Amy F. Broadhurst
President
Lee & Associates of Western Pennsylvania
Years with company/firm: 1.5
Years in field: 15
Years in real estate industry: 15
Real estate organizations/affiliations: SIOR, CCIM
Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in:
I took an internship with Walmart Realty in graduate school that I knew would expose me to many different parts of the real estate development cycle. From that internship, I knew I wanted to be a real estate broker – which is shocking to think about now, because development from WalMart’s vantage point was pretty cool! I also fell in love with their supply chain arm and all of the warehouses that go with it. My love with their focus on the ever evolving efficiency of that network is really what pushed me down the path of being an industrial broker.
How do you manage the work/life balance?
By focusing on what is important. It is much easier now because deals are taking longer and there is only so much input we can provide while corporations sift through the external and internal challenges to get to the finish line.
What were some of your early goals and did anything happen in you career /profession to enhance or change them?
When I first started in brokerage, I only knew the basics. As I learned and was exposed to more, my passions and thoughts shifted to include other parts of industrial real estate - corporate services, “flex” product and that caused a career shift at one point.
What unique qualities and or personality do you feel makes you most successful in your profession?
Being my self, while also being very passionate about the industry. If you lack passion, it is very hard to be successful as a broker.
What challenges and or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to become as successful as you are today?
Time. It is very hard to maintain focus and dedication to an industry that requires this much patience.
Do you feel being a woman is an advantage, disadvantage or no advantage in today’s business world? Why? Why not?
It is very much an advantage today. Most corporations have a woman in leadership and as a company, if you cannot show the same across the table, I have seen it being a problem. This is a much larger issue across the board with diversity.
What inspiring words of advice would you give to a young woman about to go into the field of commercial real estate or your allied field?
Find many female and male mentors that you can lean on, and find those that you feel carry your best interest.
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