The 2013 Mentoring Program kicked off on January 22, 2013 with an introductory meeting with new participants. Attendees were presented with information to assist them through their year-long relationship. We also brought in particpants from the 2012 program to share their experiences with the new participants. Once again we will offer monthly updates from the particpants. We hope you enjoy!
Mentor Tony LaShay, Excel Engineering
I had the opportunity and privilege to meet with Jay Neary from TCF Bank as part of the NAIOP mentoring program. We enjoyed a nice lunch at Water Street Brewery and had the chance to get to know each other and talk about networking and business development. I was able to share with him some of my experiences over the years and the things that I feel will help him be successful. He will be a great asset to the real estate market in the future and I look forward to us getting together on a monthly basis to have further discussion.
Mentee Jay Neary, TCF Bank
This is the first time I have been a part of a formalized and structured mentorship program. Our first meeting included an introductory lunch. Being an underwriter who is currently working towards the role of lender, Tony offered excellent advice on sales and customer relationship building. He emphasized the importance of adding the personal touch of a sales call. For example, if you find out from a potential customer that he/she is heading on a vacation trip to Nashville, an excellent follow up email could include information on sites to see in the city. The personal connection will build trust and relationships down the road. With experience on the engineering side, Tony also explained to me a few of the construction do’s and don’ts for commercial real estate. This was an interesting perspective that broadened my knowledge of commercial real estate. It’s one that as a banker, you don’t always think about. The introductory meeting was excellent and I am happy to be paired with Tony LaShay. I look forward to more meetings in the future, and I hope to continue our meetings after the mentorship program is complete.