Member Spotlights

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

Larry Levine, President, Red Thread

• Tell me how you first got involved in with CoreNet

When I joined Red Thread in 2011 I was new to the Hartford community.  In my effort to begin building relationships I asked Dave Jackson to identify a few organizations I might want to get involved with.  CoreNet was at the top of Dave’s list!

• What is your first memory related to CoreNet? 

I remember having lunch with Ron Zappile and discussing our career paths.  Ron mentioned he had a finance background but no direct CRE experience.  I asked how he learned enough to oversee UT Realty a highly diversified global conglomerate with tens of millions of square feet of space.  Ron attributed much of his success to CoreNet.  His praise for CoreNet left a lasting impression on me.

• What has surprised you most being a member and in your various roles?

My favorite experiences are the Real Advantage dinners.  They stimulate interesting conversation with members sharing perspectives openly and honestly.  Driving home afterwards I often have one of those aha moments!  Plus, you get to know people not just professionally but personally as well.  

• What do you find most challenging about CoreNet?

Like any organization, I think CoreNet’s biggest challenge is staying true to its mission while experiencing significant growth.

• What do you wish other people knew about CoreNet?

Everyone should know how awesome the CT/Westchester Chapter is!  Our Chapter possesses genuine camaraderie and commitment.

• Tell me about some of the people you have met while working on CoreNet

I think the CT/Westchester Chapter is a terrific organization.  Our leadership over the years deserves tremendous credit.  Since I’ve been a member, we’ve had five Presidents beginning with Pete Olson, Dave Jackson, Scott Kosswig, Mark Nisbett and now Scott Tibbo.  Each provided continuity building on the success of their predecessor, and each generated their own momentum advancing our Chapter’s accomplishments.  All members contribute but we owe gratitude and our sense of community to each of these leaders.

• Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to work with CoreNet.

Dave Jackson initially introduced me to CoreNet, and I’m happy to say my experience reflects the sense of community Dave advocated ten years ago.  His passion, pride and endless enthusiasm drives Red Thread’s support for the CT/Westchester Chapter.

• What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I grew up in West Hartford.  After college I spent six months selling insurance for Aetna, six months working for Lux Bond in jewelry repair, and attended Parsons School of Design for one year.  Then I fell into office furniture and spent 30 years with one firm in NYC.  I returned home to Connecticut ten years ago, and I’m very happy I came back!

• What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining a local CoreNet chapter?

Regardless of age, role or experience CoreNet offers something for everyone. It’s a highly inclusive organization.  Everyone has the opportunity to share, learn and build meaningful relationships.  Everyone also has the opportunity to make meaningful contributions.

• What do you think will change about our chapter over the next five years?

My hope is our Chapter attracts and develops a broader and more diverse membership along with next generation leaders.

• What sorts of trends do you see with CoreNet and in the industry?

COVID will have a profound impact on our industry.  Over recent months we witnessed how crisis accelerates current trends.  Trends like health and wellbeing, along with digitalization, mobility and workplace flexibility will transform how we work.  These trends coupled with the always present need to optimize real estate and effectively manage cost will reshape the spaces we work in.  I believe the office is here to stay, and I’m confident CoreNet will be here to help members understand and navigate this journey. 

• What do you do when you aren't working or volunteering with CoreNet?

Outside of work I try and live a reasonably relaxing life.  Lately, with COVID it’s been a little too quiet and simple!  I enjoy socializing with friends and spending time outdoors. I do quite a bit of hiking, biking and play some tennis.  Pre-COVID my wife Alice and I spent time visiting our son in Boston and our daughter and son-in-law in Denver.  We also have a place in Florida that we frequent during the winter.

• What else can you tell me about your experience with CoreNet?

CoreNet provides a valuable forum for industry professionals to come together and network, share experiences and learn from each other. These opportunities have helped me to stay informed, gain insight and capture a better understanding of critical real estate issues.  They’ve also stimulated my thinking around what’s next and how Red Thread can best support our customers’ challenges, needs and desires.

Maureen Funke, Director, Business Development, Greenbox-IS

• Tell me how you first got involved in with CoreNet

• What is your first memory related to CoreNet? 

• What has surprised you most being a member and in your various roles?

• What do you find most challenging about CoreNet?

• What do you wish other people knew about CoreNet?

• Tell me about some of the people you have met while working on CoreNet

• Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to work with CoreNet.

• What might someone be surprised to know about you?

• What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining a local CoreNet chapter?

• What do you think will change about our chapter over the next five years?

• What sorts of trends do you see with CoreNet and in the industry?

• What do you do when you aren't working or volunteering with CoreNet?

• What else can you tell me about your experience with CoreNet?

Miles McDonald, Audiovisual Technology Consultant, VisionPoint LLC

• Tell me how you first got involved in with CoreNet:

I first heard about CoreNet from a colleague that invited me to the event at Diageo at the beginning of 2018.

