Jason Black, 31 Memorable Achievements: <\/em>Black started sustainability efforts\u00a0in 2007 installing sensor devices and LED exit signs. A year later, he began a portfolio lighting retrofit that encompassed many common areas and garages and ultimately cost $1.4 million but saves $600,000 a year. In all, he has developed $4\u00a0million in energy conservation programs, saving\u00a0$1.5 million a year;\u00a0\u00a0he expanded the construction recycling program to include more than\u00a01.2 million square feet of\u00a0carpet and ceiling tile diverted from landfills; and he secured more than $1.4 million in state and utility incentives. After he completed portfolio benchmarking in early 2011,\u00a0six\u00a0properties were awarded\u00a0the\u00a0U.S. EPA\u00a0Energy Star label, and 360 Hamilton Ave. in White Plains is currently registered with the U.S. Green Building Council for\u00a0pursuit of a\u00a0LEED\u00a0EB Certification, anticipated before the end of 2011. Black himself is a LEED\u00a0Accredited\u00a0Professional, and is\u00a0continually educating himself in sustainability advances.<\/p>\n What Others Say About Him: <\/em>Black stays active in community efforts to further green development. Among his involvement have been stints on the Westchester County Global Warming Task Force and Climate Change Advisory Council, the White Plains Sustainable & Environmental Enhancement Committee and the Port Chester Architecture Board of Review. \u201cJay has been a catalyst in a lot of these things,\u201d said Dennis Power, director of program development for the Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities, describing Black as \u201cthe epitome\u201d of high energy and someone who rarely declines to take on efforts where his skills are beneficial. \u201cHe\u2019s fun to be around, too.\u201d<\/p>\n Greatest Challenges: <\/em>Learning patience with expectations for himself and taking care to \u201clearn how to do something the correct way.\u201d<\/p>\n Secrets to Success: <\/em>Ninety percent perspiration, 10 percent inspiration. \u201cIt\u2019s really working hard and putting in the time and effort. I don\u2019t believe in a magic bullet.\u201d<\/p>\n Best Advice Received: <\/em>\u201cIf you\u2019re invisible, no one sees you.\u201d You constantly have to be pushing the envelope. Also, \u201cnobody\u2019s above the broom.\u201d You have to be willing to do any task. \u201cI always try to maintain a humble status, and I don\u2019t expect anything to be given to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Advice to Others: <\/em>\u201cMake it what you want it to be\u2014I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever let anyone dictate my career; there\u2019s a lot of opportunity.\u201d \u201cDon\u2019t ever be two dimensional. \u2026 Diversify.\u201d \u2014S.S.<\/em><\/p>\n Timothy Dempsey, 39 Memorable Achievements: <\/em>Last year, Dempsey worked on a 209,000-square-foot office deal for PricewaterhouseCoopers L.L.P. in San Jose, a years-long project, and 210,000 square feet in Atlanta; a 117,000-square-foot office lease for News Corp.\/Dow Jones; and a 103,000-square-foot office lease for Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson in Washington, D.C. In 2009, he worked on a 90,000-square-foot lease for Eli Lilly and Co. in a new development in the East River Science Park. In recent years, he has also helped facilitate development of the 1.6 million-square-foot New York Times building and the 790,000-square-foot PricewaterhouseCoopers global headquarters, and brought Aon Corp.\u2019s Midtown and Downtown Manhattan offices back together in Lower Manhattan, also helping it dispose of its Midtown space.<\/p>\n What Others Have to Say:<\/em> \u201cThe wonderful thing about Tim is he\u2019s a true real estate professional but doesn\u2019t lose sight of what the client\u2019s requirements and needs are,\u201d observed Denise Eccleston, director of global account management in Disney\u2019s corporate real estate services division, who has worked with him for 10 years as both of them have expanded their geographic responsibilities. She praised the fact that he does whatever he can to achieve what the client wants without trying to steer them in another direction.<\/p>\n Biggest Challenge: <\/em>Clients appreciate it if you are very efficient and concise, and able to communicate as efficiently as possible. \u201cYou have to always be cognizant of that.\u201d<\/p>\n Secrets to Success: <\/em>His father taught him to always be respectful. Dempsey also believes it is important to work very hard, make sure the client comes first, be tough but respectful when negotiating and make sure you are always prepared.<\/p>\n Best Advice Received: <\/em>Business is all about relationships and all about integrity, and you have to be thorough and diligent. \u201cAlways be honest and focus on your integrity, and everything else will work out fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Advice to Others: <\/em>Be diligent, work hard and don\u2019t compromise your integrity. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot happening and changing in this industry right now. It\u2019s all about keeping yourself educating, having the most current information.\u201d \u2014S.S.