Kristen Pleasants
Trimont
Current job: Executive Director, Technology – Trimont
Summary of your role in the company: I serve as Business Process Lead for the Commercial Mortgage Servicing (CMS) division. Over the past 24 months, I have primarily focused on activities related to our recent divestiture from Wells Fargo.
How I chose my occupation: I discovered Commercial Real Estate Finance while completing a rotation in Wachovia’s Commercial Banking Associate program immediately after college.
Years in the business: 29
My specialization is: Commercial Real Estate Finance – Origination and Servicing
A good lead for me is: Due Diligence/Loan Servicing Opportunities
The most satisfying part of my job is: Working with a team that consists of individuals who are exceptional both personally and professionally.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Be yourself unapologetically.
Greatest professional achievement: Starting a successful commercial real estate finance consulting and due diligence firm, which I ran for eight years before ultimately deciding to work exclusively for my largest client.
Number of years with CREW: 27? (I have lost count)
Most significant CREW connection: I have made far too many significant CREW connections to name just one!
Place of birth/hometown: Durham, NC
Number of years in Charlotte: 14 years (2002-2009) and (2017-today).
Family: My husband, Will and two children, Laney (13) and Alex (10)
My ideal vacation spot: Anywhere with sun, sand, and water.
Hobbies/Interests: My family and I enjoy travelling and spending weekends on Lake Norman.
Other professional organizations I belong to: CREFC
I wish I could: Travel more.
Feel free to include any additional information about yourself that you would like!
I have been a member of five CREW Chapters (Triangle CREW; CREW Charlotte; CREW Pittsburgh; CREW DC; and CREW Baltimore) and had the privilege of serving as the CREW Charlotte President in 2007 and on the CREW Network Board in 2008 and 2009.
Sunshine Smith
Boomtown CIO
Current job: VP, Business Development
Summary of your role in the company: In my role, I actively seek and identify new business opportunities, leveraging market insights and networking to expand the company’s reach. I also focus on nurturing and strengthening existing client relationships by providing personalized service, consistent follow-up, and ensuring long-term satisfaction. Through this dual approach, I drive both growth and retention, ensuring our company stays at the forefront of client needs and industry trends
How I chose my occupation: Throughout my career in the real estate industry, I’ve always recognized the crucial role that IT plays in driving success. In every position, the support and innovation provided by the IT department were indispensable. When my current company adopted Boomtown for its managed services, I saw an exciting opportunity to merge my technical interests with my passion for customer service. That moment marked the beginning of my journey into IT, where I could combine my background and dedication to creating exceptional client experiences
Years in the business: 24 years in Real Estate and 10 of those have been in information technology
My specialization is: Simply put, the care I have for my clients and how we pass this on in training to each of our staff. At the core of my role is a deep commitment to exceptional customer service. In every position I’ve held, I’ve realized that high-quality service alone isn’t unique—it’s something clients can find elsewhere. What truly sets us apart is the team behind the service. A team that embodies care, empathy, and a strong sense of urgency—qualities that turn a simple transaction into a long-lasting relationship
A good lead for me is: A good lead for me is any business looking to simplify IT—whether that means avoiding the cost and complexity of building an in-house team or enhancing the one they already have. From 5-person startups to 500-employee companies across multiple locations, we provide flexible IT solutions tailored to fit. That might mean fully managed offsite support, placing our associates onsite to work alongside your staff, or handling one-off projects and consulting.
We also help with infrastructure builds, office wiring, and transitions like switching to a new phone service—making sure everything is set up securely and efficiently from day one.
We become a true extension of your team, adapting to your growth, needs, and standards. While I specialize in supporting real estate-related businesses—like investors, title companies, and mortgage firms—our services deliver value across any industry. Every business needs secure, reliable IT to stay competitive, and we make sure cybersecurity and performance remain at the core of everything we do.
The most satisfying part of my job is:
Best leadership advice I have been given: I have two that have stayed with me; What I have to offer may not be unique, but how I deliver it can be unmatched. Lead with integrity, build real connections, and do what’s right — the rest will follow naturally.
Greatest professional achievement: One of my greatest achievements was helping lay the administrative foundation for what our company has become today. I contributed by helping write key policies and was the first to assist with and manage our Tier 1 / First Touch Resolution group, shaping how we support clients from the very first interaction
Number of years with CREW: 3
Most significant CREW connection:
My most significant organizational connections are three incredible women who’ve had a meaningful impact on my personal and professional journey through CREW.
First, my mentor Lisa Vogel – a dedicated CREW member who consistently checks in on me, offers guidance, and genuinely wants to see me succeed. Her support is unwavering and truly invaluable.
Second is Maggie Kidd, whom I connected with through the CREW Authentic Leadership program. She’s placed her trust in both me and my business, generously sending referrals our way. Her belief in us means more than words can express.
And finally, Patty, our director. She has an incredible gift for making everyone — including me — feel like the most important person in the room, whether it’s at committee meetings, luncheons, or networking events. Despite the many members she supports, she always shows up with care and intention. On top of that, her deep connections across CREW organizations nationally have allowed her to connect me with professionals in other states, helping our company expand its reach within CREW chapters across the country.
Place of birth/hometown: Shelby, North Carolina
Number of years in Charlotte: 24
Family: My immediate family consists of my husband, one son, one daughter, and two Frenchies who have two completely different personalities.
