project management. In 2013, Lauren began working for Skender, where she was part of the teams that built Motorola Mobility, 1871, Matter, Braintree, Google, Sprout Social, LinkedIn and many more exciting projects Headquartered in Chicago with an office in Indianapolis, Skender is one of the nation’s top 100 building contractors with full-service construction capabilities in every major project sector. It is routinely recognized as a Best Place to Work and widely known for its Lean project delivery that maximizes value, efficiency and results for its clients.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
My favorite is a quote from the late RBG: “Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Juggling! Yes, the physical skill, but also keeping all the balls in the air! Life is about steadily balancing everything, which for me, includes raising a healthy, happy one-year-old.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
You can find me perfecting my home interiors! I enjoy searching for the perfect furniture piece, collaborating and sourcing from local artisans and collecting noteworthy travel mementos.
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Wendy Katz
226 N. Morgan Street | Suite 500 Chicago IL 60607 P: 312.213.2219 Wendy.Katz@streamrealty.com www.streamrealty.com Wendy Katz serves as an Executive Vice President for Stream Realty Partners’ Chicago office. With more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate, Wendy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role with Stream. Having worked with current and past clients such as Vornado, KBS, Starwood Capital, The Irvine Company and Tishman Speyer Properties, Wendy will continue to partner with owners and developers on leasing assignments with the added responsibility for identifying new opportunities in Chicago’s office market. Before joining Stream Chicago, Wendy was an Executive Director with Cushman & Wakefield Chicago. Wendy began her career in commercial real estate right out of college, and she has worked as a landlord representative with such companies as Tishman Speyer Properties, CB Richard Ellis and J.F. McKinney & Associates. Stream Realty Partners, a national real estate development, services and investment firm.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
I love this quote from Maya Angelou - “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I took all types of dance classes when I was younger, and I still love to dance.
Where you may find me when i’m NOT working
Walking our dog, working out, trying new restaurants with friends, and traveling.
Stream Realty
Stream Realty
Partner & National Leader of Property Management
Jessica O’Hara Senior Vice President
6250 N. River Road, Suite 6025 Rosemont IL 60018 P: 708.667.8472 Victoria.knudson@streamrealty.com www.streamrealty.com
226 N. Morgan Street | Suite 500 Chicago IL 60607 P: 312.801.9395 Jessica.ohara@streamrealty.com www.streamrealty.com
Victoria Knudson joined Stream Realty Partners in 2016 as Executive Vice President – Leader of National Industrial Property Management and is now a Partner with the firm. She brings 34 years of real estate experience and focuses on strengthening and overseeing the company’s industrial property management operations with a significant concentration on expanding the platform while supporting Stream Realty Partners full array of integrated services.
Focuses on office landlord representation. Specializing in maximizing an asset’s value through creative leasing efforts, systematic market and financial analysis, and comprehensive lease negotiations. In addition, some of her other responsibilities include expanding Stream’s acquisition, development, leasing, and property management platforms and growing Stream’s presence in the greater Chicago market.
Victoria Knudson
Prior to joining Stream Realty Partners, Victoria served as Senior Managing Director – National Industrial Property Management Leader for Cushman & Wakefield where she was an accomplished Senior Executive responsible for the development and growth of the United States Industrial Platform totaling 280 million square feet. Prior to that, Victoria served as Vice President of Operations for AMB Property Corporation and also worked as an executive for Trammell Crow from 1987 through 2004. Stream Realty Partners, a national real estate development, services and investment firm.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
When you educate a man; you educate a man . When you educate a women; you educate a generation. Brigham Young
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? “One of my talents is cooking Italian cuisine and bringing people together, Famiglia!”
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Hanging out with my grandchildren and living my best life!
Stream Realty Partners, a national real estate development, services and investment firm.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Hire people with the potential to do more than the job they are hired for.”
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I wouldn’t call it a skill or talent, but I love to dance. Just not very well.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Lately, at home with my 1 year crawling through tunnels, which he loves.