<\/em><\/p>\n Perry Freitas, 31 Memorable Achievements: <\/em>In late November 2010, Freitas closed a $33 million distressed debt acquisition of 109 partially completed age-restricted condominium units in Clifton, N.J., in a very short time window. Last year marked a return to activity for Hudson Realty, which was focused on its existing properties during 2009, and a number of other deals on which he worked last year have closed this year, including a first mortgage on entitled land with retail in Austin, the second phase of a mixed-use property for a repeat client, and a first mortgage on an 861-unit multi-family property in Houston.<\/p>\n What Others Say About Him: <\/em>\u201cHe\u2019s just exceptional,\u201d observed Hudson Realty managing director of origination Spencer Garfield, noting Freitas\u2019 uncommon combination of analytical skills and an ability to understand real estate. \u201c\u201dHe\u2019s risen up, but more important, he\u2019s embraced various aspects of the business, which not everybody has the capability to do and very often (they) don\u2019t have the desire to do. \u2026 Perry wanted to be a well-rounded real estate person and took it upon himself to learn. He\u2019s one of the most valuable players on the team.\u201d Client Jason Post, president of Post Investment Group, calls him \u201ca consummate professional (who) gets it done in an environment where uncertainty is prevalent. He brings an aura of comfort and reliability to a transaction.\u201d With 10,000 units around the country, Post Investment Group specializes in rehabilitating and stabilizing heavily distressed assets. Working with the challenges of meeting timelines on such assets, Freitas is able to contribute perspective and insight from the due diligence stage through post-close, Post added.<\/p>\n Hardest Lesson Learned: <\/em>Never be afraid to bring forth bad news, whether it is a mistake or something uncovered during due diligence.<\/p>\n Secrets to Success: <\/em>Work hard, but more important, work smart. \u201cTry to find ways to achieve my goals more efficiently.\u201d In financial modeling, he has tried to make the process simpler and more efficient.<\/p>\n Best Advice Received: <\/em>\u201cIn this business, integrity, honesty and transparency \u2026 will save people a lot of time and money.\u201d It will come back as a benefit, as well.<\/p>\n Advice to Others: <\/em>Always enjoy what you do. It\u2019s difficult to excel in something if you cannot be passionate about it. \u2014S S.<\/em><\/p>\n Adelaide Grady, 32 Memorable Achievements: <\/em>As co-chair of Wood\u2019s Green Team, Grady led the company\u2019s transition toward more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible building practices. With her help, the Boston office had three deals under contract within a few months of opening. Though one fell through due to a lack of bank and investor interest, another, Alta at Indian Woods in Stoughton, Mass., closed in January 2010 and recently finished construction with 154 units, 25 percent of which are affordable. She managed the third deal, a 116-unit multi-family project at the former site of Brigham\u2019s ice cream factory in Boston\u2019s Arlington Center, from start to finish. The process involved attending more than 25 zoning and planning board meetings in order to get the height and frontage variances need for the project.<\/p>\n The Arlington project was submitted in March 2010 and involved an uphill battle until approval was granted in February 2011. Grady was able to \u201ctip the scale\u201d of the fight by proving the benefits of sustainable building, showing the town and investors the philosophy of Energy Star and energy efficiency and that residents will have a lower cost of living and a better product. \u201cWe were able to convey to the board that we don\u2019t just do this in a nominal way; we are really committed to doing it, and doing it right.\u201d<\/p>\n What Others Have to Say: <\/em>\u201c<\/strong>Who I work with is important,\u201d said Rick Dickason, director of Wood Partners in Boston. \u201cI like to surround myself with pleasant, cheerful people. Adelaide joined in 2009. It was the worst time for the industry, but she was always cheerful and optimistic, which boosted my morale. She is young and energetic and entering the peak of her career. She is an extremely fast learner and is quickly headed up the company ladder of success. Also, I for one appreciate her special knowledge of green building techniques.\u201d<\/p>\n Secrets to Success: <\/em>Cultivate a unique set of skills and knowledge, but make sure to keep them in context.<\/p>\n Best Advice Received: <\/em>\u201cFigure out how you would like to spend your day, and then figure out what kind of career can help you spend your day that way.\u201d<\/p>\n Advice to Others: <\/em>Keep pushing forward and fighting for what you believe in. It will be noticed by the people that matter.\u00a0 \u2014M.R.<\/em><\/p>\n Constantine Kontokosta, 35 Memorable Achievements: <\/em>Kontokosta launched the Center for the Sustainable Built Environment at New York University\u2019s Schack Institute of Real Estate, which works to improve decision-making and sustainable practices in the real estate and construction industries. The center now boasts a 40-person student committee and has earned major projects with the city of New York, the United Nations and various federal agencies. Specifically, the United Nations Environment Program picked the center as a partner on a new initiative to establish baselines in global greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. And Kontokosta\u2019s KACE Group recently received approval for what will probably be the first LEED Platinum-certified winery in the United States.