Q & A with some of the Women from CIREB: Kathy Zamechansky

Name: Kathy Zamechansky Title: Executive Vice President Company/firm: NAI Friedland Realty Years with company/firm: 6 Years in field: 38 Years in real estate industry: 38 Address: 656 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704 Telephone: 914-968-8500, ext 342 Email: [email protected] URL: www.friedlandrealty.com Responsibilities include: Leasing commercial office and retail space, development projects, not-for-profit clients, sales of retail and office buildings, and conversions Awards: Bronx Manhattan North Association of Realtors' 2009 Realtor of the Year Career Achievements: President of KZA Realty Group (a privately owned Real Estate Brokerage and Consulting Company), president of BOEDC, executive director of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, and worked on the development of several major projects (Fordham Plaza, Gotham Plaza, Peatree Plaza, etc.) Real Estate Organizations: Vice-president of the Commercial/Industrial Division of the Bronx Manhattan Association of Realtors and member of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. What advice would you give to a woman just starting a career in your field? Our business is much more complicated today than when I entered the field over 30 years ago. To be successful, you must educate yourself on the industry. Choose an area of expertise, either residential or commercial, and take as many courses as possible. Decide the focus of your practice. If commercial, would you rather work with tenants or represent owners and developers? You must be very well versed in your trade areas. Always do your homework, research your customer, and know the business that you are representing inside and out. It's also important to utilize new technology that can help you market, such as social networking, to reach the widest audience. Above all, to be successful in the real estate business you must have a passion for what you do. How do you stay ahead of the curve? Never become complacent. I strive to learn something new every day to provide my clients with the best service and set myself apart. I have a passion and love for what I do. It's important always to be patient and conduct oneself with integrity. I work very hard on behalf of my clients and believe this attitude helps me stay one step ahead in an ever-changing environment. I continually seek out new challenges and am always interested in learning more about the industry for my clients' benefit. Working with some of the best professionals in the business has also taught me a great deal. My membership in several trade and business organizations, such as the Bronx Manhattan Association of Realtors, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp., and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, has been critical.