Stream Realty
SVN Chicago Commercial
Executive Vice President
Vice President
Andrea Saewitz
226 N. Morgan Street | Suite 500 Chicago IL 60607 P: 312.919.1740 Andrea.saewitz@streamrealty.com www.streamrealty.com Andrea Saewitz serves as an Executive Vice President for Stream Realty Partners’ Chicago office. In her new role, Andrea will continue to focus on agency leasing efforts, representing institutional owners and landlords and the assets they own in the central business district. Andrea has historically worked with institutional owners including Vornado and Manulife. Andrea brings more than 41 years of experience in office leasing and has completed over 3,000 transactions totaling more than eighteen million square feet. Prior to joining Stream Chicago, Andrea was the Executive Managing Director with Cushman & Wakefield Chicago. Stream Realty Partners, a national real estate development, services and investment firm.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
I have a few. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Stress should be a powerful driving force, not an obstacle. You cannot control what goes on outside yourself, but you can control what goes on inside.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? In college I was a competitive synchronized swimmer
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Walking outside for exercise and to enjoy nature.
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Olivia Czyzynski
940 W Adams St, Suite 200 Chicago, IL, 60607 P: 312.676.1862 olivia.czyzynski@svn.com Olivia Czyzynski is a top producer and has 15 years of commercial real estate experience. She is part of the all-woman SVN Suburban Next Level Team, specializing in investment sales and leasing of office and industrial, with a light focus on retail. She focuses specifically in North Chicagoland, Northwest and Western Suburbs. SVN Chicago Commercial is a full-service commercial real estate firm complete with an in-house Property Management company based in Chicago’s West Loop. Additional sister offices include Rosemont, IL, Denver, CO and Boca Raton, FL.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” - Vince Lombardi
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I run marathons and have run many across the country. Running a marathon is a lot like real estate, persistence gets you to the finish line!
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Riding my Harley and hanging out with my little boy.
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2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
SVN Chicago Commercial
SVN Chicago Commercial
Advisor
Beverly Hayes
Senior Industrial Advisor
940 W Adams St, Suite 200 Chicago, IL, 60607 P: 312.414 .0602 nfisher@svn.com
940 W Adams St, Suite 200 Chicago, IL, 60607 P: 312.756.7330 beverly.hayes@svn.com
Nathalie Fisher is a top producer with SVN Chicago Commercial and part of an all-woman SVN Suburban Next Level Team, concentrating on the Chicago suburban market focusing on office, industrial and retail.
I have been an Industrial Broker for more than 10 years focusing on industrial owner/user properties in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Nathalie Fisher
SVN Chicago Commercial is a full-service commercial real estate firm complete with an in-house Property Management company based in Chicago’s West Loop. Additional sister offices include Rosemont, IL, Denver, CO and Boca Raton, FL.
SVN Chicago Commercial is a full-service commercial real estate firm complete with an in-house Property Management company based in Chicago’s West Loop. Additional sister offices include Rosemont, IL, Denver, CO and Boca Raton, FL.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying? People are more important than deals.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” I enjoy working out, traveling and spending time with my family.
I’m really good at charades!
Gardening; especially in the spring and summer. On a bad day, I go home and relocate a few bushes or perennials.
SVN Chicago Commercial
SVN Chicago Commercial
Vice President
Karen Kulczycki Senior Advisor
940 W Adams St, Suite 200 Chicago, IL, 60607 P: 312.676.1865 jennifer.hopkins@svn.com
940 W Adams St, Suite 200 Chicago, IL, 60607 P: 312.602.5346 kkulczycki@svn.com
Jennifer has 30+ years of experience in commercial real estate working all sides of the business. Part of a three-woman team, concentrating on the Chicago suburban market with a focus on office, retail, industrial leasing and investment sales, she is consistently a top producer while always keeping the needs of her client as the top priority.
Karen specializes in investment sales and leasing in office, industrial and retail property assets. She started in Commercial Real Estate from a personal development project and has expanded her skills and knowledge to assist clients with their portfolio holdings. Karen has amassed over $15M in transactions since joining SVN Chicago Commercial in 2019.
SVN Chicago Commercial is a full-service commercial real estate firm complete with an in-house Property Management company based in Chicago’s West Loop. Additional sister offices include Rosemont, IL, Denver, CO and Boca Raton, FL.
SVN Chicago Commercial is a full-service commercial real estate firm complete with an in-house Property Management company based in Chicago’s West Loop. Additional sister offices include Rosemont, IL, Denver, CO and Boca Raton, FL.
Jennifer Hopkins
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“ The Smallest step in the right direction can turn out to be the biggest step in your life.”
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” -Milton Berle
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Cooking is one of my passions. I love having family and friends over and cooking for them. I love to travel and visit new places. I love reading, working in my yard, and enjoying the company of good friends. Lots of laughing helps me enjoy life!
