SoCal Power Women: 5 Questions With Allen Matkins' Sandy Jacobson

This limited series profiles SoCal Power Women who have helped shape cities, neighborhoods, businesses and lifestyles in Los Angeles and Orange counties. These women will be honored at Bisnow's SoCal Power Women event Dec. 13. 

As a partner at Allen Matkins' Orange County office, Sandy Jacobson specializes in all aspects of real estate transactions. Her work includes acquisitions and dispositions, real estate development and leasing of office, industrial, multifamily and retail properties. Through her career, Jacobson has helped her clients to develop more than 1M SF of office, industrial and retail assets, according to her bio. 

How do you describe your job to people who are not in the industry?

Jacobson: I work with clients to help negotiate and consummate either lease transactions or purchase and sale transactions. My goal is always to get the transaction to the finish line in a manner that best protects my clients' interests.

What is the biggest business problem you have faced and how did you solve it?

Jacobson: Surprisingly, sometimes technology is the biggest obstacle that I face today. Too many people rely on email and texts as their main way of communicating. Things oftentimes can get lost in the translation when communications are done in this manner. I still find that the best way to get things accomplished is to get on the phone or meet in person because it always helps to talk through things.

What is one thing you think companies can do to address wage and gender inequality?

Jacobson: The best way to do this is to have the more senior women in a company help mentor and coach the younger women along to success. It is also important that women advocate for other women and advocate flexibility options with their companies (even if those flexibility options were not available to them). 

What piece of advice do you give others entering the industry?

Jacobson: I like to tell all people that they have the power to do what they want and become what they want to be. Although nothing will be handed to anyone, if you absorb all you can in your early years and work hard, you can and will succeed.

What do you do to unwind when you’re not working?

Jacobson: When I’m not working, I like to spend time with my children, watch college football, read a good book and when time permits, travel. My favorite vacation spot after many, many years is still Maui.

Meet Allen Matkins Orange County partner Sandy Jacobson at Bisnow’s SoCal Power Women event Dec. 13 at the LA Grand Hotel Downtown.