Cohen of M.C. O'Brien was named a CoStar power broker

Name: Karen Cohen Title: Director of Sales and Leasing Company/firm: M.C. O'Brien Inc. Years with company/firm: 5 Years in field: 5 Years in real estate industry: 5 Address: 4718 Avenue N Telephone: 718 252 9191 X 112 Email: [email protected] URL: www.mcobrien.com Real estate organizations/affiliations: Womens Council of Realtors During the last 10 years of your career, which professional accomplishment, honor or achievement was most meaningful to you and why? The most meaningful accomplishment thus far of my career I have to say is being a winner of the 2011 CoStar Power Broker Award. It is a very prestigious award and I am very grateful. I have worked very hard and it is very inspiring to be recognized for what I love to do. Which project, deal or transaction was the 'game changer' in the advancement of your career during the last 10 years? One of my first deals was with Amazing Savings. I put them into a 17,400 sq ft building. From this deal I was able to see the complexities of the profession and how much I love what I do. How do you contribute to your company and/or the industry? I am a member of the Women's Council Of Realtors and The National Association of Professional Women and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. In addition, I am a regular at the Brooklyn Roundtable speaker series at the Brooklyn Historical Society. What advice would you give to women just starting out in commercial real estate? My advice would be, to talk to as many brokers as you can and keep abreast of their deals even if you are not partaking in the commission, crazy things happen all the time and the first hand knowledge and experience goes a long way. Put in as many hours as you possibly can. How do you manage the work/life balance? It's hard. I try to keep my schedule flexible. Having a great support system is also very important. Now that my kids are a little bigger it's easier to manage. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why? My husband has been the strongest influence on my career. His vast knowledge of retail and his unwaivering support for my career has been profound. How are you using social media to promote yourself, your products and / or your firm? We are not using social media. We started our website and we are trying to promote the firm through personal referrals. Where would you like to be 10 years from today? When you surround yourself with wonderful people at home and work, I can easily say I am happy right where I am! My present status as Director of Sales and Leasing will only lead to greener pastures.