The Bisnow 35! Part 1
What a response! Our search for the "35 Under 35: Rising Stars of Commercial Real Estate" drew over 200 nominations. To help us sort through all these great candidates, a highly distinguished (but anonymous!) committee worked with us last Saturday. It should go without saying it was a bit unscientific. No doubt we will miss some who could have just as well been on the list. Man, doesn't this sound like a college admissions letter?
Anyway, our in-boxes have been emptied, the caffeine has worn off, and we are set to reveal this year's Bisnow 35, a handful of names each day, plus "10 to Watch," a group of up-and-comers who could well make the 35 in years to come. A party at Pillsbury Winthrop for all finalists and winners, and the senior leadership with which they work, will be May 15, co-hosted by Land America, Reznick Group, 3DG Architecture and Design, and Clark Construction.
So, quoting some of the comments of their colleagues and supervisors, and in completely random order (just to keep you guessing!), here goes!
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| Jennifer Tuten |
This former U. Georgia standout swimmer has gone "off like a rocket" in the brokerage field. In the first quarter of ?07, she completed 20 transactions, and her sizzling pipeline promises much more to come. This 28-year-old's intelligence and work ethic has her bosses telling us they've never seen anyone with more potential.Shawn Seaman, PN Hoffman
One of the often unseen forces behind this red-hot DC developer, 34-year-old Seaman led the effort to win the $1 billion Southwest waterfront redevelopment project for the firm and now has the responsibility of overseeing it. Seaman has gained a reputation as a creative and energetic leader who will be a fixture in the business for years to come.
Alex Nyhan, Forest City
With both an MBA and MPA from Harvard under his belt, Alex is spearheading Forest City's 42-acre Anacostia waterfront redevelopment project called "The Yards." A part-time jazz musician, the talented 33-year old Nyhan managed the convention center headquarters project as a key member of former Deputy Mayor Eric Price's economic development shop.
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| Kim Pagotto |
Kim Pagotto, DLA Piper
Lawyer Pagotto has earned a reputation as a "creative and excellent problem solver" at giant DLA Piper, helping private developers in complex leases with GSA and other federal agencies, such as negotiating a 540,000 SF TSA lease with MCI(in bankruptcy no less) in Pentagon City. This 33-year-old has both her BA and JD from U. Michiganand remains a die-hard Wolverines football fan.
Josh Olsen, Monument Realty
Talk about living and breathing real estate. The 29-year-old Olsen is not only a key member of high-energy Monument Realty's development team, but also the author of a biography on James Rouse, founder of the Rouse Company. Described as "a rosy-cheeked Harry Potter," Olsen is a popular and highly-respected figure on the development scene.
Pete Otteni, Boston Properties
This 33-year-old father of two young daughters is overseeing the 620,000 SF Reston Town Center development, one of the largest speculative commercial projects in the history of the region. A UNC MBA, Otteni has risen quickly through the firm's ranks to become one of its youngest ever VPs.
One to watch:
Matthew Jemal, Douglas Development
Following in the footsteps of dad Douglas and brother Norman, look for 20-year-old Matthew's role in DC development to expand for years to come. In Douglas' words: "Total stud. Apple doesn't fall far from tree."