I am able to find a way to connect with everyone I meet regardless of our backgrounds and experiences. I enjoy living life as an adventure with the ones closest to me. Always open to spontaneous experiences and places. I’m still working on my golf game! Enjoy supporting all the Chicago professional team sports and boating in the summer.
SVN Chicago Commercial
SVN Chicago Commercial
Assistant Vice President
Vice President
Dawn Overstreet
Deena Zimmerman
940 W Adams St, Suite 200 Chicago, IL, 60607 P: 312.756.7335 dawn.overstreet@svn.com
940 W Adams St, Suite 200 Chicago, IL, 60 607 dzimmerman@svn.com
Dawn Overstreet, PhD serves as Assistant Vice President for SVN Chicago, specializing in multifamily with a focus on SRO (Single Room Occupancy) properties. Her focus on affordable housing comes from a desire to help alleviate the shortage of affordable housing in Chicago by assisting sellers, non-profits, affordable developers, and market-rate buyers with a more challenging transaction process.
Deena Zimmerman is an award-winning VP at SVN Chicago Commercial. She specializes in identifying sites throughout Chicagoland and across the Country for national operators, franchisees, first-time entrepreneurs, developers and investors. She is also a trusted expert in Cannabis real estate. Deena is the Co-Chair of the Retail Product Council with SVN International Corp and she is a recognized industry leader and public speaker nationwide.
SVN Chicago Commercial is a full-service commercial real estate firm complete with an in-house Property Management company based in Chicago’s West Loop. Additional sister offices include Rosemont, IL, Denver, CO and Boca Raton, FL.
SVN Chicago Commercial is a full-service commercial real estate firm complete with an in-house Property Management company based in Chicago’s West Loop. Additional sister offices include Rosemont, IL, Denver, CO and Boca Raton, FL.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Back in the day, I was a fierce competitor in equestrian events.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Go exploring with my 5-year-old twins and our 8 lb rescue pup named Roo.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Stay Humble, Be Kind, Work Hard.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I consider myself almost genius status at useless knowledge and all things 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon, or any actor for that matter!
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: I am an avid college football fan and a lover of anything outdoors, especially if it involves hiking, fishing, and boating.
2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Taft Law
Taft Law
Partner and Chair, Real Estate and Condominium Practice Groups
Partner
Kathryn Kovitz Arnold
Never presume that a person’s actions or words are indicative of their intentions, trust your instincts.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Ability to connect with other people.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
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2200 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street Minneapolis, MN 55402 P: 612.977.8635 | F: 612.977.8650 jdrewes@taftlaw.com www.taftlaw.com Julie represents real estate investment funds, REITs, and development companies in transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, and financings involving multi-property and multi-state portfolios. She received her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif.
For 30 years, Kathryn has played a key role in shaping the landscape of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods and business communities. She continues to serve as lead counsel to the purchasers of many of Chicago’s largest condominium de-conversion projects.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Midwest Real Estate News
Julie A. Drewes
111 East Wacker, Ste. 2800 Chicago IL 60601 P: 312.836.4031 | F: 312.966.8469 karnold@taftlaw.com www.taftlaw.com
The collaborative approach of our 650+ attorneys, in addition to our advanced technological resources, and depth of legal services, transforms what clients can expect from their legal team.
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The collaborative approach of our 650+ attorneys, in addition to our advanced technological resources, and depth of legal services, transforms what clients can expect from their legal team.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
From Lou Holtz: “Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you’re willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it.”
Name a charity or cause that you are passionate about: Minnesota Teen Challenge, www.mntc.org
I love time with my family, running, reading, and watching the latest offerings on the streaming platforms.
Tovar Snow Professionals Outworx Group
Trelleum Real Estate
National Sales Executive
132 N Washington, Naperville, IL, 60540 P: 630.715.9999 info@theresamueller.com
Theresa Mueller
Toni Sawilchik
Managing Broker
195 Penny Ave, East Dundee, IL, 60118 P: 847.980.2239 tsawilchik@tovarsnow.com
Theresa Mueller has a masters degree in engineering and now with over two decades experience loves selling real estate, teaching, and connecting real estate professionals.
Toni has over 17 years experience in exterior facility maintenance with an emphasis on Snow and Ice Management. She has one of the highest customer retention percentages in the company because of her strong relationships and communication style.
