When did you decide to get into the commercial real estate industry? Was it always your focus?
My Dad is a homebuilder in St. Louis and from a young age I was exposed to residential real estate and construction. When I was in high school, I would help with odd jobs he needed from office work to manning a sales office, from cutting the grass at display homes to putting up “Open House” signs on Saturday mornings (those last two weren’t my favorites!). After graduating college, real estate intrigued me, but I wasn’t passionate about residential. I applied for a property manager position at The Maune Company on a whim and ended up being hired in a marketing capacity. I was fascinated by the industry from Day One and quickly realized this was going to be my career not just a first job out of college.
What are some of the things you love about your job?
I love that every day is different and challenging. No two deals are the same, and I am forced to get creative and think outside the box to best serve my clients. I am also constantly exposed to new businesses and concepts, how they operate and what makes them successful. It is very rewarding (and sometimes humbling) to always be learning. Last, but not least, the CRE industry in St. Louis is made up of some wonderful, smart, innovative people that I truly enjoy working with.
What is your CREW-St. Louis origin? When did you join? Why did you become a member?
I joined CREW-St. Louis in December 2016. Shortly after pivoting my focus to brokerage, I was encouraged by a colleague to join CREW. I am so appreciative he gave me the suggestion and made me aware of this organization. I ultimately joined CREW to build a network of women professionals in the CRE Industry with whom I can not only share business but can collaborate, share experiences and navigate through the industry throughout my career.
What was the first CREW event you attended and what were your impressions?
The first CREW event I attended was a lunch and tour of the St. Louis Foundry shortly after the project had been announced. I specifically remember everyone in attendance being very engaged in the presentation and each other. It seemed like a great networking opportunity in addition to being educational.
Please name a project you’ve been involved in, specifically in the St. Louis area that you are proud of.
Retail leasing and sales at The Crossings at Northwest, the 122-acre mixed-use redevelopment of the former Northwest Plaza Mall; Chesterfield Blue Valley, a 132-acre mixed-use development anchored by St. Louis Premium Outlets; St. Louis roll outs for new tenants to the market including Chicken Salad Chick and Diesel Barbershop.
What other associations or volunteer activities are you involved with?
International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC); Leadership Committee & Next Gen Chair Ursuline Academy Alumnae Association; Member CCIM Designation Candidate
What else would you like your fellow CREW-St. Louis members to know about you?
Outside the office, I’m typically trying a new restaurant or cooking something delicious at home while catching up on my guilty pleasure that is all things Real Housewives. Often, I can be found at a boxing class, getting some energy out from the work week. And whenever I can swing it, I’m usually planning a trip. Next stop Japan in February!