Crew Charlotte Logo

JOIN CREW


PAY MEMBERSHIP DUES

Connect with us
Patty Drummond
-1
archive,author,author-crewcharlotte,author-4,qode-social-login-1.1.3,stockholm-core-2.4.1,tribe-no-js,select-child-theme-ver-1.1,select-theme-ver-9.6.1,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,side_area_over_content,,qode_menu_,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-8.0.1,vc_responsive
Title Image

Author: Patty Drummond

January 14, 2025 In Luncheon Summary

January 2025 Luncheon: Fireside Chat with Bank of America’s Kieth Cockrell

Submitted by Keiko Pace, Stephens Office Systems

Kieth Cockrell, Bank of America’s Charlotte Market President, kicked off our 2025 luncheons by speaking about his family, his career with Bank of America, and how Charlotte’s growth and development is making the region an attractive place for companies and families to move.

 

He was bullish about the Charlotte region, stating that our industry growth and financial banks have helped make Charlotte the 2nd largest financial capital in the US. He said Charlotte needed to “continue to be bold and outrageous”, meaning that we needed to continue to attract companies, create entertainment districts for people to gather and enjoy, and make Charlotte not only a livable city, but a city people view as a destination with attractive shopping districts.

 

Bank of America’s mantra is to “Deliver profits with a purpose”. The banking company engages their employees and the clients to be the best that they can. He feels Charlotte is on the same track with record levels of people moving to Charlotte everyday and becoming not only a financial hub but a medical hub with Wake Forest School of Medicine being constructed in a mixed use development called The Pearl.

 

Kieth credited the Charlotte Business Regional Alliance for their hard work in helping Charlotte grow as they serve as a voice for business growth and development. When asked about DEI practices at Bank of America that could be used in other businesses and practices, he said that they listen to their employees on how to make things better. They take their advice and suggestions and are constantly strategizing ways to improve processes. Bank of America’s ability to stay focused on their employees and clients contribute to their success.

 

He believes Charlotte needs to continue to invest in our youth and education and provide a safe environment where they can continue to grow life skills. Kieth’s heavily involved in a lot of organizations and non-profits because he wants to engage in the community and broaden his impact by building deeper relationships. Building those deep relationships help create more business.

 

Kieth’s family is extremely important to him and while he has many successes in his career, it was evident that his proudest success is his family. He spoke of his loving, supportive wife, Serena who helped him raise 3 grown and very successful children. Serena placed a high priority on education and Kieth wanted his children to get involved in something they were passionate about. His motto to his kids were: “If you are going to do it, do it well.” Kieth was very proud of Bank of America’s role in sponsorships of various sports organizations around town. They just recently announced their partnership and sponsorship for the Men’s World Cup in men’s soccer for 2026 and spoke of ACC moving their headquarters to Charlotte. He understood that Charlotte needs a strong center city with entertainment and shopping districts.

 

He concluded the discussion saying that his family is his biggest accomplishment and his children are his legacy. His career advice is to go deep: learn as much as you can and put everything into it.

0
December 10, 2024 In Luncheon Summary

December 2024 Luncheon: “Cultivating Prosperity: Development Insights from Cabarrus and Iredell Counties”

Submitted by Julie Pruett, Marlboro Development Team

Grant Miller, Executive Vice President at Colliers, moderated an engaging panel discussion on economic development and key projects in Cabarrus and Iredell Counties during CREW Charlotte’s final luncheon of 2024. Miller was joined by Jay Blanton, Managing Partner at Insite Properties, LLC; Jenn Bosser, President & CEO of the Iredell County Economic Development Corporation; and Irene Wong, Economic and Community Development Director for the City of Kannapolis.

The panel highlighted the recent growth in the thriving northeastern communities within the Charlotte MSA. Jenn Bosser shared how Iredell County has prioritized industrial product development over the past five years, noting that they were “in the right place at the right time” with strong support from elected leaders. Similarly, Irene Wong emphasized that Kannapolis has experienced its most significant economic development project announcements in history within the last few years. With major additions like Eli Lilly and Red Bull, Cabarrus County is flourishing. Meanwhile, Jay Blanton detailed how his team at Insite Properties capitalized on this growth by acquiring property surrounding The North Carolina Research Campus and proposing substantial residential development on many of the adjacent parcels.