Trelleum is an international, commercial and residential brokerage based out of Chicago and Naperville servicing all real estate needs.
Tovar Snow Professionals is part of the Outworx group of companies, the hardest working companies in exterior facilities maintenance. Services offered include; Snow and Ice Management, Landscaping, Sweeping and Paving.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying? Any quote from Eckhart Tolle
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
“The most important conversations you’ll ever have are the ones you’ll have with yourself.” - David Goggins I have run 13 Marathons and completed the Ironman. I am very determined and like to see things through to the end which make long distance sports a perfect fit.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Meditation, former competitive athlete and adventure seeker.
Traveling, working out, experiencing nature, listening to a podcast or audiobook, dining at an eclectic restaurant and open to other suggestions.
I love being outdoors. When I am not working you can find me hiking or relaxing in my yard with my dogs.
Ulmer & Berne LLP
Urban Innovations
Partner – Group Leader, Real Estate Practice Group
Leasing Associate
Lori Pittman Haas
Candice Murphy 445 N Wells St. Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60654 P: 312.970.3237 cmurphy@urbaninnovations.com www.urbaninnovations.com
1660 West 2nd Street, Suite 1100 Cleveland , OH 44113 P: 216.583.7432 lhaas@ulmer.com www.Ulmer.com Lori represents clients in the acquisition, disposition, and development of commercial property, including convenience stores with fuel facilities, retail centers, office buildings, warehouses, and mixed-use developments. She has experience with eminent domain cases and financing of projects utilizing Historic Tax Credits, New Markets Tax Credits, and construction and conventional financing. From acquisition and financing of corporate headquarters to construction of mixed use facilities, Ulmer’s real estate attorneys offer a broad scope of talent and expertise in serving clients nationwide.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Remember there will be people in your life who see the potential in you that you don’t see in yourself. They will be there pushing you forward and will share in the joy of your success as if it’s their own. It’s up to you to pay it forward with others.
Name a charity or cause that you are passionate about: I don’t have a favorite charity but I open my home and heart on a regular basis to young people who have difficult home situations. They have a chance to get a home cooked meal and be part of a family.
For over 9 years, Candice has been working in real estate at Urban Innovations, an integrated, forward-looking commercial real estate developer. Initially in a compliance role on the affordable housing side of the business, Candice is now Leasing Associate, supporting all leasing activities for UI’s River North commercial portfolio. Urban Innovations is a Chicago-based real estate developer offering construction, leasing and property management for a growing portfolio of commercial properties currently totaling over 1 million SF.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“The price of doing the same old thing is far higher than the price of change”. --Bill Clinton
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I love to cook and make a great goulash.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
I love sports so any stadium or park watching football, soccer or rugby.
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Midwest Real Estate News
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2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
V3 Companies
V3 Companies
Project Manager - Environmental
Sarah Hurt Evans, PLA, GIP Landscape Architect
444 N. Wells St, Suite 602 Chicago IL 60654 P: 630.724.9200 rberthiaume@v3co.com www.v3co.com
619 North Pennsylvania Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 317.423.0690 sevans@v3co.com www.v3co.com
Rachael is a professional engineer with consulting, project management and technical expertise in environmental engineering and hydrogeology. Rachael’s focus is directing environmental investigations, developing riskbased remediation objectives and defining cleanup strategies. Her primary interest is providing practical environmental solutions that support urban renewal and sustainable land use.
Sarah is a landscape architect with a passion for connecting people to natural resources and each other. Her interests lie in parks and trails development, adaptive reuse and urban renewal projects that aim to improve people’s everyday experiences. Sarah has created green infrastructure maintenance training programs working with ex-offenders and is the first woman in Indiana to receive certification as a Green Infrastructure Practitioner.
Rachael Berthiaume, LEED AP BD+C
Founded in 1983, V3 is an employee-owned, multi-disciplinary engineering, natural resources, landscape architecture, construction, and surveying firm with offices in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Canada and Haiti.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Founded in 1983, V3 is an employee-owned, multi-disciplinary engineering, natural resources, landscape architecture, construction, and surveying firm with offices in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Canada and Haiti.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you Create- Buddha
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” Brene Brown
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Flexibility to accommodate schedule and task changes. Trying different restaurants.
I feel that I am a good listener and people tend to open up to me. Hiking in the woods with my family.
