Stirling Properties helping to build Next Generation of commercial real estate professionals
In partnership with ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) Foundation, Stirling Properties’ team members have been actively involved in leading efforts to help create and maintain a pipeline of strong and diverse talent for the future of the commercial real estate industry. Two main areas of focus are centered on professional and academic development.
Next Generation is ICSC’s educational, networking, and mentoring program specifically designed for emerging retail real estate professionals who are seeking to develop and advance their careers and build relationships in the commercial real estate industry.
Carly Plotkin and Townsend Underhill
Townsend Underhill, Stirling Properties’ President of Development, is serving as the Southern Division Chairman for Next Generation—he is also Past Louisiana State Director for ICSC. Recently, his volunteer committee hosted the very first fundraising event for the Next Generation Fund of the ICSC Foundation during the ICSC Next Generation Conference in Toronto. More than $7,000 was raised to help support a professional education scholarship fund designed for up-and-coming professionals who are interested in progressing their skills in retail real estate.
Carly Plotkin, Sales & Leasing Executive with Stirling Properties, was awarded one of the first two scholarships from the Next Generation fund! Plotkin is also currently serving as the ICSC Next Generation State Chair for Louisiana and on the national Board for ICSC Next Generation.
“Stirling Properties is extremely proud of our work on this front. We are equally proud that one of our very own agents was awarded a professional development scholarship. No one is more deserving of this honor than Carly,” said Underhill. “Assisting new professionals in our industry to succeed—and even excel—in their careers is crucial for the future of our business. So we must be proactive in ensuring that we are not only attracting and retaining the brightest talent base available, but also equipping them with the tools they need to be prosperous.”
ICSC also supports numerous student academic programs, such as annual student membership opportunities, conference attendance, scholarships and experiential opportunities, as well as mentoring and job assistance.
Stirling Properties’ Vice President of Finance, Justin Landry, serves on the ICSC Foundation Talent & Education Committee, which focuses on identifying, attracting, and developing young people with interest in the retail real estate industry. The committee’s primary goal is to increase student engagement in ICSC, and focus on job placement within the industry.
Landry was selected to serve on the ICSC committee due to his background working with college-level students at LSU (Louisiana State University). He works as an instructor for the university teaching Finance 7720 (Commercial Real Estate Investing).
Jimmy Maurin, Justin Landry and ICSC Maurin-Ogden Foundation LSU Scholarship Award Recipients
Over the past few years, Landry has been instrumental in introducing LSU students to academic scholarships and career placement opportunities, such as the ICSC Maurin-Ogden Foundation LSU Scholarship Award, funded by Jimmy Maurin and Roger Ogden, founders of Stirling Properties. Through the scholarship, students receive all-expense-paid attendance to ICSC RECon in Las Vegas, the world’s largest retail real estate convention. Each year, Stirling Properties hosts LSU Award Recipients at the conference, offering the students valuable exposure to industry leaders and potential employers.
Now, working with the ICSC Foundation Talent & Education Committee, future academic engagement strategies include developing and increasing student-focused events at major ICSC conferences; building relationships with universities and establishing/enhancing Real Estate Clubs; identifying and expanding educational opportunities such as internships and case competitions; and career placement programs such as career fairs and targeted recruitment sessions.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for us to invest in the future of our industry, while also supporting local communities,” said Landry. “ICSC has been on the front lines leading this charge, and Stirling Properties is proud to be able to partner with them to advance their efforts. Collectively, we are developing strategies that will lead to job creation for students, economic growth for local communities, and talent retention within our industry. These are the next generation of executives and brokers that are going to lead our companies—it’s critical that we make them a priority.”
#StirlingProud
2017 Stirling Olympians Triumph During Annual Games
Raise $53,000 For Local Nonprofits!
Stirling Properties has its own version of the Olympic Games! Employees recently celebrated the 5th Annual Stirling Olympics, an event hosted by the Stirling Stewardship Committee to raise money for charitable causes throughout the Gulf South region. The event was a HUGE SUCCESS, raising $53,000 for local nonprofit organizations!
Next Generation
Funds raised benefited Next Generation, which helps facilitate student-initiated lunch clubs on Junior and Senior high school campuses to connect students in conversation and with local mentors for guidance on real-life issues such as bullying, suicide, violence, drug abuse, relationship struggles, and excellence in education, as well as The Learning Tree, which provides educational, residential, and support services for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Representatives from each organization were on hand to accept a check for $26,500 each.
The Learning Tree
Throughout the day, Stirling Properties’ team members battled one another in quirky competitions and relay races such as Musical Chairs, Hula Hoop Chain, Caterpillar Race, Dodgeball, Bucket Heads, Puzzle Relay, and The Funky Chicken. Scores were tallied, and individual medals were awarded for each event. Although our athletic skills were not of world-class caliber, a good time was had by all!
The games were judged by Christi and Steve Zito (Zito Russell Architects), Steve Serio (Fishman Haygood), Elizabeth Schmelling (New Orleans Moms Blog & Red Stick Moms Blog), Tommy Buckel (Duplantis Design Group), and Kasey Dorr (RCI). (A couple of flags were thrown, but no players were ejected this year for unsportsmanlike conduct!) Dick Cyr served as the event emcee. Fidelity Bank, Smoothie King, and Whole Foods Market provided participants with food and beverages throughout the day.
Elizabeth Schmelling, Tommy Buckel, Christi and Steve Zito,
The Gold Medal overall went to the Lime Tamers. Congratulations to Roslyn Rogers, Denise Tatum, Peggy Sayler, Kelly Wellmeyer, Donna Allsup, Jack Conger, Johnny Tolson, Grady Brame, Chris Mastio, and Tracy Gandy! The Blue Team took home the Silver Medal—Chris Abadie, Claire Draper, Joyce Ori, Sharon Amacker, Brandon Gerak, Rachel Jerkins, Cheri Magee, Kennedy Striplin, Rebecca Pritchard, and Bradley Cook. Gangsters in Paradise secured the Bronze Medal—Griffin Lennox, Donna Derokey, Amanda Goldman, Lynn Blanchard, Kathy McGoey, Scott Macdonald, Saban Sellers, Townsend Underhill, Carly Plotkin, and Kylie Ferguson.
At the end of the day, Stirling Properties’ partnership group treated everyone to a special presentation called “The Mane Event.” They competed among themselves in a hobby-horse obstacle course race! Employees were able to cast votes for Best of Show and Course Grand Champion. Donna Taylor swept the competition in both style and grace with her horse, Sassy Sparkle Boots. Townsend Underhill took home the award for Outstanding UNDERachievement with his horse, Race For The Crown.
A heartfelt thanks to all of our supporting sponsors, including Wright & Percy, Richard Price, Brasfield & Gorrie, Fishman Haygood, Duplantis Design Group, Zito Russell Architects, Whitney Bank, Walker & Dunlop, Rotolo Consultants, IBERIABANK, Fidelity Bank, Capital One, Vinson Guard, Rozas Ward Architects, Louisiana Landscape, J&B Machine Co., BH Management, Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, VergesRome Architects, Tudor, Stratum Engineering, Regal Construction, Jefferson Sprinkler, Baker Donelson, and Acadia Land Surveyor.
And a big shout-out to the Stirling Stewardship Committee and the Olympics Committee for all their hard work organizing the event and making it happen! You all deserve a round of applause!!
#StirlingProud
