2016 Women in Real Estate: Courtney Janto

Courtney Janto, Buckingham Properties

Name: Courtney Janto

Title: Leasing and Tenant Relations

Company Name: Buckingham Properties                

Email: [email protected]                     

Years in real estate: 7

Telephone: 585.478.7835

How did you get your start in real estate?

I began my career in Real Estate as an Assistant Property Manager at an 800-unit apartment complex. I have been working at Buckingham Properties for 4 years, started as the retail leasing agent and was promoted to retail leasing agent.

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of?

New York State Commercial Association of Realtors; Rochester Area Chapter of NYSCAR; NYSCAR Golf Committee; Rochester WIRED (Women In Real Estate Development); International Council of Shopping Centers

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

The project I am most proud of is the Edge of the Wedge Development (located in Rochester, NY). This project was a redevelopment of a vacant warehouse into a mixed-use development; featuring 40 loft-style apartments and three retailers. This was my first lease up as the Retail Leasing and Tenant Relations agent. I felt honored to be part of the project from the very beginning and to work with three amazing entrepreneurs to open their businesses at the development. The Cub Room – a locally owned farm to table restaurant; McCann’s Local Meats – a locally owned butcher shop; and Second Chic – an independently owned consignment and jewelry store. All three of these retailers toured a warehouse and were able to see the vision that Buckingham Properties had for the redevelopment. It was a fantastic project that I was very fortunate to be part of from the ground up.   

What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why?

In February, I was volunteered by Buckingham Properties to speak on a downtown panel of Real Estate Retail Experts. I was asked to discuss downtown Rochester retail leasing. Alongside me on the panel were three very experienced commercial leasing professionals, one of which is the managing broker of a national firm. I was honored to be volunteered by Buckingham Properties to be on the panel. Even though I have only been doing this for a few years, every day I learn something new, meet industry titans, and constantly feel challenged. To have the validation that my company sees me as someone who can represent us in front of our city and speak on the same level as esteemed brokers was very encouraging. It gave me a great sense of validation that I am moving my career in the right direction.

What is the best advice you have received and who was it from?

The best advice I have ever received was from Larry Glazer, the late Founder and CEO of Buckingham Properties. Larry was an extremely influential developer, entrepreneur, and real estate mogul. When I first met Larry I expressed my interest in growing my career with his company. His advice was “there is a lot of opportunity at Buckingham and in Rochester; however, in order to get anywhere at his company or in business you have to earn your stripes.” It was a short but impactful statement. He was always willing to listen and advise all of the employees at Buckingham Properties, but in order to move up you had to show him your value and earn your place. I think about that statement at every transaction - I just met these people; I need to “earn my stripes” with them before they are going to just sign a lease and become a Buckingham Properties Tenant.