NAIOP - Northern Virginia Chapter Serving the Development Industry nearly for 30 Years
Developing Leaders
Past DL Spotlights
Patrick Joseph McCrann
Full Name: Patrick Joseph McCrann
Education/Professional Certifications:
Bucknell University, BSBA 2009
Company: EDGE Commercial Real Estate (Tysons)
Title: Associate Real Estate Advisor
NAIOP involvement and awards won:
- Developing Leaders Committee
- Bus Tour Committee
How many years have you been in commercial real estate? 2.5 years
How long have you been a member of NAIOP? Since July 2011
What are your current responsibilities and background?
Tenant and Landlord Representation in Leasing and Sales (Office, Industrial, and Retail)
Background – I began my career in Real Estate as an intern at Cushman & Wakefield in Tysons during my summer recesses in college. After graduation, I worked for Rosenthal Properties, LLC as an Associate to support senior management with marketing and leasing of a 4 million square foot portfolio of retail, office, and industrial projects.
My responsibilities included touring tenants, reporting to owners, facilitating proposal and lease negotiations, marketing properties and the company’s brand, and assisting in property budget preparation. I joined EDGE in May 2011 to support the Virginia Landlord and Tenant Advisory Services Team. Commercial real estate is not my only focus, however: I am also actively involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as a fundraiser and volunteer. I am honored to be named one of CFF’s “D.C.’s Finest Young Professionals” for 2012.
What is your ultimate career goal? I would like to eventually be a partner of a private full service brokerage and management boutique (Acquisitions, Leasing, Property Management, Asset Management and Accounting). The firm would own assets, which would be managed in-house, as well as manage projects as a third-party. Market: Northern, Virginia. In conjunction with this, I would like to eventually form an organization, association, foundation or trust focused on giving back to the people community of the D.C. Metro area.
What motivated you to get involved in commercial real estate, directly or indirectly? My father worked at Spalding & Slye in the 80’s and started Firestone-McCrann in the 90’s, so I grew up around Real Estate. My brother Eamon McCrann is a very successful broker at Lincoln Property Company. I went into real estate because I have confidence that I will be successful, and I happen to really enjoy the people and nature of, “the business.” I love real estate because it is something real, you can see and feel. I appreciate having the opportunity to work with a wide variety of businesses and people: from the contractor that lays the carpet to the publically traded REIT.
What's your favorite building or development project? I am thrilled to be on the frontlines of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, working on listings and with Tenants stretching from Tysons to Loudon. This transportation development will change the landscape of the Northern Virginia commercial real estate market for years to come.
Name three books that have made a difference in your life.
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
- Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- Inferno by Dante Alighieri
What is the biggest lesson you've learned thus far in your career? Do the right thing consistently, and good things will ultimately happen.
How has being a member of NAIOP Northern Virginia helped your career? I have received professional and market education, as well as invaluable networking opportunities, to develop the EDGE brand.
What are three things you like to do in your free time?
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Assist in business development and marketing for my father’s company Duncan McCrann Consulting (a national consulting practice specializing in Charter Schools Growth Management).
Thaphia (Tay) Nelson
Full Name: Thaphia (Tay) Nelson
Education/Professional Certifications:
Bachelor of Arts, Economics, American University
Company: MTAG Services, LLC (MTAG)
Title: Asset Manager
NAIOP involvement and awards won:
Developing Leaders Committee
How many years have you been in commercial real estate? 4 years
How long have you been a member of NAIOP? 2 years
What are your current responsibilities and background?
I am currently employed with MTAG Services, a nationally-rated, asset-backed securities tax lien servicer. MTAG manages the acquisition and servicing of portfolios in 23 states, covering more than 300 municipalities.
As Asset Manager, I am responsible for overseeing a portfolio of residential and commercial REO (real estate owned) and tax lien investments. My primary responsibilities include managing cash flow and portfolio projections and overseeing asset life cycle from acquisition through disposition. I work closely with brokers, attorneys and property managers, providing oversight on dispositions, legal foreclosure filings, property sales and overall asset management.
Prior to joining MTAG Services, I worked as an Asset Manager with First Potomac Realty Trust. I was responsible for managing their Northern Virginia portfolio, which comprised of 3.4 million square feet of office, industrial and flex buildings. My primary responsibilities included formulating and implementing long range real estate asset strategies and overseeing daily operational financial performance and decisions.
