Himmel of Himmel + Meringoff discusses daring move

Name: Leslie Himmel Title: Principal Company/Firm: Himmel + Meringoff Years with company/firm: 28 Years in field: 34 Years in real estate industry: 34 Telephone: 212 888-1810 Email; [email protected] URL: www.hmprop.com Real Estate Associations/Affiliations: REBNY - Executive Committee (Assistant Treasurer) and Founded and Co-Chairs Economic Development Committee; Young Men's/Women's Real Estate Association—named Senior Woman of the Year 2009; elected to Wharton School Zell Lurie Real Estate Center; elected to Harvard Business School Alumni Club New York; member of Big Apple World Presidents' Organization; elected to Trustees Council of Penn Women (University of Pennsylvania); supporter of Metropolitan Museum of Art's Real Estate Council and Lincoln Center's Real Estate and Construction Council. How do you and/or your firm use social media? We recently launched a new website ( www.hmprop.com) and advertise with links to active websites for each property. We don't use social media for branding or correspondence, but rely heavily on staying connected with eblasts and email. What is your biggest leadership challenge, other than the "glass ceiling"? I consider myself a leader both in the industry at large as well as through my work on the Executive Committee of REBNY and my continued chairing of the EDC Committee of REBNY that I founded 20 years ago. The main leadership challenge I face is that new people I meet are often surprised that I am a women owner and entrepreneur. What is the most daring thing you have done for your career? How did it turn out for you? When I was 26 years old with very little money I snuck into the annual REBNY banquet and enjoyed the evening immensely. I was in awe of the developers on the stage and dreamed about becoming important enough one day to appear on that stage. I am finally now living that dream. Which project, deal or transaction was the "game changer" in the advancement of your career? In 1985, I purchased 989 Sixth Ave. (a 100,000 s/f building) from Crosslands Savings Bank. The deal was a game changer, since it was the first property that I purchased as a landlord with Steve Meringoff and the first property in our portfolio. Over the last 28 years, we have purchased, sold and financed over $1 billion of real estate transactions. What do you consider to be the most successful way to increase referrals? The best way to increase referrals is to be visible in many different sectors as well as to show up for events. For example, I am extremely active in YPO, Harvard Business School alumni, and many real estate associations. What is the BEST advice you have ever received? Harry Helmsley once told me "Buy real estate in locations that will withstand the time of change, for example, buy near transportation hubs as people are not getting on roller skates and leaving the city, whereas trendy neighborhoods will go up and down in value. Another great piece of advice from my mom "a smile is your best umbrella.' What is your favorite tip for balanced living? Work hard, play hard. Where would you like to be in 10 years? I would like to have a portfolio that is double the size of our present portfolio, now at two million square feet.