Abrams of The Lansco Corp.: Proud of 34 store project

Name: Robin Abram Title: Executive Vice President Company Name: The Lansco Corporation Years in Commercial Real Estate: 35 Real Estate Associations/Organizations: REBNY, WX, ICSC Twitter - Robin Abrams @Robadancer What recent project or transaction are you most proud of? I am most proud of the turnstyle project which consists of 34 stores located in the concourse level of the Columbus Circle Subway Station. My team and I worked closely with the developer, Susan Fine of Oases Real Estate, to position and lease the space to various tenants. This project marks the first time that the MTA, which controls the site, partnered with a private developer to master lease their real estate. We worked to carefully craft the merchandise mix, from Dylan's Candy Bar, Fika, Just Falafel, Ignacio's Pizza, Te Amo Gelato, Crepes By Suzette, and other food uses to Lush, Studio Manhattan, Arth Hats, and other dry uses. Also included in the mix are an artisanal wine shop and a separate shop featuring beer from around the globe. With both fast serve food options inclusive of coffee, tea, baked goods, sandwiches and salads, as well as cosmetics, bags, hats and other accessories, the mix of retailers will provide locals and tourists alike with a unique shopping experience at the base of one of the city's busiest transit hubs. What has been your experience with having a mentor or being a mentor yourself? My company is owned by 6 men and myself, so I would say that the company is not a woman owned business but I am a woman business owner. Recently I formed a formal partnership with two affiliated companies, Time Retail Partners and The Kent Co. This allows Lansco to provide a broader range of services encompassing full advisory and brokerage services, that enable us to represent our retail tenants as they explore options and expand all over the world, with regard to both street and mall leasing. Lansco has traditionally focused on street retail both in NY and other urban markets throughout the country. Time Retail Partners is based in the UK and works all over Europe. Through Time Retail, Lansco also partners with Jorge Lizan to represent tenants as well as owners in Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. And with Marcy Kent of The Kent Co., Lansco can now effectively represent tenants to expand in multiple markets and have a seamless, cohesive approach to both street and mall leasing, with professionals that are truly equipped to best cover them, regardless of the differing sites, and/or types of real estate, that may make sense for each tenant. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why? My husband has been the strongest influence. I came to NY with a degree in Dance and Spanish literature, and worked part time in Real Estate to pay the bills. My husband convinced me that I had the discipline, smarts and perseverance to excel in the business world, and effectively transition to commercial real estate full time. He has been my biggest supporter, and my mentor. What is the first thing you do when you arrive in the office in the morning? The first thing I do in the morning is turn on the computer screens at my desk, and address urgent emails that I did not respond to while I travelled to work. That is assuming that I did not come into the office with coffee. If I didn't , then I might grab coffee in the kitchen before I do anything! What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you? Make to do lists and review in the morning and evening what has been completed and what is pending. Make plan for the day based on that, and communicate with my assistant and team members our priorities. What is the best advice you have received and who was it from? One of my partners always told me never to discuss my business at home with my spouse. That is good advice....as my husband has strong opinions. I do not follow that advice....so the other best advice I get is in fact from my husband. I usually resist his ideas but they are always spot on. List 3 women that you would like to have drinks / dinner with and where would you go? I would love to have drinks with Miucci Prada in Italy at her office; with Hillary Clinton in New York at my office; and with my daughter-- I would love to have a long leisurely dinner on the beach in Mexico when she is there for her work. What is your favorite quote? Seize the Day - it says so much. I don't always do that. All of us sometimes overthinks things and then has regrets. Particularly with regard to business, one must act! What did you want to be when you grew up? A ballerina/choreographer.