Paola Bergonzi, Bohler Engineering

Name: Paola Bergonzi Title: Permitting Manager Company/firm: Bohler Engineering Years with company/firm: 6 Years in field: 17 Years in real estate industry: 17 Address: 2002 Orville Drive North, Suite 100, Ronkonkoma, NY Telephone: 631-738-1200 Email: pbergonzi@Bohlereng.com URL: www.BohlerEngineering.com Real estate organizations/affiliations: Licensed New York City Expediter, Actively attend Professional Women in Construction and Queens Bronx Builders Association events What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2010? In 2010, Bohler Engineering merged its Long Island permit expediters with its New York City department to form a unified permitting division. My greatest professional accomplishment was effectively merging and overseeing the two regions and successfully driving the entire department. I oversee every permit obtained by this office, communicate statuses to project managers and clients, meet with plans examiners, and ensure timely delivery of all permits. What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2010? Obtaining the building permit on time for a 35-acre development in Hunts Point, Bronx, was my most notable project of 2010. The project involved numerous players and intertwined approval schedules for the tenant and property owner. The permitting process was further complicated by utility and cross access easement agreements, future development plans, waivers, waterfront regulation compliance and the need to obtain ancillary approvals from numerous city agencies. After extensive coordination, I approved the job and pulled the building permit in the same day. How do you contribute to your company and/or the industry? I am a successful expediter and permitting manager because I have a hard time taking no for an answer. I have extensive experience with NYC permitting, I understand the processes and regulations, and I know the players. Our work is based upon repeat business. I develop lasting relationships with clients because they can rely on my ability to strategize and obtain their approvals quickly. My relationships continue to bring clients back to Bohler Engineering for their permitting needs. What advice would you give to women just starting out in commercial real estate? Be aggressive. Love what you do. And at the end of the day, be proud of what you've accomplished. How do you manage the work/life balance? While my Blackberry helps me stay connected, I make a conscious effort to turn it off for a period of time on weekends so I can focus my attention solely on my family. I also started taking yoga classes on Sunday mornings, which has significantly affected my ability to decompress and focus my mind on the week ahead. Maintaining the balance is definitely challenging, but shifting my focus to my family and myself better prepares me for the conference calls, plans examiner meetings, application paperwork and permitting deadlines that await me on Monday morning. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career? My kids, Nico (17) and Dante (11). In addition to teaching me the art of multitasking, they motivate me to become a better person. I work hard because I want to make a better life for them. And I want to show them that working hard is both professionally beneficial and personally rewarding. What impact has social networking had on your business? The NYC Department of Buildings now uses social media, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, to keep expediters updated on industry-related news. A DOB app is coming soon. All of these social networking tools keep my permitting department connected with the DOB and up-to-date on changes.