Pulice of JRT Realty Group: Started own firm in 1996 to meet a niche in the industry

Name: Jodi Pulice Title: Founder & CEO Company Name: JRT Realty Group, Inc. Years in Commercial Real Estate: 30 What motivated you to step out on your own? When I started in the commercial real estate field 30 years ago, I noticed that the industry was comprised almost entirely of men. I knew that with a solid business plan, hard work and the development of long-term relationships, I could change that. I started my own firm in 1996 to meet a niche need in the industry that to date had not existed - that of a woman-owned business enterprise that could provide strategic services to clients and stand out from the large, male-dominated firms of the time. Moreover, I could address industry-wide supplier diversity initiatives for my clients. What was the biggest obstacle in launching your own business and how did you overcome it? The biggest obstacle, initially, was leaving the security of working for an established firm to start something from scratch. I overcame the fear by believing in my vision of a woman-owned business that could be dedicated to the participation and advancement of women in the industry. In order to get my firm noticed, I worked tirelessly, putting in 12 to 14 hour days, cold calling and writing letters to gain momentum for the firm, going above and beyond to get spaces leased, and even moving JRT's offices into the commercial properties we were representing. What one piece of advice would you give to a woman who is launching her own business in the real estate profession? I would encourage that she take a three-pronged approach to the launch. First, would be to make certain her business plan is founded upon a unique value proposition that might not exist in the current marketplace. Second, join and become an active participant in those networks that can give her an opportunity to participate in projects from which she might ordinarily be precluded. Lastly, build long-term relationships by meeting and exceeding client expectations, demonstrating the value that she can bring, and partnering with professionals that can offer open minded, out-of-the-box thinking and creativity.