2017 Women in Professional Services: Elease Stewart of Pyramid Brokerage Company

Name: Elease Stewart

Title: Director of Marketing and Research

Company Name: Pyramid Brokerage Company 

Years in real estate: 5

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of? Currently a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, American Marketing Association

How have you navigated obstacles to achieve success in your career? In my career, I have come to learn to embrace obstacles. In today’s digital world there is no excuse for not self-educating on a topic you don’t quite understand. I often find myself studying those I view as successful in the industry and career path that I have chosen. Always understand that those at the top have most likely already faced your current obstacle. Learn from them and follow their lead!

How do you play your strengths to your advantage in your career? The foundation of my strengths in marketing are due in-part to the diverse client base, company cultures, and industries that I have been a part of. I leverage my creative communications skills, supported by my deep understanding of analytics, for each and every CRE proposal, flyer, or digital marketing effort. Driving yourself to learn and adopt the next hottest trend in marketing is, in my opinion, critical to a long-term/successful career in an industry that has started to embrace CRE technology.

What trends are you seeing so far this year? As a marketing and research director for brokers across Upstate NY, I have a unique perspective on trends from both a local market level and agent demands. Dare I say that I can often gauge the current activity of the market by the paperwork coming across my desk and the number of segment modifications from last quarter’s statistics? Indeed I can. There is an uptick in agent adoption of new CRE technologies. New construction is gaining momentum in Upstate NY as the vacancy rates flatten out across office and industrial. This attributed (in-part) to heavy conversions and repurposing of buildings. 

What do you do for fun? I truly enjoy spending time with my two young boys and my husband. Road trips, vacations near the water or simply that good ol’ BBQ in the backyard with family and friends!