<\/p>\n What Others Have to Say: <\/em>\u201cConstantine is a brilliant, young academic and entrepreneur,\u201d observed James Stuckey, dean of the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate.<\/p>\n Secrets to Success: <\/em>Increase your amount of knowledge over the long term.<\/p>\n Best Advice Received: <\/em>His father \u201cinstilled in me the importance of knowledge and understanding your industry.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Advice to Others: <\/em>Embrace your passion for sustainable development. There are many ways to improve your community. \u2014M.R.<\/em><\/p>\n Glen Kunofsky, 39 Memorable Achievements: <\/em>Kunofsky started the Net Leased Properties Group for Marcus & Millichap. He has run the sale-leaseback program for Carrols Corp. for the past few years. He also sold a 29-property portfolio for Cole Real Estate Investments, a large portfolio for Ruth\u2019s Hospitality Group and some larger industrial space for Spirit Finance Corp. Other clients include Whole Foods Market, NPC International, Southern California Pizza Co., Meritage Hospitality, Golden Corral Restaurants, Sentinel Capital Partners and Golden Gate Capital, among others.<\/p>\n What Others Say About Him:<\/em> \u201cHe does what he says. Sometimes it takes enormous tenacity on his part,\u201d said Alan Vituli, chairman of Carrols Corp., for which he has sourced numerous sale-leaseback deals during the past six to eight years. \u201cWhen he says he\u2019s going to do (something), it\u2019s not simply his intent but all of his energy is behind it and he gets it done.\u201d Peter Mavoides, who is currently managing director of STNL Investors and worked with Kunofsky while president & CEO of Sovereign Investment Co., termed him \u201cone of the most consistent producers\u201d and \u201cone of the most responsive,\u201d someone who is very knowledgeable about sale-leaseback structures and capable in managing both the seller\u2019s and buyer\u2019s expectations and structuring transactions that are amenable to both sides.<\/p>\n Hardest Lesson Learned: <\/em>To stay focused on his specialty area and not take on jobs just because they are attractive. \u201cWhenever I\u2019ve tried to go outside the box\u2014and I haven\u2019t done it in a few years\u2014I get burned.\u201d<\/p>\n Secrets to Success: <\/em>Work harder than the competition and really try to please clients. \u201cIt all comes down to work ethic.\u201d Also, building relationships, placing emphasis on meeting the people you\u2019re doing business with and visiting the properties.<\/p>\n Best Advice Received:<\/em> His father taught him to treat people with respect and never burn a bridge. <\/em><\/p>\n Advice to Others: <\/em>Work hard, be diligent, be loyal to your customers and try to give the best advie you can to clients. Also, specialize and be able to handle rejection well. \u2014S.S.<\/em><\/p>\n Steve Orchard, 34 Memorable Achievements: <\/em>In 2010, Orchard closed $28.7 million in construction financing for a 50,000-square-foot medical facility Nautilus Group is developing for the University of California at Los Angeles\u2019 Santa Monica campus, a deal he started working on in the first quarter of 2009 and closed a year later. Other major deals in recent years have included a $26.3 million bridge loan for the acquisition and repositioning of a 65,000-square-foot office building in Del Mar Heights, Calif.; $28.4 million in a senior loan and preferred equity for the repositioning of a Southern California multi-family portfolio and a $28 million permanent loan for a medical office building in West Los Angeles. He also was instrumental in winning and placing a $70 million CMBS structured financing for a mixed-use center in Scottsdale, Ariz., and a $120 million office deal, among others.<\/p>\n What Others Say About Him:<\/em> He is \u201calready sitting in on partner meetings\u201d because of his ideas for company improvement, noted Gary Mozer, principal with George Smith Partners. \u201cOur culture is you can do whatever you want as long as you\u2019re productive. He has always added so much value on both the deal side and the corporate side.\u201d He termed Orchard a \u201cleader of the next generation of this company. Everybody loves him.\u201d Put in Randy Miller, president of Nautilus Group, \u201cHe goes beyond being a mortgage banker to being an extension of our development team.\u201d The Santa Monica project was particularly challenging because it was financed in a down market, an especially difficult time to obtain construction financing. \u201cI think Steve\u2019s persistence got it done,\u201d Miller observed.<\/p>\n Hardest Lesson Learned: <\/em>Take care of people first; don\u2019t sacrifice relationships for the sake of the transaction. The real estate community is small, and there is always another deal. Also, details matter. \u201cTo be good at what we do, you have to know the facts.