Jared Jones, Bohler

Name: Jared Jones

Title: Senior Project Manager

Company Name: Bohler 

What was the most challenging part of working during the pandemic?
Bohler was among the first in the industry to go fully remote. Transitioning from being in an office every day to working remotely was a big adjustment since we are a very collaborative company. Fortunately, we had the technology infrastructure and flexibility framework in place prior to COVID, which helped us more readily adapt and maintain our collaborative spirit.

What aspects of working from home did you enjoy most?
Like many people working in Manhattan, I am a daily commuter and have an hour plus trip each way on the Long Island Railroad. Saving those two hours each day has had enormous personal and professional benefits. I am well rested, and I can get a workout in when I would usually be commuting. With more time and energy, I am able to think more critically and maintain additional connectivity with my clients and teammates.

What are your predictions for commercial real estate in 2021?
We are beginning to see the results of COVID-19 on the real estate market. Commercial real estate pricing has decreased as companies are marking the switch to work remotely. Meanwhile, the residential market, especially on Long Island, has become a sellers’ market that is inundated with people trying to leave the city. It’s hard to say if this trend will continue in 2021, but this will be largely be driven by when a vaccine for COVID is readily available. With that being said, I think that as we progress through 2021, we will see the real estate market slowly make its way back to normalcy.