2016 Women in Real Estate: Virginia Squire

Virginia Squire, Mission
Commercial Realty, LLC

Name: Virginia Squire

Title: Broker Associate

Company Name: Mission Commercial Realty, LLC           

Email: [email protected]                

Years in real estate: 14 years

Telephone: 585-455-3352 (cell)   585-348-9170 (office)

How did you get your start in real estate?

Bought my first house to flip on a credit card in 2001, became licensed to help my investment activities which led to mentoring and brokering investors with small and medium sized residential and commercial properties

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

I have been active with the Rochester Area Chapter of NYSCAR since 2012.  I have been on the Board of Directors since 2013 and am currently the Secretary and Chairwoman of the Membership Committee. 

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of? 

I was recently brought in a deal wish consisted of a 20 property portfolio, ranging from commercial plazas to single family homes and everything in between.  After analyzing the numbers, we realized that current management needed drastic improvement.  Our firm took over as short term managers, increased the cash flow by over $65,000 and I sold the portfolio for $1.9 million, brokering both sides of the transaction.  It was a great opportunity to improve cash flow, get the seller a higher than expected price and provide a smooth transition to the new buyer.

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

My most valuable achievement was my adventure to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2010.  Raising money for the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge here in Rochester, I not only raised $5,000, but I learn valuable life lessons.  The most important of which was the lesson that we climb mountains, both literally and figuratively, by taking baby steps and following the advice and footsteps of those who have already walked the same path. 

What have been some of the benefits of being a mentor or having a mentor? 

As a mentor, I have been thrilled to empower students to make educated investment real estate decisions, that they know the potential risks, and the ways to overcome them.  As my experience grew, so did my desire to do larger deals.  My mentor, who became my Broker, Mark Rohlin, groomed me to handle larger deals by teaching me how to understand the story behind the spread sheet, and how all facets of real estate impact a market. Because if his guidance and encouragement to grow, I am currently working toward my CCIM and have added retail and office sales and leasing to the list of services I offer to my clients. 

Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why?

My father has been the strongest influence on my career.  He was a man who worked hard and did what needed to be done to be successful.  As a child I remember his working three jobs at one time to provide for my family.  Upon his retirement, he took that work ethic and formed the Korean War Veterans Association, and his tireless work is why there is a Korean War Memorial in Washington DC today. 

What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you?

I spend one day a week working on my business and not in my business.    I also evaluate by time, I strive for each day to be productive, not busy. 

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

Look at the summit (the goal) but focus on the next baby step. Knowing you can’t go back, just focus on the steps to get there.    1 step, 2 step and before you know it you are at your goal.  I learned that from a Porter on Mt. Kilimanjaro whose name is Usaf.  He had helped people like me summit Kilimanjaro over 250 times before he met me.