\u201d<\/p>\n Secrets to Success: <\/em>\u201cEndurance. The race isn\u2019t necessarily won by the smartest or the fastest. Commercial real estate is about experience. Sometimes just sticking it out separates you from the competition.\u201d<\/p>\n Best Advice Received: <\/em>\u201cTuck in your shirt.\u201d His grandfather taught him actions communicate respect, and respect for people, their time and their endeavors is a prerequisite for delivering quality work in a service business. Practicing being respectful in small, tangible ways improves performance and builds goodwill.<\/p>\n Advice to Others: <\/em>Don\u2019t be smarter than the market. The results of all your hard work and brilliance have a tendency to revert to the mean. So if you find yourself way out in the lead, be careful. \u2014S.S.<\/em><\/p>\n Andy Poppink, 37 Memorable Achievements: <\/em>Last year, Poppink completed more than 2 million square feet of transactions, with an estimated gross lease value of more than $322 million. He has a firm belief in creating solid and enduring relationships with his clients, companies such as Apple Inc., Yahoo! Inc. and Twitter Inc. A common theme in Poppink\u2019s work is delivering value and cost-saving initiatives that help drive income. In 2010, he and his team represented chipmaker Broadcom in restructuring and expanding its Silicon Valley portfolio by nearly a third. He helped secure 100,000 square feet in San Jose and 77,000 square feet in Sunnyvale, bringing Broadcom\u2019s Silicon Valley footprint to over 700,000 square feet. The process is saving the company upwards of $16 million in leases. In addition, the Northern California team and its Silicon Valley office have consistently been named one of the \u201cBest Places to Work\u201d on a variety of lists. But his involvement in the merger of Jones Lang LaSalle and Staubach during harsh economic times, and the subsequent growth in the Silicon Valley office, stands out most for Poppink. \u201cRather than wait out the storm, we ran head first into it and managed to achieve growth over the past two years.\u201d<\/p>\n What Others Have to Say: <\/em>“It doesn’t surprise me that Andy is being singled out as a rising star in our industry. He is the consummate professional and an all-around team player. He constantly raises the bar for himself, and in the process inspires all of us to be better at what we do,” said Elizabeth Hearle, Pacific Northwest market director for Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. Observed Bart Lammersen, Jones Lang LaSalle managing director of tenant representation for the Silicon Valley, \u201cHe is very likeable, very smart and works hard, and I think people respect that. Andy is very accessible, very modest, and just has one of those gifts in his personality; he is able to connect with everyone. He puts in the time and has committed himself to being as true a professional in this line of business as you can be.\u201d<\/p>\n Secrets to Success: <\/em>Tenacity and a desire to expand his skill set.<\/p>\n Best Advice Received: <\/em>Keep your teammates in good spirits with positive affirmation.<\/p>\n Advice to Others: <\/em>\u201cMaintain your desire. Make sure to remain focused on developing a full skill set. People who rush toward finishing short races have more challenging careers than those who make sure they have all the tools, rather than short monetary success.\u201d \u2014M.R.<\/em><\/p>\n Elysia Tse, 34![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2011\/04\/CPE0411_stars-Jason-Black.jpg\" "\\"CPE0411_stars")
<\/a>
\nDirector of Architecture and Sustainability
\nReckson, a Division of SL Green<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2011\/04\/CPE0411_stars_Tim-Dempsey.jpg\" "\\"CPE0411_stars_Tim")
<\/a>
\nExecutive Vice President
\nCB Richard Ellis Inc.<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2011\/04\/CPE0411_stars_Perry-Freitas-HRC.jpg\" "\\"CPE0411_stars_Perry")
<\/a>
\nVice President of Due Diligence
\nHudson Realty Capital L.L.C.<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2011\/04\/Adelaide-Grady.jpg\" "\\"Adelaide")
<\/a>
\nVice President of Development
\nWood Partners<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2011\/04\/Constantine.jpg\" "\\"Constantine\\"")
<\/a>
\nDirector, Center for the Sustainable Built Environment
\nat New York University\u2019s Schack Institute of Real Estate
\nand Principal & Founder
\nThe KACE Group<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2011\/04\/CPE0411_stars_Glen-Kunofsky.jpg\" "\\"CPE0411_stars_Glen")
<\/a>
\nSenior Vice President of Investments
\n& Senior Director of the Net Leased Properties Group
\nMarcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2011\/04\/CPE0411_stars_Steve-Orchard.jpg\" "\\"CPE0411_stars_Steve")
<\/a>
\nSenior Vice President
\nGeorge Smith Partners<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2011\/04\/Andy-Poppink.jpg\" "\\"Andy")
<\/a>
\nManaging Director & Brokerage Lead for the Silicon Valley
\nJones Lang LaSalle Inc.<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2011\/04\/Elysia.jpg\" "\\"Elysia\\"")
<\/a>
\nVice President
\nBlackRock Inc.<\/strong><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2011\/04\/Seth-Weinstein.jpg\" "\\"Seth")
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