 

A common theme among the panelists was the importance of collaboration in making communities attractive for development. They emphasized strong relationships with governmental bodies, including economic development organizations, permitting offices, and elected officials. Additionally, they discussed how existing and planned infrastructure improvements—including utilities—have been and will continue to be a key driver of growth in these communities.

 

The insights shared by the panel underscored the importance of strategic planning, collaboration, and visionary leadership in shaping the future of these vibrant communities. Cabarrus and Iredell Counties hold tremendous potential for continued growth, further strengthening the Charlotte Region as a dynamic hub for business and development.

 

0
October 9, 2024 In Announcements & News, Press Releases

CREW Charlotte Announces 2024 Impact Award Winners

CREW Charlotte announces the 2024 winners of the annual Impact Awards which honor members and projects that have a meaningful impact on the Charlotte area community and CREW Charlotte.

Impact Award Honorees

Emerging Leaders – Hannah Breed, Urban Design Partners
Carrie Sharp Power Connector – Barbara Briccotto, Progressive Companies
Career Advancement for Women – Mary Wilken, Insite Properties
Entrepreneurial Spirit – Ashley Cooper and Caitlin McCain, Cooper + McCain
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Allison Simpson, Primax Properties
Community Project Impact – for profit – Crescent Communities and Nuveen Real Estate for One Independence Center
Community Project Impact – non profit – The Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center
Creative Design – LS3P for Ten30 Corporate Campus
Circle of Excellence – Nancy Olah, Nancy Olah Law

 

Hannah Breed with Urban Design Partners was selected for the Emerging Leader Award.  The Emerging Leader Award honors a CREW Charlotte member that embodies excellence, spirit and energy in the field of Commercial Real Estate and the CREW Charlotte Chapter.

Barbara Briccotto with Progressive Companies was awarded The Carrie Sharp Power Connector Award. This award honors a CREW Charlotte member that goes above and beyond networking to actively establish or strengthen relationships with fellow CREW members and sponsors by intentionally connecting members and sponsors to other members and sponsors through business and referral generation.

Mary Wilken, COO at Insite Properties, is the 2024 recipient of The Career Advancement for Women Award. This award honors a CREW Charlotte member who consistently exemplifies CREW Charlotte’s commitment to elevating the status of women in commercial real estate by working to advance the careers of other women. This award is presented to an individual that has had significant impact on one or more women, giving them the skills or confidence to pursue and succeed in new opportunities.

Ashley Cooper & Caitlin McCain, co-founders of Cooper + McCain, are the joint winners of The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.  This award honors CREW Charlotte members who achieve a unique career success or milestone as the result of an exceptional entrepreneurial spirit. Often risk takers, they are willing to step outside the box to create something new or different – providing services, creating products, or improving practices by innovatively organizing, developing, or deploying resources either within their own company, as part of a larger organization their industry or community.

Allison Simpson with Primax Properties was selected for the DEI Impact Award. This award honors a CREW Charlotte member who tirelessly helps to advance the organization’s goals to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in membership and leadership.

Crescent Communities and Nuveen Real Estate’s development of One Independence Center is the unanimous winner of The Community Project Impact Award -for Profit. This award honors a building or project that positively affects not only its inhabitants, but the surrounding community. The winner of this award exemplifies meaningful change in our city in the physical space, whether it is a development with great green space or a building that services those in need in our community.

The recently completed Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center is the winner of the CREW Charlotte Community Project Impact Award – non-profit.  This award honors a building or project that positively affects, not only its inhabitants, but the community surrounding it. The winner of this award exemplifies meaningful change in our community in the physical space on the non-profit side.

The Creative Design Award winner for 2024 is LS3P for Ten30 Corporate Campus.  Creative design of a building comes in many forms, including exterior architecture, interior design, art, branding, and furnishings. How a space is designed immediately impacts people and their experience. This award goes to the project that inspires the world around it and moves the needle in creativity. Ten30 was developed by Centene with design serviced provided by LS3P. This new 80-acre campus paves the way for the next generation of offices focused on top-tier recruiting, retention, and agile operations. The campus development includes approximately one million SF of office space within two office buildings with dining, café, fitness facilities, and clinic amenities.

The site orientation creates contiguous clusters of buildings in an east/west orientation wrapping a water feature which serves as a central activity hub. The exterior prioritizes transparency to create a sense of “working in a treehouse.” Vertical façade elements abstract a tree’s trunks and branches. Inside, the awe-inspiring entry lobby atriums act as the buildings’ primary organizational element and serves as the central and most significant collaboration space. “Treehouse” meeting space experiences scattered throughout the buildings provide unique collaboration opportunities as people rise through the buildings on monumental open staircases.

