Jennifer Carey President JLC Environmental Consultants, Inc. 30 W. 26th Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10010 T: (212) 420-8119 F: (212) 420-6092 E: [email protected] www.jlcenvironmental.com What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2010? I successfully passed the Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) testing criteria to become an OSHA authorized trainer. This designation allows me and the other members of our training staff who are also OSHA authorized, to provide better safety and health training courses to our clients. What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2010? Working with Jones Lang LaSalle on the rehabilitation project of the historic Apollo Theatre was one of our most interesting projects this year. We were the environmental/hazardous materials consultant on this project. During one of the site visits, I was able to touch the famous "tree of hope" stump on stage which it is rumored brings luck to the performers there. The stump remains an integral part of Amateur Night at the Apollo. Contestants such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder Lauren Hill and Michael Jackson have rubbed the stump for good luck! How do you contribute to your company and / or the industry? I am currently serving as vice president to the Association of Real Estate Women (AREW). Undertaking a leadership position in a volunteer organization can be time consuming, but it is personally and professionally rewarding and I highly recommended it. Founded in 1978, AREW is the real estate industry's longest running and most consistent supporter of women real estate professionals in the country. AREW's goal is to provide outstanding educational programs and networking opportunities that contribute to the career growth of both men and women in all segments and levels of the real estate industry. What advice would you give to women just starting out in commercial real estate? Brush up on your negotiation skills by taking a course or reading a book. As proven in numerous studies, women are socialized in a way that makes them weaker at negotiation than men (does this account for our continued pay equity issue?). Not only is negotiation an important of the process of landing a job but while doing the job, having these skills can really help you. How do you manage the work/life balance? We have a great staff of managers and administrative personnel who really pitch in to support each other. They are knowledgeable, dedicated and feel I am lucky to work with them. One motto I have learned over the years is that always surround yourself with great people- and that is what we try to do. My family is very supportive of my endeavors and that helps tremendously as well. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career? I would have to say that strangely enough, Richard Nixon inadvertently strongly influenced my career because he promulgated the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the 1970s. Prior to these two agencies being created, it was like the Wild West when it came to environmental pollution (i.e. Love Canal) or employee safety (i.e. Triangle Shirtwaist Fire). What impact has social networking had on your business? Social networking makes it much easier for us to stay connected with business associates and clients. Jack Daly, a noted sales guru, notes that you should "touch" your clients about 10-12 times per year with a phone call, a note, an email, etc. Social networking on sites like LinkedIn and Plaxo, give us another way to reach out to people throughout the year and to stay in contact professionally.