V3 Companies
V3 Companies
Survey Project Coordinator
Laura Shafer , P.E., LEED AP BD+C Sustainability Services Leader
494 Gradle Drive Carmel, IN 46032 P: 317.844.3333 mjarvis@v3co.com www.v3co.com
7325 Janes Avenue Woodridge IL 60517 P: 630.724.9200 lshafer@v3co.com www.v3co.com
Michelle is a Survey Project Coordinator with V3 Companies. She has been
Laura is a Senior Project Manager with civil engineering experience focused on redevelopment projects and the design of sustainable infrastructure solutions. Laura has developed a strong resume for urban infrastructure. She is also responsible for the creation of V3’s sustainable design practices, standards and the mentoring of V3 staff.
Michelle Jarvis
a part of survey firms for 15 years and worked with other CRE professionals across many practice areas, as well as Accounting and Business Development roles. In addition to her work at V3, Michelle is a longtime member of IndyCREW and currently serving as a board member for the organization. As a member she served in leadership roles for golf, marketing and sponsorship committees. In 2022 she will serve as the board liaison for their newly formed Diversity Equality and Inclusion committee, which is a cause she feels passionately about. Founded in 1983, V3 is an employee-owned, multi-disciplinary engineering, natural resources, landscape architecture, construction, and surveying firm with offices in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Canada and Haiti.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Transformation isn’t a future event, it’s a present-day activity. -Jillian Michaels
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Professionally trained photographer.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Spending time with family, craft beer festivals or maybe roller skating.
Founded in 1983, V3 is an employee-owned, multi-disciplinary engineering, natural resources, landscape architecture, construction, and surveying firm with offices in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Canada and Haiti.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
It’s not just engineering or project management. Especially now. Take the time to laugh with your clients. There will be good and bad days, but your clients will remember that you helped them enjoy the process.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
About 10 years ago I took up recreational competitive dancing of the genre West Coast Swing; traveled throughout the US, France, and Norway to compete and vacation.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Generally outside. Find a green area on a map and I want to explore or hike it.
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Wipfli
Partner
Anita Mahamed, CPA, CFP Partner
180 E Water St., Ste 7000 Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49007 P: 269.276.8117 rfoster@wnj.com
2501 West Beltline Highway, Madison, WI, 53713 P: 608.270.2971 amahamed@wipfli.com
Rachel Foster is a real estate partner at Warner Norcross + Judd whose practice encompasses a variety of real estate transactional matters. She counsels buyers, sellers and developers on real estate construction, property acquisitions and sales, low-income housing tax credits, foreclosures and condominiums. Learn more about Rachel’s practice at https://www.wnj.com/Professionals/Attorneys/Foster-Rachel.
With 20 years of experience, Anita Mahamed understands tax laws. As leader of the Madison construction and real estate practice, she provides a spectrum of tax-related services to businesses ranging from large, multinational corporations to small, closely held companies. Anita’s expertise also includes high-net-worth individuals.
Rachel Foster
With over 230 attorneys and 14 industry and 26 practice areas, Warner Norcross + Judd counsels and represents clients in the U.S. and around the world. Learn more https://www.wnj.com.
With more than 100,000 clients and 3,000 associates, Wipfli ranks among the top 20 accounting and business consulting firms in the nation.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant” -Robert Louis Stevenson
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Ballroom dancing
Enjoy the little things because some day they become the big things.
I’m a good listener and empathetic. It helps me solve my client’s problems.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Travel! Or a long walk with my boyfriend and our three dogs on our wooded property. We have beautiful walking trails.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Spending time with my family
2021 MIDWEST WOMEN IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
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Midwest Real Estate News
Worsek & Vihon, LLP
Zeller
Partner
Vice President, Job Cost Management
Jessica L. MacLean
Mary Darwin
Chicago, IL 60601 P: 312.917.2312 jmaclean@wvproptax.com www.wvproptax.com
Chicago, IL, 60611 P: 312.595.2267 mdarwin@zeller.us As Vice President, Job Cost Management, Mary is the liaison between all Zeller departments and entities, ensuring each project delivers on time and within budget. Additionally, she oversees preparation of all draws and manages training of project teams during management transitions or asset acquisitions.