Nancy Olah, founder of Nancy Olah Law is the winner of The Circle of Excellence Award. This award recognizes a CREW Charlotte member or sponsor who consistently delivers excellence and whose efforts advance the commercial real estate industry and support our mission. This individual sets and achieves the highest standards of performance, accomplishing superior execution and results. The award winner is trusted and respected by others, and is seen as a thought leader, change agent, and champion of diversity.

 

 

0
October 8, 2024 In Luncheon Summary

October 2024 Luncheon: Inspiring Fireside Chat with April Simpkins on Mental Health and Suicide Awareness

 

Submitted by Julie Pruett, Marlboro Development Team

 

April Simpkins, a dynamic advocate for mental health, spoke at CREW Charlotte’s October luncheon. April is certified in QPR Suicide Prevention Training, Mental Health First Aid, and Emotional CPR. After the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst, who battled depression, April co-authored the deeply moving memoir By The Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness, now a New York Times bestseller. At the luncheon, April shared powerful insights from her story and highlighted important mental health resources.

April emphasized that there were two emotions she refused to allow on her grief journey: guilt and blame. “You cannot blame an illness,” she explained, focusing instead on gratitude for the 30 years she had with Cheslie. She also addressed the coping mechanism of staying “busy” and the importance of transferring grief from the mind to the heart, urging the audience to truly feel their grief in order to heal. April credited empathetic women leaders and her close-knit community of friends for supporting her through her grief, reminding us all not to be afraid to lean on others.

April stressed the importance of speaking openly and frequently with children about mental health, ensuring they feel seen and heard. She advised against talking at your children about your own experiences, which may not resonate with the challenges they face today. Instead, she encouraged teaching children that it’s okay not to be okay, while guiding them toward healthy coping strategies, such as expressing their emotions and identifying next steps.

To best support others, April recommended familiarizing yourself with helpful resources, such as:

– National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

– Dial 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

– Emotional CPR resources on AprilSimpkins.com

0
September 10, 2024 In Announcements & News

Bryan Johnson Rejoins CBRE

CBRE announced today that industry veteran Bryan Johnson has rejoined the company as Americas Healthcare Leader for its Advisory & Transaction Services line of business.

Mr. Johnson, a seasoned real estate professional with extensive healthcare experience, will lead CBRE’s healthcare growth and client service strategy. His diverse background spans all corners of healthcare real estate, including roles in brokerage, outsourcing, finance, and market leadership. GlobeSt.com recognized him as a Top Healthcare Real Estate Influencer in 2020.

“Healthcare remains an important growth sector for our business, and Bryan’s deep experience will enhance CBRE’s ability to deliver the specialized services and expertise our healthcare clients require,” said Manish Kashyap, Global President of Advisory & Transaction Services.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Mr. Johnson returns to CBRE after serving as executive managing director and market leader for Colliers’ North Carolina. Previously, he was a leader in CBRE’s GWS Healthcare Solutions group, where he helped lead the company’s efforts to grow the GWS Healthcare business and provide strategic solutions to healthcare clients nationwide.

“Healthcare is at a pivotal stage with the rapid evolution of technology and the focus of delivering empathetic care,” said Mr. Johnson. “I am eager to combine my passion for healthcare with CBRE’s people, products and services by creating real estate solutions for the healthcare community.”

About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2023 revenue). The company has more than 130,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves a diverse range of clients with an integrated suite of services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

0
August 13, 2024 In Luncheon Summary

CREW’s August Luncheon – Fireside Chat with Laura Mae Martin, Executive Productivity Advisor at Google

Submitted by Julie Pruett, Marlboro Development Team

Laura Mae Martin, Executive Productivity Advisor at Google, joined CREW Charlotte to discuss her book UPTIME: A Practical Guide to Productivity and Wellbeing. Notably, she is one of the first women to author a productivity book, as the top 20 productivity books are predominantly written by men. During her talk, she shared several tips and tricks on how to accomplish more while maintaining well-being.

