You Are Never Too Old To Learn
So, we all go to school and start learning from a very young age. Some start in Pre-school, others in kindergarten. Many go to college, and some to grad school.
I graduated college with a degree in business and economics. Over the course of 35 years, I have worked in a variety of fields all relating to real estate management and construction. My learning curve has been an exciting one, and it is still going on to this day.
Having grown up in these industries it was just a natural transition to work in both after college for large companies. When I felt I had enough knowledge to go out on my own, I did. It was exciting and a bit scary at first, but what did I have to lose? Nothing in fact,, I started a Changing Places which transitioned into Pomanco Contruction in NYC. The company was doing very well, and then I had my first child and moved to NJ. I worked until my second child was born and I needed to be a full time mother.
After being a stay-at-home mom for a dozen or so years and having a change of marital status, I felt like I needed to go back to work. In order to get my self-confidence up, I went to work for a construction company part time while the kids were in school. While I did this, I planned my future business. I took a course in Home Staging and received my certification. Now it was time to make my business plan and get started.
In February 2006 I incorporated Setting The Stage LLC and began my quest to build my home staging and renovation company. We are now in business for 15 years,, and boy have I learned a lot. I have learned my strengths and weaknesses, and with that, I have learned to hire staff to perform the tasks I am not as strong at. Building my brand and client base was a big part of the business, so I have belonged to many networking groups, given presentations to different groups, and done some marketing.
Ten years ago, at the encouragment of a client, I opened North Jersey Home Maintenance Group, a full-service home maintenance and management company. This has been quite the experience. Over the past ten years I have been able to take all of my experience in the real estate management and construction industries to assist homeowners with the daily maintenance and repairs of their homes. I so enjoy what I do and the homeowners I work with on a daily basis.
Seven years ago, my partner in the maintenance company and I opened a construction company. We have done some amazing projects. This led us to try our hand in building some spec houses, which because of timing in the real estate market became my personal nightmare, timing is everything. We basicly broke even, but it was an exhausting two and a half years for me. Something I have no desire to do again. So I am still learning what I like and what I do not
Now as much as I love construction projects and the design side of the projects, I have been thinking about what would make me the happiest moving forward.
Four years ago I became a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS). Another certification to assist the aging population be able to stay in their homes. And I have helped many modify their homes to accommodate their special needs. It feels wonderful when the project is complete and I know my client is safer in their home.
So what have I learned over the course of my career?
I love to help others
The design aspect of a project is my favorite
There is a need for what I do
Working with people is very important to me
Managing projects is a strength
I do not enjoy large construction projects as much as I used to
Networking and social media are important aspects of growing a business
And now, after all of the introspection I have recently done, I decided to add to my education and modify my business. I am finishing my certification to become a Certified Living In Place Professional (CLIPP). I am so excited to be part of a worldwide network of professionals working together to make all homes Safe- Healthy- Comfortable for everyone.
My education and development will never end. I will learn from my new clients, teammates, and each project that I work on. I am so looking forward to all that is to come…