Shelby Seebacher | Real Estate and Customer Experience, Senior Manager | Prologis
Years with company/firm: 7
Years in field: 7
Years in real estate industry: 7
Real estate organizations/affiliations: BOMA NJ and BOMA NY
How do you contribute to your company and/or the industry?
My latest ongoing contribution to my company is onboarding newly acquired assets in the New York market. This has been a very exciting period in my career. We have onboarded seven assets in the boroughs since beginning of 2021. As part of these acquisitions and redevelopments, we are changing the face of the NYC’s industrial space.
Who or what has been the strongest influence in your career?
Two people have had a really impactful influence on my career- Vince Zuppa, VP of Property Management for Prologis in Chicago, and Jesse Harty- the Market Officer of the NJ/NY Market for Prologis. Vince hired me straight from college. He was the greatest resource in my first few years of managing properties. He highlighted what is important to get right, and explained what to do if things went wrong, through stories from his 30+ years of experience.
Jesse Harty is a leader by example. He works extremely hard, is always seeking the strongest solution or answer, asks the right questions, and sets a tone for our market for which we all admire him.
What impact has social media/networking had on your career?
Aside from the obvious networking benefits of LinkedIn, Instagram has acted as a visual information feed. I follow Traded: New York, Traded: New Jersey, many of the brokerages, and my customers. All of which give me bits of insight to what’s trading in various markets and projects our customers are proud of. We are also getting very creative with our buildings in the boroughs and I have been able to get inspiration designs from social media that fit in with the local neighborhoods where our buildings are located.
Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in, about your current position and why you choose the field/profession you are in today?
I began my real estate career fresh out of college. When evaluating potential opportunity and firms, knowing I had a strong interest in real estate, I singled out Prologis. They had a local, personable approach with a global reach- in a sector that was bound for serious growth. I am still at Prologis for the same reasons today. While at Prologis, I’ve been able to grow from an Intern to my current role as Senior Property Manager.
What unique qualities and or personality trait do you feel makes you most successful in your profession?
My dynamic personality. My position requires many hats to be worn throughout the day and the need to tailor myself to each situation. From conveying difficult news to a global customer to running a team meeting, to handling an emergency situation demand different approaches and working styles.
What was the most defining moment for you?
Defining moments often arise from difficult situations. I am no exception. A global customer with a 24/7 operation had a fire which led to a complete utility shut down to their facility. I was able to assess, clean, and repair all of the building systems allowing for safe access back into the building within 24-hours. All the while, I maintained open lines of communication within our organization and to the customer’s leadership. Resonating on the matter now, it was a peak of this stage in my career- a compendium of knowledge, relationships, and hard work all coming to a single point.
What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time?
When I am not dreaming about industrial real estate, I enjoy pottery, cooking (and eating), going to stand up shows, tennis, and long walks with my King Charles Cavalier, Newman.
What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduating from college?
Careers are like relationships - you need to have an interest and liking to what you are dedicating your everyday to, but also recognize there are highs and lows. You will be bored, excited, unmotivated, eager, and sometimes question why you ever started. Great careers are not built in a day, or even a year, but through dedication, hard work, and interest, you will eventually be able to look back and be proud of something you built.