UPTIME is divided into five sections: “What to Do,” “When to Do It,” “Where to Do It,” “How to Do It Well,” and “How to Live Well While Doing It All.” Martin emphasized the importance of setting your Top 3 Priorities—both personal and professional—and revisiting those priorities every three months. She also discussed the value of saying no while preserving relationships, using strategies like “No, because…”, “No, but…”, asking more questions, or redirecting the request in a different way. Martin suggested imagining how your future self would feel in both “no” and “yes” scenarios to help make decisions.

Martin also highlighted the significance of recognizing your “low peak” hours, which are just as crucial as identifying your “Power Hours” when you are most productive. She explained that creativity often peaks during low-energy times, so it’s essential to align your tasks with your most productive and most creative periods to achieve your UPTIME.

Where you work is as important as what and when you work. Martin introduced the concept of creating “Hot Spots,” designated areas where you consistently perform specific tasks, and “Not Spots,” which are safe zones protected from work-related activities.

Additionally, Martin discussed the “list funnel” technique to manage all your to-do lists effectively, ways to overcome procrastination, how to theme your days, and strategies like using email “laundry baskets” to organize your inbox. She stressed the importance of caring for your “future self” by setting yourself up for future success and happiness.

Laura Mae Martin’s insights on productivity and well-being offer practical strategies for balancing work and life in a more intentional and effective way. Her book provides a comprehensive approach to managing tasks, priorities, and personal growth. Her innovative techniques empower readers to take control of their time, align their actions with their values, and ultimately, set themselves up for long-term success and fulfillment.

 

0
August 8, 2024 In Announcements & News

MECA Facilitates Land Purchase for Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region

5+ Acres Secured for Affordable Home Ownership in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC – August 5, 2024 – MECA Commercial Real Estate, a leading commercial real estate firm that has served the Carolinas and beyond for over 70 years, today announced the successful facilitation of a significant land acquisition to support affordable housing initiatives in Charlotte. Gantt Howell, Senior Advisor at MECA Commercial Real Estate, represented Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region in acquiring over 5 acres of land on Allen Road South. Bryan Butler, another Senior Advisor at MECA, represented the seller.

The project will consist of up to 50 for-sale residential units with a blend of single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes. The timeline to begin construction has not been determined. This acquisition addresses the growing need for affordable home ownership in Charlotte, aligning with Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build homes, communities, and hope. The new development will provide much-needed housing for families, enhancing the quality of life and fostering community development.

“Substantial land opportunities in Charlotte are few, expensive, and extremely competitive,” said Gantt Howell. “This project exemplifies MECA’s commitment to equitable housing and upward mobility, and we are proud to support Habitat for Humanity in their noble cause.”

ABOUT
MECA, a distinguished commercial real estate firm, has been a cornerstone in serving the Carolinas and beyond for over 70 years. Our team of established advisors and support staff with over 250 years of combined industry experience deliver tailored and innovative solutions to address the comprehensive needs of our clients. As the trusted partner in the dynamic commercial real estate market, we are committed to empowering clients to make informed decisions that optimize opportunities and foster lasting value through economic development. For more information about MECA’s services, visit mecacommercial.com.

CONTACT
Olivia Hendricks
MECA Commercial Real Estate
ohendricks@mecacommercial.com
(704) 868-6948

 

MECA Commercial Real Estate is a CREW Charlotte Silver Sponsor and Habitat for Humanity is a CREW Charlotte Community Partner.

0
June 11, 2024 In Luncheon Summary

June 2024 CREW Charlotte Luncheon “Reimaging Vintage Office Design”

Submitted by Ashleigh Mellon, Geo Hydro Engineers

At the recent CREW Charlotte June luncheon, attendees were treated to an insightful discussion led by James LaBar of Center City Partners. The focal point? Maximizing the potential of vintage Uptown office space. Rooted in a recent community-wide design competition, the conversation aimed to ignite creativity around existing office buildings in Uptown Charlotte, with the overarching goal of bolstering Uptown as a regional asset brimming with diverse destinations and economic activities.

The panel, comprising representatives from the two winning projects – Brooklyn & Church by Asana Partners/MRP Realty and 301 South College Street by Progressive Companies/Childress Klein – brought forth innovative approaches and future-oriented visions.

Reed Kracke of Asana Partners unveiled the Brooklyn and Church project, an ambitious endeavor involving the conversion of office towers into a mixed-use space blending retail and multifamily units. This transformation, complemented by the construction of a new retail building, promises to infuse 55,000 square feet of retail space into the area, fostering a vibrant “downtown neighborhood” ambiance and enhancing walkability within the coveted Brooklyn Village East West Corridor.

