Women in the commercial real estate sector have to work hard to succeed in the male-dominated industry. So when it’s time to relax, some of Arizona’s most successful women have found a variety of ways to unwind away from work.
In honor of the upcoming Most Influential Women in Arizona reception, here is how 10 female leaders in commercial real estate like to loosen up when they are away from the office.
Tracy Altemus, CCIM, executive vice president, Ensemble Real Estate Solutions: “When I turned 40, I decided to run a marathon. I ran the Los Angeles Marathon that year. That was the first and last because I’m slow and it was plain old tiring.”
Kelley Ahrens, CCIM, vice president, CBRE: “I have been somewhat of a daredevil. I raced an Indy car at the Texas Motor Speedway, surfed a killer wave in St. Martin and learned to ride a Harley Fatboy motorcycle.”
Lorraine Bergman, president and CEO, Caliente Construction: “I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, especially my grandchildren. We are very active and enjoy outdoor activities: hiking, biking, swimming and exploring the Arizona wilderness on our ATVs. Traveling the world is a close second.”
Sue Cannon, managing director, Cushman & Wakefield: “I enjoy running in the morning to start my day, hiking with my husband on the weekends and relaxing at home.”
Carla Consoli, partner and practice group leader, Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie: “I enjoy and can actually complete home improvement projects. Fix the kitchen sink? Rewire a light switch? Hang a door? I’ve done it. And no one got hurt.”
Kimberly Davids, general manager, The Weitz Company: “I enjoy traveling to exotic locations and scuba diving with my husband. Words cannot express the majestic beauty of the ocean and the adrenaline rush felt when encountering a sea creature or swimming through a massive reef. It is truly humbling to be a visitor in the ocean’s habitat.”
Sharon Harper, chairman, president and CEO, Plaza Companies: “My favorite activity is to spend time with my children and grandchildren, which also gives us the opportunity to travel a lot because they are spread around the world. We also enjoy spending our free time at our ranch in the Verde Valley.”
Terry Martin-Denning, CEO and designated broker, NAI Horizon: “I enjoy doing almost every outdoor activity. My most relaxing and rewarding hobby is working in my backyard garden and hanging out with my chickens. I love to cook. Creating my own farm-to-table experience is very rewarding.”
Shawn Rush, principal, Corgan: “I do my best work with a pair of garden clippers in my hand. I’m a farmer at heart, so when I’m not working you will find me growing things. It’s a beautiful gift being outdoors, working with your hands and seeing something you nurture bloom.”
Alisa Timm, regional director of management, Ryan Companies: “Golfing, skiing, hiking and reading all are top of my list. Spending time outdoors is key to a good day for me.”
