Who has been the strongest influence on your career and why? By Roundell

Name: Jane Roundell Title: Senior Vice President Company/firm: CresaPartners Years with company/firm: 9 Years in field: 26 Years in real estate industry: 26 Address: 100 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 Telephone: 212.758.0804 Email: [email protected] URL: www.cresapartners.com Responsibilities include: Commercial Real Estate brokerage/Corporate Real Estate Services. Real estate organizations / affiliations: REBNY Professionally, where were you ten years ago and where are you now? Ten years ago I had just completed two projects as an owner's representative. It was then that I was introduced to CresaPartners and moved over to the corporate services/transaction side of commercial real estate. I still work at CresaPartners, which is a firm that solely represents tenants. I find that my previous experience on the ownership side gives me a distinct advantage in representing tenants, because I understand when landlords are able to take action, even when they say they can't. What single event professional or personal has most significantly impacted your career? When I first worked as an assistant leasing representative in 1990, I was given the opportunity to take over the entire leasing project, including handling all the lease negotiations in-house. It was an exceptional learning experience that made a significant difference in my career. What was the best decision that you made in the last year? I decided to work with several different teams internally. This teaming has enhanced my strengths in a way that also complements the strengths of my colleagues. What award or recognition has been the most meaningful to you and why? The most meaningful recognition is the gratitude of a client when I have gone above and beyond the call of duty. I once went to the Department of Environmental Protection in Queens to file an ACP 7 form for our client because the landlord wouldn't file it for several days. This would have caused my client a delay that would have incurred penalties. To this day the client can't believe I did that. Another client regularly tells me she can't believe I have other clients based on the amount of work I do for them. Knowing that I have provided that level of service is the best recognition in the world. How do you stay ahead of the curve? I spend a lot of time researching. It's important to understand your clients' business. Who has been the strongest influence on your career and why? My husband, because he is the most ethical person I know. Doing the right thing isn't always the easiest way to attack a problem, but it's the only way for me. His moral fiber and support have given me the strength to take the high road. What impact has social networking had on your success? Keeping up with my professional colleagues has enabled me to create opportunities. How has the need to create a more sustainable environment influenced the way you do business? I work with our clients to establish what level of sustainability they want to achieve within their budget parameters. Our firm has many LEED-accredited professionals, so we understand the importance of sustainability. What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today? I have worked very hard to learn and understand all aspects of commercial real estate. I managed six buildings for several years, so I could understand the asset side. Over the last 26 years, I have worked through and survived many market downturns. What advice would you give to a woman just starting a career in your field? Commercial Real Estate is a relatively male-dominated industry, particularly in New York City. Be aggressive, and form solid professional relationships. Don't be afraid to stand your ground.