What is your ultimate career goal? Real Estate has been personally rewarding, ever-changing and challenging. In the long term, I hope to continue consistently developing my knowledge and broadening my financial and managerial expertise by working across different asset classes.
What motivated you to get involved in commercial real estate, directly or indirectly? My career in commercial real estate began as a means to an end but in the process, I fell in love with the industry. As a real estate professional, it is rewarding knowing that I am tied to the development of our region in a direct way and that on a day to day basis I participate in decisions that will shape the way we live for years to come.
What's your favorite building or development project? 800 North Glebe Road, Arlington VA. Exceptional example of architectural beauty and sustainability.
Name three books that have made a difference in your life.
- The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou, Maya Angelou
- Supercapitalism: The Transformation of Business Democracy, and Everyday Life, Robert Reich
- Five Minutes on Mondays: Finding Unexpected Purpose, Peace and Fulfillment at Work, Alan Lurie
What is the biggest lesson you've learned thus far in your career? Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness stems from a positive attitude and living a purposeful life.
How has being a member of NAIOP Northern Virginia helped your career? As an active member in NAIOP, I have expanded my professional network, enhanced my professional development through educational programs and gained invaluable industry knowledge.
What are three things you like to do in your free time?
- Volunteering with Rebuilding for Alexandria, International Lifeline Fund and Richardson Youth Center in Washington DC as a mentor.
- Outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, biking and golf whenever the weather and my schedule permits
- Spending time with family and friends
Michael D. Rockefeller
Full Name: Michael D. Rockefeller
Education/Professional Certifications:
- Certified Public Accountant
- Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration with Accounting Minor, McDaniel College
- Bachelor of Arts, Economics, McDaniel College
Company: Bond Beebe, Accountants & Advisors
Title: Senior Manager
NAIOP involvement and awards won:
- Developing Leaders Committee
- Government Relations Committee
How many years have you been in commercial real estate? 12 years
How long have you been a member of NAIOP? over 2 years
What are your current responsibilities and background? As a Senior Manager in a CPA firm, I am responsible for supervising and providing assurance, tax and consulting and business advisory services to clients in the commercial real estate, construction, retail, and wholesale distribution industries. Additionally, I serve on a number of the Firm’s internal committees charged with addressing professional practice issues and internal professional education and development.
What is your ultimate career goal? To be identified as an expert on commercial real estate and construction tax and accounting issues in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and continue to grow my client base in real estate and construction.
What motivated you to get involved in commercial real estate, directly or indirectly? When I began my career in public accounting, I was exposed to all the Firm’s many diverse practice areas before being given the opportunity to choose an industry focus. In my second year of working for the Firm, I became heavily involved with one of our family-owned business clients that had both commercial office and commercial retail real estate as part of their business and family investment holdings. Through this client, I gained a great deal of knowledge about commercial real estate from a property’s initial planning and construction, through ongoing operations, and ultimately to the sale of the asset. I sincerely enjoyed the work and realized what a great investment commercial real estate can be, so I decided I wanted to focus my work on clients in this area.
What's your favorite building or development project? Prince Street Plaza at 1421 Prince Street in Alexandria, Virginia. This was the office building that was part of our client’s holdings at the time I was first getting involved with commercial real estate and where my interest was first developed.
Name three books that have made a difference in your life.
- 1984 by George Orwell
- Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar
- An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
What is the biggest lesson you've learned thus far in your career? In professional services, the work can be done well, the work can be done quickly, or the work can be done inexpensively. You can have any two attributes, but you can’t have all three.
How has being a member of NAIOP Northern Virginia helped your career? It's provided great opportunities for networking, enhanced my knowledge of commercial real estate through educational programs, and I’ve gotten to meet some great people as a result of being a member.
What are three things you like to do in your free time?
Spend time with my family
Golf whenever the family schedule permits
Enjoy good bourbon with friends
Dan Gradishar
Full Name: Daniel F. Gradishar
Education/Professional Certifications:
- Professional Engineer in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia
- Bachelor of Science, Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech
Company: GeoConcepts-Engineering, Inc.
Title: Associate
NAIOP involvement and awards won:
- Developing Leaders Committee
- Education/Programs Committee
How many years have you been in commercial real estate? 15 years
How long have you been a member of NAIOP? 5 years
What are your current responsibilities and background? My experience is in environmental studies, geotechnical engineering, and construction management. I manage about 4 to 5 individuals who are engineers and geologists. I have extensive experience conducting all aspects of Phase I and II environmental site assessments including title searches to ascertain prior land use, regulatory reviews, subsurface characterization, site reconnaissance, the removal and closure of underground storage tanks, testing for asbestos and lead-based paint, collecting soil and water samples for field and laboratory analysis, field monitoring during environmental drilling of soil borings, and the installation of groundwater monitoring wells. My geotechnical experience consists of design and construction management services including management of field investigations, settlement calculations for foundations, slope stability analysis, and earthwork requirements.