• What is your first memory related to CoreNet?

My first event at Diageo

• What has surprised you most being a member and in your various roles?

Having attended other networking groups, both related to corporate real estate and other industries, I was surprised how close-knit CoreNet’s CT Westchester group was. Everyone seemed to know each other and yet they were still very welcoming to new people.

• What do you find most challenging about CoreNet?

The largest challenge I have had with CoreNet is adjusting to the pace that business is done. The real estate industry does not move incredibly fast. Trusting relationships take years to develop and most projects we work on can also take months or years, so as a young up-and-coming CRE professional, nothing ever seems to happen fast enough for me.

• What do you wish other people knew about CoreNet?

I would tell them that CoreNet is home to some of the most successful professionals in the CRE field and that CoreNet offers a great opportunity to learn from those people

• Tell me about some of the people you have met while working on CoreNet

There is no shortage of incredible people that I have met during my time at CoreNet. Everyone in our chapter is willing to go out of their way to help the younger generation grow and I think that is very special

• Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to work with Corenet.

I would like to highlight Michael Byrne. Michael is the Chairman of our Young Leaders Committee and one of the first things he did as the chairman was give me the opportunity and freedom to plan our Young Leaders’ Speed Networking Event back in October 2019. Michael demonstrated great leadership by allowing me to take initiative with the event, all while staying involved and active throughout the planning and execution of the event. Michael very clearly excels at being a visionary, but he also has the ability to empower others and delegate tasks.

• What might someone be surprised to know about you?

Before entering the Corporate Real Estate space as an audiovisual integrator, I worked in radio at iHeartMedia and Hall Communications.

• What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining a local CoreNet chapter?

First, I would say that you should reach out to your local chapter president and ask them if you can attend the next event. Then you should ask yourself why you want to join, what can CoreNet do for you, and what you can you do for the chapter.

• What do you think will change about our chapter over the next five years?

My first concern is how COVID-19 is going to affect face-to-face networking. I believe that the face-to-face interaction is a very important component for CoreNet so we will need to address that in the coming months and years. We need to start looking at better ways to supplement the face-to-face networking.

• What sorts of trends do you see with CoreNet and in the industry?

It is really difficult to speculate at this time, but I would think there will be a large reduction in on-site employees, an uptick in video conferencing, and more small remote offices rather than large corporate campuses.

• What do you do when you aren't working or volunteering with CoreNet?

My wife and I have two small children, a two-year-old son and four-year-old daughter, so they take up much of the time that we are not at work. Prior to COVID-19, I played basketball about twice a week in various men’s leagues around CT, and lately I’ve been running, hiking, biking, and trying to stay active in new ways.

• What else can you tell me about your experience with CoreNet?

I believe long term success in your career is achieved by acquiring knowledge of your trade and any associated trades, how you chose to conduct business, and who you know. CoreNet provides great opportunities to excel at all three of these aspects. At CoreNet, you’ll be exposed to experts from your field, related fields, and meet people who will change the course of your career.

Jason Chapman, Director of New Business Development, Red Thread

Tell me how you first got involved in with CoreNet: 

My company Red Thread is a sponsor for the Chapter so upon starting I was quickly introduced by Dave Jackson

What is your first memory related to CoreNet? 

One of my first memories in Corenet was playing in a golf tournament.  Was a great way to start in the organization!

What has surprised you most being a member and in your various roles? 

 I think the openness of the people I have intersected with regardless of role, seniority, etc. has surprised me the most.  Everyone genuinely is interested in having a conversation and learning about new things in our industry.

What do you find most challenging about CoreNet? 

I currently serve on the Programming Committee for Fairfield County/Westchester County for past two years. We end up with such great events & topics, it becomes difficult to outdo previous discussions!

What do you wish other people knew about CoreNet?

That it’s not a “speed dating” networking organization.  The goal is to provide real insights and learning for the CRE industry.

Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to work with Corenet. 

Dave Jackson described the organization initially with such passion, that I wanted to know more.

What might someone be surprised to know about you? 

I won my third grade spelling bee 😊

What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining a local CoreNet chapter? 

Keep an open mind, be ready to learn, and don’t be afraid to talk to new people

What do you think will change about our chapter over the next five years? 

An injection of younger members as the generations start to shift

What sorts of trends do you see with CoreNet and in the industry? 

 Prior to COVID and now even more so based on current environment, I think technology will continue to be more influential in our industry.  The accessibility of data/information has grown tremendously in last few years and will continue to drive decisions.

What do you do when you aren't working or volunteering with CoreNet? 

Juggling two little ones at home & drinking lots of caffeine are my hobbies these days!

What else can you tell me about your experience with CoreNet? 

It has been a great experience, looking to many more years of great events!