In today’s world, it is not unusual to
hear of individuals in various professions making career moves. People
searching for perceived new opportunities, possible higher earning potential or
simply a better personal fit can lead to a
personal decision to move on. Externally, mergers and acquisitions, corporate relocations and, in some cases,
failed businesses cause individuals to
make unexpected changes. So it comes
as more of a surprise when an individual
celebrates a significant anniversary with
the same firm.
“In retrospect, it really is hard to
believe it has been 25 years since I started with CB Richard Ellis,” says Jane
Dizona, a first vice president and brokerage associate in Tampa. “I was fortunate
to find a career path that constantly
challenged me on the professional side
and, at the same time, one that provided
a lifestyle that allowed me to pursue the
passions of my personal life. If you are
fortunate enough to find that complement, then you have a true balance in
your life that makes tenure a relatively
easy path to follow.”
Smart Business spoke with Dizona
about her journey and what she believes
made her career choice the right one
since 1983.
Did your professional life start in commercial real estate?
I was working in a marketing position
for a firm that provided word-processing
equipment and training when an opportunity presented itself at Coldwell
Banker (the founding firm of now CB
Richard Ellis). While I was certainly
motivated to do well in my new career,
the reality was soon clear that there was
a steep learning curve to navigate, that
quality service was based on a deliverable base of market knowledge and that
practical, real-time experience with
clients was the real test of success. I was
fortunate, however, to have the benefit
of an experienced partner, and that
helped immensely in the transition. At
that time, the brokerage community in
the Tampa Bay area was relatively small,
male-dominated, and developing in style
and practice. On the landlord side, ownership was used to leasing their own
properties. Tenant representation was in
its infancy and a new concept to both
landlords and tenants. We did a lot of pro
bono work until the value that we
brought to the transaction was clear.
So how do you now measure that opportunity after 25 years?
On the professional side, I have had the
opportunity to work with great people,
internally and externally, on a variety of
projects. I can also now be more selective in the assignments I take so I can
match true partnership arrangements
that make a big difference in doing business. Working on the right assignment
with the right team and client makes for
a true win-win for all parties. At the
same time, no two opportunities are
ever exactly the same and so it keeps the
challenges fresh yet draws on the lessons of the past. On the personal side,
my position affords me great flexibility
in time and scheduling, which allows me
to actively pursue my personal interests.
When all of this is in balance, I feel I
work better, and the result is that I have
a career that provides a financial outcome that directly reflects my efforts
and, of course, the realities of the current market.
How have you dealt with the cyclical nature
of the commercial real estate business?
Well, we certainly have witnessed the
extremes of the cycles over the past few
years. If I can offer any advice, it would
be to always live within your means and
plan ahead in good times for the eventual slowdown in bad times. There is
enough pressure every day in the course
of conducting business so you need to
work at keeping an even keel in your
personal life. This affords me the opportunity to be objective in the guidance I
provide my clients.
So what should others look for in finding
the right long-term career path?
Everyone has different motivations.
For me, not only looking back but also
looking forward I think a few issues are
key. First, ensure that the firm you are
considering has a positive, well-respected brand. That calling card will be very
helpful getting started and will be
increasingly important as you build your
business. Second, make sure you are
comfortable with the people you work
with internally. Every firm has its own
personality and style. Third, understand
the strategic goals of the firm. Progressive thought and action will help
ensure that you remain increasing competitive both individually and collectively. Finally, when your work is always in
the best interests of the client, your
prospects of a long and successful
career are greatly enhanced.
JANE DIZONA is a first vice president with CB Richard Ellis specializing in office brokerage. Reach her at (813) 273-8461 or
[email protected].