What is your ultimate career goal? Continue to expand my client network and bring in new and exciting projects.
What motivated you to get involved in commercial real estate, directly or indirectly? I enjoy watching a project start from either raw land or a demolished building to a new building. The entire process is interesting from due diligence until final punch lists and occupancy.
What's your favorite building or development project? St. Elizabeth's West Campus Development is my favorite project since I have been involved early on in the planning stage, and now the buildings are finally being constructed. I enjoy going out to the site when I can as something has changed every time that I visit.
Name three books that have made a difference in your life.
- The Fight for Fairfax: A Struggle for a Great American County by Russ Banham
- Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- Earth in the Balance by Al Gore
What is the biggest lesson you've learned thus far in your career? Keep your promises and be honest.
How has being a member of NAIOP Northern Virginia helped your career? The people whom I have connected with at NAIOP are my clients, my colleagues, my team members, and my friends.
What are three things you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family, playing sports, and relaxing on any beach.
Jessica Miller
Full Name: Jessica Miller
Education/Professional Certifications:
- Masters of Science degree in Real Estate from Johns Hopkins University in 2010
- Bachelors of Science in Business Administration through the Honors Program at Virginia Tech with a Major in Finance and a Minor in Communications
Company: Cushman & Wakefield, McLean, Virginia
Title: Director
NAIOP involvement and awards won:
- I work with NAIOP’s Developing Leaders Group helping with their real estate education initiatives.
- Bus Tour Captain
How many years have you been in commercial real estate? 9 years
How long have you been a member of NAIOP? over 2 years
What are your current responsibilities and background? I am a commercial office broker; I lease and sell properties on behalf of tenants and owners.
What is your ultimate career goal? I hope to continue to help my clients grow their businesses and fill their buildings. If all goes well I will own a few profitable buildings of my own one day.
What motivated you to get involved in commercial real estate, directly or indirectly? I sold my first house in Baltimore without an agent and I realized how much fun it was to use my negotiating skills to make deals and money.
What's your favorite building or development project? I have always liked the Qwest building in Ballston, 4250 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA. One of my first transactions in commercial real estate was to sublease several floors on behalf of Qwest, so I spent many hours waiting for tours in the trophy class lobby. Even though it was built in the late 90’s I still think it is still one of the nicest buildings in Northern Virginia.
Name three books that have made a difference in your life.
- Getting Things Done by David Allen
- The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene
- And… of course, my book - A Woman’s Guide to Successful Negotiating
What is the biggest lesson you've learned thus far in your career? Never say no to an opportunity that may take you out of your comfort zone. You never know who you will meet, what you will learn, or what adventure it will lead to.
How has being a member of NAIOP Northern Virginia helped your career? It gave me a chance to get to know some amazing people in our industry at all experience levels and specialized real estate expertise. I feel as if I can reach out to most of them if I need advice or a referral.
What are three things you like to do in your free time?
- Write
- Travel
- Shop
Brett Lavoie
Full Name: Brett A. Lavoie
Education/Professional Certifications:
- George Mason University School of Law (JD, 2007)
- Harvard University (BA, 2000)
- Member of the Virginia Bar
Company: COOLEY LLP, Reston, Virginia
Title: Associate
NAIOP involvement and awards won:
- Member of the NAIOP Northern Virginia Developing Leaders Committee
How many years have you been in commercial real estate? 6 years
How long have you been a member of NAIOP? 1 year
What are your current responsibilities and background? I advise clients in all aspects of the commercial real estate life cycle, including: entity formation and joint ventures; acquisition and disposition; development; and construction and permanent financing. Additionally, I represent landlords and tenants in the negotiation of commercial office, retail and industrial leases.
What is your ultimate career goal? To be in a position to provide high-value leadership and counsel to companies developing and maintaining impactful commercial, residential and mixed-use projects in the Mid-Atlantic region.
What motivated you to get involved in commercial real estate, directly or indirectly? I gained exposure to commercial real estate through friends working in the industry and immediately developed a fascination with all aspects of the development cycle (a fascination that continues to grow each day).
