Q & A with Athena Pagnotti the Commercial & Industrial Real Estate Brokers, Inc.

Name: Athena Pagnotti Title: Associate Broker Company/firm: Prudential Blake Commercial, Realtors Years with company/firm: 4 Years in field: 8 Years in real estate industry: 8 Address: 8 Airline Drive ST 104 Telephone: 518-464-0870 X 2205 Email: [email protected] URL: www.athenapagnotti.com Real estate organizations/affiliations: NAR, NYSAR, CIREB, GCAR, CRMLS Which project, deal or transaction was the "game changer" in the advancement of your career during the last 10 years? When I joined my brokerage firm four years ago, I was selected to be part of a team that would sell and lease a diverse inventory of real estate for one corporate client. This afforded me an opportunity to collaborate with seasoned professionals, build rapport with associates, and demonstrate my skills in a consistent and rewarding manner. I've realized the value of "team work" for achieving the right balance of complementary skills to get the job accomplished. The result has yielded more business, greater income, and a cohesive team of professionals that values what each has to offer. How do you contribute to your company and / or the industry? I contribute to my company and the industry by participating in workshops and seminars designed to hone trade skills and networking practices, and also by staying informed about real estate activity in my market. Everyone is interested in real estate. If I can convey information to the public about real estate development, or industry practices that affect their lives, I've made a positive contribution. This activity builds consumer confidence and recognition for my company and my industry. What advice would you give to women just starting out in commercial real estate? The best advice I could offer to women just starting out in commercial real estate would be to choose the company and the principal broker that will mentor you toward success. Key factors are a company that provides on-going training opportunities, scheduled weekly meetings with the management, and opportunities to share assignments with experienced agents. Another important 1st step would be a commitment to specialize and localize. But I would say the most important element of building and maintaining a successful career is to get face to face with people and promote what you do as often as possible. How do you manage the work/life balance? This is a challenge that we all face, and I try to manage it as gracefully as possible. Time is my most valuable resource, so I have allocated time for all that is important to me. When "emergencies" arise for either family or clients, I tend to it, fast! Then I resume my course. What more can we do, really? Set realistic goals, stick to the plan as best you can, and be sure to "treat" yourself after every hard-won accomplishment. Never, ever, waste time by being too hard on yourself. Get on with success!