Ryan Doherty of Progressive Companies and Amy Clement of Childress Klein delved into their design concept for 301 South College, emphasizing the aim to inspire future possibilities for the project. Their proposal revolves around activating the street level with an array of retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment venues, while also leveraging the presence of the light rail to create a dynamic experiential space.

The broader context of the discussion touched upon the evolving nature of downtowns nationwide, transitioning from traditional Central Business Districts to more dynamic Central Activity Districts. This shift brings with it a set of challenges, particularly concerning vintage assets predominantly constructed before the turn of the millennium. However, the panelists and attendees alike recognized this as an opportunity to spearhead revitalization efforts and transform Uptown Charlotte into a thriving, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.

In essence, the CREW Charlotte luncheon served as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and forward-thinking initiatives aimed at reimagining Uptown as a vibrant urban hub. By harnessing the potential of vintage office spaces and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the vision of a revitalized Uptown Charlotte as a bustling epicenter of activity inches closer to reality.

 

0
May 7, 2024 In Luncheon Summary

CREW Charlotte May 2024 Signature Luncheon with Dominique Dawes “Success is a Journey, Not a Destination”

Submitted by Julie Pruett, Marlboro Development Team

Photo Credit: Jo Hayes

Dominique Dawes won Olympic gold, but for her, success has been about more than just medals and accolades. It’s something she worked hard to achieve every day on her journey to Olympic glory. Her career in the sport of gymnastics spanned 18 years, reaching its peak at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta as part of the “Magnificent Seven,” where the US Women’s Gymnastics team won gold for the first time in history.

Reflecting on her experience, Dawes explained that gymnastics is an individual sport, and initially, each member of the 1996 US Women’s gymnastics team came to training camp with individual mindsets. However, a shift occurred during training that brought them together as a team. This shift in mindset, Dawes emphasized, led them to adopt the motto “Together Everyone Achieves More.” As a result, team members began to genuinely support one another, setting aside their egos, which allowed them to gel as a team and ultimately win Olympic Gold.

Dawes attributes her success not only to her talent and hard work but also to her ability to shift focus away from herself and to check her ego, which is all about control. This mindset has enabled her to become a successful business owner of gymnastics training locations, the first of which was founded during the global pandemic. She stressed the importance of prioritizing the safety and happiness of the gymnasts.

Additionally, Dawes highlighted the significance of family as the most important team, emphasizing the need to check one’s ego within the family unit. She believes that getting one’s home life right, with the most important team, sets the foundation for success in all other aspects of life.

From her gymnastics career to becoming a successful business owner and prioritizing her family, Dawes overcame inevitable obstacles, challenges, and doubts on her life’s journey. She stresses that focusing not only on achievements and accolades but on what’s real and lasting is the key to a successful and happy life.

0
April 15, 2024 In Announcements & News, Press Releases

Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Charlotte Established Endowment for Johnson C. Smith University

Charlotte, North Carolina (April 9, 2024) – CREW Charlotte, one of the most transformative commercial real estate professional organizations in the Charlotte region, announced Tuesday its establishment of a $25,000 endowment benefitting Johnson C. Smith University. The endowment will offset educational expenses for select top performing female students seeking degrees that could lead to careers in commercial real estate. CREW Charlotte funded the endowment through donations raised at various events hosted annually by the organization and chose Johnson C. Smith to receive the generous gift in an effort to further its commitment to diversity and supporting activities that positively impact the Charlotte community.

 

CREW Charlotte President Katie Barker with Morningstar Properties, presents check to Dr. Evelyn Leathers, Dr. Alphonso Ogbuehi, and Jennifer Joyner with Johnson C. Smith University

 

Johnson C. Smith is a private, independent historically black university located in Charlotte, North Carolina that was founded in 1867 as a freedmen’s college to educate formerly enslaved black men. JCSU is one of 11 HBCUs in North Carolina recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The school offers 22 degree programs through its three colleges to nearly 1,100 students annually.

 

Founded in 1990, CREW Charlotte is a chapter of CREW Network, the commercial real estate industry’s premier business networking organization with over 14,000 members globally. CREW Charlotte boasts over 400 commercial real estate professionals in the Greater Charlotte region. To learn more, visit crewcharlotte.org.

0