Jessica MacLean is a Partner with the law firm of Worsek & Vihon, LLP. Ms. MacLean has practiced in ad valorem property taxation for thirteen years. The past seven years, Ms. MacLean has represented tax payers by limiting their tax liabilities through ad valorem appeals. Ms. MacLean has experience representing owners of office buildings, shopping centers, retail stores, manufacturing plants, distribution centers, mixed-use developments, nursing homes, hospitals, condominium associations, cooperatives, apartments and single family residences. In addition to filing hundreds of appeals with the Cook County Assessor, Ms. MacLean has been involved in numerous proceedings before various Boards of Review, the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board and the Circuit Court of Illinois. Her experience also includes active membership in the Women’s Property Tax Association of Illinois, the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the Institute for Professionals in Taxation. Worsek & Vihon LLP, is a team of experienced attorneys singularly focused on real estate tax law. The firm is dedicated to minimizing property tax liabilities through strategic tax portfolio management; well-researched, creative appeal preparation and aggressive advocacy. Worsek & Vihon, LLP represents commercial, industrial and multi-family property owners, users and developers, as well as condominium associations. The firm is committed to offering the dependable, personalized attention our clients deserve.
Zeller is a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment and development firm that provides a full spectrum of real estate services, including development, leasing, management, and construction.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“Teamwork makes the dreamwork.” I feel it is important to always remember that each member of any team plays an integral part of accomplishing any objective.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé?
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Women belong in all places where decisions are being made (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) I can get about 100 things done in the two hours I have in the morning before heading out the door
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
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I love to knit and craft. I find both to be very relaxing.
I can be found spending quality time with my family. We love to walk in the park, hike at a small lake near our home or have game nights.
Coaching youth softball and volleyball.
Zeller
Zeller
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Chrissy Jensen
Krista Owens Chicago, IL, 60611 P: 312.640.7643 kowens@zeller.us
Chicago, IL, 60611 P: 312.229.8914 cjensen@zeller.us
As Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Krista directs all aspects of human resources including employee relations, recruiting, compensation and benefits programs, performance management, learning and development and human
As VP, Marketing & Communications, Chrissy is responsible for the corporate brand management and public communications for Zeller. She oversees property
resource systems. Krista is a performance-driven Human Resources leader leveraging a wealth of experience successfully developing and delivering HR solutions.
marketing strategies and implements and manages corporate marketing campaigns and advertising campaigns. Chrissy works closely with senior management to support marketing and PR operations for the overall Zeller Portfolio.
leasing, management, and construction.
Zeller is a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment and development firm that provides a full spectrum of real estate services, including development, leasing, management, and construction.
Zeller is a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment and development firm that provides a full spectrum of real estate services, including development,
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
You can find me at our seasonal campground with my family or at a concert.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Everything happens for a reason.
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? It took a long time, but I believe that I have learned to be a good listener. Sometimes people just need to be heard.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
My husband says that I am a workaholic, and he might be right. I do enjoy traveling and being with family and friends. Mixing the two is a bonus.
Zeller
Zeller
Vice President
Lindsey Telford Director of Design
Indianapolis, IN, 46204 P: 317.580.2427 jsmith@zeller.us
Chicago, IL, 60611 P: 312.229.8969 ltelford@zeller.us
As Vice President, Jessica oversees improvement projects in the Indianapolis portfolio. During her tenure, Jessica has overseen more than $17M in tenant improvement projects and another $10M in capital work. She is also actively involved in the purchase and sale of assets, supporting all aspects of the due diligence process.
As Director of Design, Lindsey is responsible for the development, budgeting, and execution of capital improvement projects that are central to the business plans of Zeller assets. Lindsey actively works with the acquisition, leasing, asset management and construction teams to deliver transformative design projects and increase value.
Jessica Smith
Zeller is a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment and development firm that provides a full spectrum of real estate services, including development, leasing, management, and construction.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Always ask for what you want, because you might just get it. - My Mom
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? I own almost every tool sold at Lowe’s and I actually enjoy using them, whether it’s tiling a bathroom or routing wood for a fireplace mantle.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working:
Traveling! I’m happiest when experiencing new adventures, meeting new people and creating great memories!
Zeller is a vertically integrated commercial real estate investment and development firm that provides a full spectrum of real estate services, including development, leasing, management, and construction.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Occam’s Razor, put simply, states: “the simplest solution is almost always the best”
What is a skill or talent you have that you might not put on a resumé? Assembling IKEA furniture, and enjoying it.
Where you may find me when I’m NOT working: Biking along the Lakeshore path or wandering the Art Institute.
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