What's your favorite building or development project? As an employee working in the Reston Town Center for the last 5 years, I’ve witnessed how a well-conceived and well-executed development can bring vibrancy and economic vitality to a community.
Name three books that have made a difference in your life.
- The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis
- Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
- The Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling
What is the biggest lesson you've learned thus far in your career? I’ve learned that alerting clients to potential challenges and concerns is helpful, but real value is added by offering practical and achievable solutions.
What are three things you like to do in your free time?
- Obsess about the Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics
- Attempt to improve my golf game
- Expand my grilling repertoire
Morgan Watson
Full Name: Morgan Watson
Education/Professional Certifications:
The University of Georgia (UGA); Terry College of Business
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
Company: Carr Workplaces
Title: Managing Director
NAIOP involvement and awards won:
NAIOP Developing Leaders Committee
How many years have you been in commercial real estate? 3.5 years
How long have you been a member of NAIOP? 1.5 years
What are your current responsibilities and background?
I am the Managing Director of the Rosslyn Location within the Carr Workplaces portfolio. I work on a broad range of disciplines including office leasing and sales, marketing, team management, center operations, client retention, and business development. At Carr Workplaces, we provide flexible office space and memorable service for start-up/home-based businesses, companies in transition, and businesses expanding into new markets.
Prior to my experience at Carr Workplaces, I worked with an International Office Suite Provider as Broker Channel Manager and later, Area Sales Manager. As Broker Channel Manager, I was responsible for cultivating relationships within the brokerage community and driving small space opportunities to each business center within our DC metro area portfolio. As Area Sales Manager, I was responsible for office leasing and sales for business centers within the DC portfolio.
What is your ultimate career goal? To build a reputation in the industry that is highly respected. To be the go-to contact for small and/or temporary office space requirements.
What motivated you to get involved in commercial real estate, directly or indirectly?
I have some wonderful mentors that played a big role in my decision to begin this journey.
What's your favorite building or development project?
I am partial to 1001 19th Street North in Rosslyn. I am looking forward to the new developments in Rosslyn.
Name three books that have made a difference in your life:
- A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
- The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley
What is the biggest lesson you've learned thus far in your career? Make sure your clients know how much you value them and care about their success. I have also learned to put EVERYTHING in writing!
How has being a member of NAIOP helped your career? Carr Workplaces offers a unique service that is different from that of most members. Therefore I see this membership as an opportunity to spread the word about what we do, cultivate relationships, and determine ways in which we can partner with other members to help businesses in any stage of growth.
What are three things you like to do in your free time?
- I love to cook.
- I enjoy being outside whether I am exercising, sitting on my front porch, or reading by the pool.
- I love being with my family any chance I get!
Angelea Busby
Full Name: Angelea R. Busby
Education/Professional Certifications:
- Master of Business Administration, Baker University
- Bachelor of Science in Journalism
focus on Public Relations and Marketing, University of Kansas
Company: Charron Consulting, Dulles, Virginia
Title: Director of Business Development
NAIOP involvement and awards won:
- Co-Chair for the NAIOP Northern Virginia Developing Leaders committee
- 2011 NAIOP Northern Virginia Developing Leaders Mentorship Program participant
- 2009 NAIOP Northern Virginia Awards Committee
How many years have you been in commercial real estate? 2.5 years
How long have you been a member of NAIOP? 2.5 years
What are your current responsibilities and background? Angelea Busby is the Director of Business Development for Charron Consulting, a construction project management and consulting firm located in Dulles, VA. Angelea is responsible for managing all business development activities, including market analysis, and marketing materials and proposal development, GSA Supply Schedule maintenance, and brand identity programs. One of Angelea’s significant projects with Charron Consulting was directing the challenging process of submitting, and acquiring a GSA Contract Schedule listing. Her meticulous organizational skills and tenacity was rewarded after only 10 months when Charron was awarded a Federal Supply Schedule Contract in February 2010.
Prior to joining Charron Consulting, Angelea served as an International Spokesperson and Director of Marketing for VitaCraft Corporation, a high-end cookware company. Angelea traveled routinely to Japan and Germany marketing a new cooking technology, working closely with companies such as Panasonic and Miele. During her tenure, she also opened the companies’ first U.S. retail store and showroom.
What is your ultimate career goal? To continue working in the world of Business Development and Marketing for the Real Estate Community.
Name three books that have made a difference in your life.
