Boddewyn of Boddewyn Gaynor discusses rebranding

Name: Michele Boddewyn Title: President Company Name: Boddewyn Gaynor Architects, D.P.C. Years in Commercial Real Estate: 35 In the last 12 months, which project, transaction, honor or accomplishment are you most proud of and why? Earlier this year, our firm rebranded as Boddewyn Gaynor Architects, D.P.C. to reflect my role as president and partner, as well as the firm's status as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE). This was done in conjunction with the firm's 40th anniversary, which is a major milestone. We are very proud of our contribution to New York City architecture over the past four decades and continue to apply our vast experience and custom design skills to serving client needs. We have been privileged to serve notable firms such as Weill Cornell Medical Center and the Starrett Lehigh Building. What were your biggest fears when you started out in your profession? When I started out in architecture at the age of 24, I feared discrimination because I was a woman. To my surprise, however, the discrimination I encountered was not because of gender but instead because of my age. Many of the contractors had been in business for more than 30 years and didn't trust my knowledge or experience. I overcame their skepticism by providing tight sets of drawings that met industry standards, demonstrating a commitment to professionalism that earned their confidence and respect. What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was in college, and I worked for The Cat Practice, a veterinarian's office that focused exclusively on cats. A couple owned the practice, with the husband serving as the vet and the wife handling all the back-office operations. I learned everything I needed to know about running a small business from her, including such things as being flexible and open-minded when hiring, the need to define roles and responsibilities, managing records, and why an infrastructure is invaluable. I also learned about professionalism, and the importance of maintaining high standards and having a high level of training. What social media and/or face to face networking activities do you find most beneficial professionally? I have been a member of NYCREW for several years and greatly enjoy its events and value the relationships I have made through the organization. I strongly believe that building relationships with like-minded professionals is critical for both professional development and business growth. Of course, social media is also a great tool for making connections, and I am active on LinkedIn.