2016 Women in Real Estate: Robin Abrams

Robin Abrams, The Lansco Corp.

Name: Robin Abrams

Title: Vice-Chairman

Email: [email protected] 

Years in real estate: 36

Company Name: The Lansco Corporation

Year Founded: 1965

URL: www.lansco.com

Telephone: 212-644-2222

How did you get your start in real estate?

Initially got a job as an executive assistant for two partners of the company where I am now a partner.

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of?

The Real Estate Board of New York, and WX (Women Executives in Real Estate), ICSC.

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

Turnstyle, which consisted of 30 shops in the Columbus Circle subway concourse. This was the first public/private partnership the MTA entered into. They issued a RFP for a long term master lease covering the 15,000 s/f. We worked closely with Susan Fine, the developer, and everyone on the team she carefully assembled. Together we crafted a story, setting the tone for the project and engaging appropriate target tenants. The leasing plan was carefully implemented and incorporates the “best in class” for various categories. There are a fair amount of food and beverage uses, but they are all unusual, and complement each other. We did lease to Starbucks, for their first site with the new grab and go concept. There are a variety of dry retail uses including national tenants Dylans Candy Bar, Lush, and Papyrus. Rents exceeded expectations. And the commuting experience is forever changed in this subway corridor; now vibrant and lively.

What have been some of the benefits of being a mentor or having a mentor?

Being a mentor allows one to “give back” and to hopefully make a difference in your mentee’s career, and big picture, in their life. I grew up in the business when there were few woman, and I did not have someone who on a daily basis interacted with me, constantly monitoring all, explaining things, and guiding me. I try hard to make time to communicate with those I mentor, particularly women, as they need to understand the dynamics of our business. I try to impart to them that although it is an aggressive business, they can behave with grace and integrity. Of course, they do need to be smart and persevere to make things happen.

What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you?

Take time either before office hours or after office hours to catch up on paperwork, emails and talking with your team. It is imperative to do that in order to be most effective during the work day, and yet stay in control and on top of everything you must do.

In today’s world, the expectation is for instant communication, so one must respond quickly to emails and phone calls. Separately, it is imperative to talk regularly with those people comprising your team/co-workers. It is necessary to review the status of various projects, set expectations and hold all accountable. You must clearly communicate what is needed, and then check that it is done appropriately. And you must deliver feedback in the form of praise or as needed -- productive, positive criticism. Ultimately, as a team leader, you are responsible for the work product and for the successful delivery of services.

How do you empower other women in your workplace?

When I began at Lansco there was one female broker, a Japanese woman focused on office leasing specific to Japanese companies. The industry has changed, and more and more companies in commercial leasing have hired women. Retail leasing in general is appealing to women, as the dynamics are very creative and eclectic. Over the years, I have worked to grow our retail department so that in addition to myself, we now have 8 brokers out of 20 that focus on retail leasing and one that does both office and retail leasing. So our retail department is pretty much split between women and men, which is highly unusual in our field. I don’t think of female brokers any differently than male brokers -- they all have the same responsibilities, and the same opportunities. That is how I empower them.