- Where’s Your Wow? by Robyn Freedman Spizman and Rick Frishman
- The Customer Rules: The 14 Indispensable, Irrefutable, and Indisputable Qualities of the Greatest Service Companies in the World by C. Britt Beemer and Robert L. Shook
What is the biggest lesson you've learned thus far in your career? First impressions are everything.
What are three things you like to do in your free time?
- Actively participate in Washington-area political and philanthropic organizations
- Serve as a national volunteer for the Miss America Organization
- Serve as a requested speaker for issues regarding mental illness
Avi Fisher
Full Name: Avi M. Fisher
Education/Professional Certifications:
- Masters of Real Estate Development , George Mason University, May 2012
- LEED Green Associate
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, George Mason University
Company: Cassidy Turley
Title: Senior Associate
NAIOP involvement and awards won:
- Co-Chair for the NAIOP Northern Virginia Developing Leaders committee
- NAIOP Bus Tour Captain 2008, 2010, 2011
How many years have you been in commercial real estate? 4 years
How long have you been a member of NAIOP? 1 ½ years
What are your current responsibilities and background? I joined Cassidy Turley’s Tyson’s Corner, Virginia office in 2008 as an Associate. I was promoted to Senior Associate in 2010. Areas of specialization include investment sales, landlord representation – office services, and tenant representation – office services.
Prior to joining Cassidy Turley’s leasing team, I worked as a marketing research analyst supporting the leasing, tenant and investment teams where I was an integral part of helping each team successfully maintain existing accounts and business development.
What is your ultimate career goal? To become the “go to” inside the beltway landlord representation broker, and to achieve this status by the age of 35. It is also important to me be a mentor to those trying to break into/new to the business. I consider myself very fortunate to have several supportive mentors.
What motivated you to get involved in commercial real estate? I realized the importance of job satisfaction at a young age. We spend more time at the office than we do with our families and friends combined. Therefore, I wanted to develop a career in a business where I could be social, meet great people, and feel like I’m making a difference to someone. When I complete a lease with a small company and watch them grow to be a larger company, there is no better satisfaction then knowing that you helped strategize/position that company to be successful.
What's your favorite building or development project?
- Reston Town Center (existing office)
- Tysons Metro Center (office redevelopment)
Name three books that have made a difference in your life.
- Remembering Blue by Connie May Fowler
- Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and its all small stuff by Richard Carlson
- The Power of NOW: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
What is the biggest lesson you've learned thus far in your career? Maintain your honesty, integrity, and work hard and you will be successful at the task at hand.
How has being a member of NAIOP helped your career? By providing me with networking, educational & leadership opportunities.
What are three things you like to do in your free time?
- Time with friends/family
- Spend time outdoors
- Live music
Jimmy Roembke
Full Name: James (Jimmy) Roembke
Education/Professional Certifications:
- Johns Hopkins University, Master of Science
- Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Science
Company: Buchanan Partners
Title: Project Manager
NAIOP involvement and awards won:
- Co-Chair of the NAIOP Northern Virginia Developing Leaders Committee
- 2011 NAIOP Northern Virginia Developing Leaders Mentorship Program participant
How many years have you been in commercial real estate? 5 ½ years
How long have you been a member of NAIOP? 3 years
What are your current responsibilities and background? As Project Manager at Buchanan Partners, I oversee the overall development process for a wide range of development projects including mixed-use, commercial, industrial and residential properties. I am responsible for acquisition analysis, due diligence, financial analysis, lender and equity partner relationships, and oversight of leasing, sales, design and construction. My primary responsibility is to achieve successful real estate development projects from concept through completion and ownership.
What is your ultimate career goal? I would like to continue to work for, and ultimately run, a successful development company working on exciting development projects in the Metropolitan DC market.
What's your favorite building or development project?
The City Center project on the old convention center site has been interesting to follow. I also think Reston Town Center is a great example of a successful suburban mixed-use development.
Name three books that every executive should read.
- Outliers, Tipping Point, etc. by Malcolm Gladwell
- Good to Great by Jim Collins
- The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
What is the biggest lesson you've learned thus far in your career? Although there have been a lot of lessons learned, I think learning how to manage priorities has been essential.
How has being a member of NAIOP helped your career? The greatest benefit has been getting to know others in the industry. As a young professional in the real estate industry it is very important to build a network of people that you can work with, bounce ideas off of, etc.
What are three things you like to do in your free time?
- Spend time with friends and family
- Spend time outside (biking, hiking, etc.)
- Read