2016 Women in Real Estate: Christel Engel

Name: Christel Engel

Title: Executive Managing Director

Company Name: Colliers International

Email:  [email protected]

Years in real estate: 30 years

Telephone: +1 212 716 3567

How did you get your start in real estate?

It was a complete accident initiated through the connections I established as a young painter in New York after I moved here from Germany. My appreciation of art, architecture and love for people inspired me to join a small SoHo-based company – Tarter/Stats Realty – where I was hired as a real estate sales associate. My first year in the business – 1986 – was a very active transaction year, and I was able to close 11 leases in my first 12 months. To this day, I remain grateful for having been in the right place at the right time.

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

REBNY and Young Men’s/Women’s Real Estate Association of New York

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

Being a deal junkie makes this question a hard one to answer. All of my clients are of equal importance to me, and so are the teams that support our collective success. Most recently, I have been part of the repositioning of 245 5th Avenue as well as other assets in the vibrant Midtown South sub-market. I truly believe that the creative, flexible workplace environment is an evolving norm and adaptable to any sub-sector of New York real estate.

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

I served on the Board of Directors of REBNY for three years. During this time, I enjoyed teaching ethics courses, welcoming new members and being part of a team to create a New York real estate accreditation program. I am currently a member of several sub-committees and the acting chair of the Plaza District Committee.

What have been some of the benefits of being a mentor or having a mentor?

Mentoring is an inspirational give and take of energy. Through this process, I have received fulfillment through collective personal growth.

Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why?

My mother taught me that no one should ever take “no” for an answer, and that success is defined by empathy, hard work and persistence. As difficult as it may have been for her, she supported me as I went to America alone to realize a piece of the “American dream.”

What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you?

Setting daily goals is essential in this business. Nonetheless, proactive thinking, anticipating next steps, juggling multiple priorities and being responsive are equally as important. While we dedicate so much of our time to our careers, it is inspirational to have the ability to find quality time with your family and to make time for personal interests - in my case, art.

What is the best advice you have received and who was it from?

Towards the beginning of my career, I learned that deal size does not matter. I had the honor of working closely with Jerome Cohen, the former chairman of Colliers International – then known as GVA Williams – for 19 years. While on assignment together, the best piece of advice he gave me was to show the same commitment and attention to detail when closing a 500 s/f transaction as you would a 200,000 s/f transaction.