My ideal vacation spot: My ideal vacation spot is anywhere I can fully relax, knowing my kids are safe, having fun, and discovering new places and experiences. If there were a place with both breathtaking, snow-covered mountains for snowboarding and crystal-clear beaches with white sand, that would be paradise for them — the perfect blend of adventure and wonder.
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling new places with my family taking in sights, sounds, shopping, adventures, and food.
Other professional organizations I belong to: General Federation of Women’s Clubs – KM Chapter, PTO Organization, Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce, Canopy Charlotte Association of REALTORS,
I wish I could: I wish I could start a nonprofit that gives back to the community in meaningful ways while also raising funds to create an annual scholarship for a student at a local high school. It would be a way to support both immediate local needs and long-term opportunity — helping our community grow, one student at a time
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Celeste Pantuso
RS&H
Current job: Marketing Specialist at RS&H, Inc.
Summary of your role in the company: As a Marketing Specialist at RS&H, I support our construction management practice by coordinating proposals, developing marketing materials, and managing content to ensure consistent and effective messaging. My work focuses on pursuing opportunities with Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and promoting our Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) services.
RS&H, Inc. is a leading architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering a wide range of services, including construction management. I’m proud to be part of a collaborative team, contributing to the success of our CEI services and helping to position RS&H as a trusted partner in the transportation sector.
How I chose my occupation: My marketing career began when a former coworker helped me secure an interview at an architecture firm, where I was offered the job on the spot. This opportunity allowed me to apply my marketing skills and work with a company I truly believed in. The mentorship I received there was invaluable and laid the foundation for my professional growth.
Now, as part of the RS&H team, I’ve found the best professional environment I could ask for. The close-knit, collaborative culture fuels my passion for marketing, and I deeply value the connections and support we share. Being part of such an inspiring team makes all the difference in my career.
Years in the business: 8 Years
My specialization is: My specialization lies in marketing for the construction management industry, with a focus on creating compelling proposals and marketing materials tailored to DOTs and CEI services. I’m experienced in managing the proposal process and developing content that effectively communicates our expertise and value to clients in the transportation sector.
A good lead for me is: A good lead for me would be a project manager or business development professional involved in transportation or infrastructure projects. They can connect me to upcoming opportunities where our construction inspection services would be needed.
The most satisfying part of my job is: The most satisfying part of my job is not only getting awarded a project but also the incredible team I work with. I truly value the support and collaboration I receive from my colleagues, knowing they are always here to help. It makes all the difference in how I approach my work and contributes to our collective success.
Best leadership advice I have been given: The best leadership advice I’ve been given is not to take things personally. In any work environment, you’ll encounter people who are difficult to work with, but it’s important to stay focused on your work and not let those challenges affect your confidence or perspective.
Greatest professional achievement: I wouldn’t necessarily pinpoint a single professional achievement, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come in the industry. Over the years, I’ve learned a tremendous amount and gained valuable experience. I know I still have plenty to learn, and that continuous growth is something I truly value as part of my professional journey.
Number of years with CREW: 6…I think
Most significant CREW connection: I’ll never forget the day my CREW Ambassador, Sloan Kormelink, sat me down during our first connection and showed me what true determination for a project looks like. As the Business Developer for her firm, she had done her research and knew exactly which client we were working with to design their new headquarters. Her firm wanted to be the contractor, and through her determination and preparation, they were awarded the job. It was a powerful example of how thorough research and dedication can lead to success.
Place of birth/hometown: Gastonia, NC
Number of years in Charlotte: 8 years
Family: I’m engaged to my fiancé, Jon, and we’re getting married in March of this year. I was chosen by the cat gods, so naturally, I have a cat named Kiki who runs the show. I was also recently gifted a betta fish named Rudy (short for Rudolph) during a holiday gift exchange, so now we have a dynamic duo of furry and finned companions!
My ideal vacation spot: Pawleys Island, SC where two of my three sisters live.
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy thrifting for unique finds, working out to stay active, reading to unwind, and spending time outdoors hiking or camping.
Other professional organizations I belong to: SMPS Charlotte
I wish I could: I wish I could live on 30 acres with horses, cows, barn cats, and all the things, while also being close to the city to enjoy its food, life, culture, and activities.
Carrie Sharp
Stephens Office Systems
Current job: Sales/Business Development
Summary of your role in the company: Continue to develop new business relationships while mentoring a woman stepping into sales
How I chose my occupation: I worked for my father’s wood furniture manufacturing facility while still in high school. The sawdust got under my fingernails.
Years in the business: 44
My specialization is: Taking care of my clients so that they trust me.
A good lead for me is: Any business that is moving or growing since they will need new furniture at that time. Or they are just tired of their old furniture.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Being able to answer my clients’ needs.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Listen to your clients and respond with honesty and integrity.
Greatest professional achievement: Having the CREW Networker of the Year Award reamed after me.
Number of years with CREW: 14
Most significant CREW connection: Several non-profit organizations such as Amy’s House, Safe Alliance and many others.
Place of birth/hometown: Grosse Pointe Farms, Ml
Number of years in Charlotte: 39
Family: my daughter, son-in-law and grandson
My ideal vacation spot: Puerto Vallarta MX
Hobbies/Interests: jazz music, working out at the gym, hiking in the woods with my beagle.
Other professional organizations I belong to: none at this time
I wish I could: have the people I have lost back in my life.
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