2016 Women in Real Estate: Lina Gottesman

Name: Lina Gottesman

Title: President

Company Name: Altus Metal, Marble & Wood

Email: [email protected] 

Years in real estate: (27) years

Year Founded: 1989 

URL: www.altusmm.com

Twitter @AltusMetal

Telephone: 212-629-1089

How did you get your start in real estate?

In 1989, after years in another industry, I joined the metal & marble unions to service the commercial and residential real estate market and started from scratch. Being raised in a family- owned contracting company gave me a tremendous foundation to launch Altus.

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of?

1- BOMA, 2- NY Women’s Chamber of Commerce, 3-Regional Alliance for Small Contractors

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

Altus Metal, Marble and Wood completed an historic restoration including work on the bronze scroll and inscription emblazoned above the doors when you first enter Grand Central Terminal. MTA Metro-North has rededicated the area as the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Foyer in honor of her battle to obtain landmark status for the century-old station, a campaign that saved it from demolition. Altus is honored to have had the opportunity to help bring back to life the words that pay tribute to the construction industry’s tireless labor force and to restore to its original beauty the lustrous marble that welcomes passengers to the terminal.

What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why?

The Achiever’s Award from the Long Island Center for Business & Professional Women – This had special significance to me because it came from my female peers.

What advice would you give to a woman who is planning to launch her own business?

Write a business plan, get a lawyer and a good accountant for your industry

How do you empower other women in your workplace?

Ask their opinion first even if I intend on making the decision because their input is very valuable.