Partridge of Benchmark credits her success to family, mentors

Name: Jean Partridge Title: Chief Counsel & Managing Member Company: Benchmark Title Agency, LLC Address: 222 Bloomingdale Rd., White Plains, NY 10605 Telephone: 914-250-2400 Email: [email protected] URL: http://www.benchmarkta.com During the last 10 years of your career, which professional accomplishment, honor or achievement has meant the most to you and why? Starting and growing my own business has been the most meaningful, as well as, the most challenging achievement in my professional career. My partner and I started the business seven years ago and shortly thereafter the economy, particularly the real estate market, had a dramatic downturn. Thankfully, we reacted properly to the downturn, adjusted our business plan accordingly and remain a profitable business today. Which project, deal or transaction was the "game changer" in the advancement of your career during the last 10 years? I have had the opportunity to work on many complex commercial transactions, including power plants, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, many affordable housing projects and other commercial projects throughout the state. I cannot think of a particular deal that was a game changer in my career. How do you contribute to your company and / or the industry? I contribute to company by running the day to day operations of the business, by problem solving any issue that may arise. Further, we try to maintain a flexible pleasant work environment for our staff. In an effort to keep our client abreast of changes in the law as it affects the real estate environment I also publish a quarterly newsletter for our clients. Regarding the title insurance industry, I am actively involved in the industry's 'trade association' - the NYS Land Title Association, where I am a member of their executive committee. I also prepare a monthly newsletter for the association and serve on many committees. What advice would you give to women just starting out in commercial real estate? To persevere, have confidence, network, maintain a first rate reputation, have integrity, stick with your principles, stick to your word, maintain an excellent work ethic, be honest with your clients as well as your staff, keep abreast of all new legislation and/or regulations affecting the industry, stay abreast of market conditions and last but not least - believe in yourself - the same advice I would give a man! How do you manage the work/life balance? Great support from my family members. Our office is very close to my home which allows me greater flexibility. In this day and age we are fortunate to have technological tools available to allow us to maintain a nomadic work space. Of utmost importance, is having an excellent staff; I am confident in the decisions they make and that the business will run effectively if I am not in the office. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why? I have been fortunate to have had several mentors throughout my career. On the business side, I would say my partner has had the strongest influence on my career, for always having the confidence in me to complete the challenge at hand. On the legal and title knowledge side, I had a former boss and mentor who forced me to improve my public speaking ability. I hated all the speaking he made me do at the time, however, today 10 years later, I am extremely grateful for his pushing and coaching me. How are you using social media to promote yourself and/or your firm? Twitter for business-to keep clients informed; Linked in-to service clients, to obtain leads and recommendations and to inform and to be informed. Where would you like to be 10 years from today? With Benchmark, however I would like to double staff and triple revenue! I would also like to serve as a mentor to younger folks in the industry.