Jill Meeks Appointed as President of Mobile Commercial Investment Real Estate Club
Stirling Properties’ Senior Sales and Leasing Executive, Jill Meeks, has been appointed as President of the Mobile Commercial Investment Real Estate Club. She assumed duties in early December and will serve in the position for one year.
The Mobile Commercial Investment Real Estate Club is a networking group for industry professionals to exchange ideas, insight and data on marketing information regarding commercial and investment property among its members. Club goals include promoting professionalism, co-operation and education in commercial, investment and exchange transactions.
As club president, Meeks’ responsibilities will include running the weekly meetings and arranging for speakers to attend and present educational opportunities for the members. Meetings occur every Thursday at 7:00 am at the Mobile Area Association of Realtors.
“The Mobile Commercial Investment Real Estate Club provides tremendous resources for both beginning and experienced real estate professionals, and it’s a great tool to network and meet others in the industry,” said Meeks. “As president of the club, I hope to be able to generate more interest and participation by arranging for various speakers from the community to attend our meetings that will be beneficial to members.”
Meeks has been active in the commercial real estate industry for more than 27 years. Her focus areas include office and retail leasing, commercial sales, and landlord and tenant representation. She is responsible for overseeing the property management of over 400,000 square feet of retail and office space in Mobile and Baldwin Counties.
Jill Meeks works out of Stirling Properties’ Mobile Office located at One St. Louis Centre, 1 St. Louis Street, Suite 4100 in Mobile. For club membership and information, Meeks can be reached at (251) 375-2499 or jmeeks@stirlingprop.com.
Retail Brokers Network (RBN) Names Chris Abadie As New President Elect
Stirling Properties’ Vice President and Manager of Commercial Brokerage, Chris Abadie, has been named 2017 President Elect of the Retail Brokers Network (RBN). He will assume the position on January 1, 2017.
The Retail Brokers Network (RBN), one of the nation’s largest retail real estate networking groups, announced the formation of the new Executive Committee to help facilitate RBN’s ongoing operations. The announcement was made following the organization’s mid-year meeting in Charleston, South Carolina.
The Executive Committee will be responsible for overseeing the Tenant, Restaurant and Investment Sales Councils as well as the Regional Directors, marketing RBN to customers and new member offices, implementing systems to increase activity within the network, financial management, and planning RBN’s participation in ICSC RECon.
“I am honored to serve as President Elect of the Retail Brokers Network,” said Abadie. “I am confident that my experience and professional knowledge give me the skill set to help position RBN as a valuable tool for its members and clients, and help them succeed in all their real estate needs and goals.”
Abadie has more than 16 years of experience in commercial real estate. Previously a Retail and Investment Sales Broker, his current focus at Stirling Properties includes directing sales efforts, new business development, recruitment and training of new agents. Abadie holds the designations of Certified Retail Property Executive (CRX), Certified Leasing Specialist (CLS), and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM).
He is an active affiliate in the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Louisiana CCIM Chapter, and the Commercial Investment Division of the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors (CIDNOMAR). Abadie is also an active member of RBN, serving as a member of the National Executive Committee, as well as representing Stirling Properties on the Tenant, Investment Sales, and Southeast Region Councils. Upon serving as President Elect next year, Abadie is slated to assume the role of President in 2018.
According to Debbie Currier, President of RBN, “The RBN network represents over 600 retail specialists across the US that help individuals and companies meet their real estate goals locally and nationally and our newly formed Executive Committee will provide the leadership structure that will help make RBN even more successful as we continue to grow.” She added, “I’m thrilled to welcome the Executive Committee members and I’m eager to work with them to accomplish our goals for 2017.”
Members of the new Executive Committee are former Regional or Council Directors that have an in-depth knowledge of the organization. The members of the 2017 committee are:
President – Debbie Currier
Currier Properties – Charlotte, North Carolina
President Elect – Chris Abadie
Stirling Properties – Covington, Louisiana
VP Operations – Tom Bruss
Commercial Property Associates – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
VP Marketing & Communications – Brad Umansky
Progressive Real Estate Partners – Rancho Cucamonga, California
VP Finance – Bryan Holt
Southpace Properties – Birmingham, Alabama
Secretary – Rob Samtman
Equity Retail Brokers – Plymouth Meeting, Philadelphia
Immediate Past President – Chuck Lanyard
The Goldstein Group – Paramus, New Jersey
Congratulations to Paul Mastio for being selected as one of New Orleans CityBusiness’ 2016 Money Makers!
CityBusiness’ Money Makers recognizes financial professionals whose fiscal work has set the pace for their company and the region. Honorees were selected based on industry and community involvement, and achievement through their energy and innovative ideas.
“CityBusiness commends its Money Makers for the professional standards they follow as well as for the new ones they are setting,” said Natalie Chandler, Editor of CityBusiness Magazine. “This year’s honorees have not only established their institutions as solid businesses but have also worked to provide help to the community where it’s needed the most.”
Paul Mastio has been a leader and integral part of Stirling Properties’ accounting team for the last 23 years. As CFO, he is responsible for all aspects of the company’s accounting & IT team, operations, processes, and reporting functions across our Gulf South service area.
“I’ve always been great with math and numbers, so when I got into the accounting field, I found it worked well for me,” he said. “I can really make a difference with analysis and reporting, and when I do a report for an owner or investor that saves them money, it feels good.”
Marty Mayer, Paul Mastio, Jeff Marshall
Paul’s role with Stirling Properties is crucial to our success and growth. He is passionate about the company and is always looking to make improvements, save money and assist in our development. “I really enjoy digging into financials or operations and helping the company to be more cost-effective,” he said. “Every day is a huge handbag of new and different tasks in accounting to solve, and that is what motivates me.”
Currently, he is working to implement new commercial transaction software that will simplify work processes for both commercial agents and employees. Paul notes, “I understand the back-end processes of software and how make it work for us so we can be more efficient, report information earlier, and pay our agents quicker. We also pay hundreds of vendors a month, and before, our workflow was condensed into two maddening days. When we changed to doing things electronically, it evened out the workflow so one person can handle it versus two or three. It makes a big impact on cost savings and productivities.”
Paul Mastio, Laura Wallace, Judy McKee, Doug Ferguson
He has successfully implemented two major accounting software conversions at Stirling Properties (PMAS and Yardi) which streamlined duties, ultimately saving time and money. He now serves as a member of the Yardi Property Management Systems Users Group and has guided other former PMAS users to the Yardi system. He is also a Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) from AICPA.
Paul is heavily involved in coordinating the annual Stirling Olympics fundraiser. He has also led company efforts to support many nonprofit events such as Northshore Heart Walk, Breast Cancer Walk and ALS Association.
He is directly affiliated with numerous nonprofit organizations, community groups and recreational clubs including ALS Association, Boy Scouts of America, Mandeville Soccer Club and Pelican Park, among many others. He’s volunteered with Habitat for Humanity on the build of three homes, and worked to build local community playgrounds.
Many people have contributed to Paul’s success along the way. “My father was a huge influence on me. Although he was the typical 70s and 80s dad, going to work and bringing home the bacon, he taught me a strong work ethic and to always work hard and do your best,” said Paul. “And all of the partners of Stirling Properties—past and present—have been a blessing in my life, teaching me the ropes of real estate and mentoring me throughout the years.”
When Paul isn’t working—or doing work for others—he attends (and coaches!) his kids’ sporting events. He has five children ages five to 17.
And a little fun fact…he is also building a Shelby Cobra from a kit. “I’ve wanted to build a car since I was 14 years old,” he said. “I’ve been following the industry, went to school to learn to build it, and now it’s finally arriving in my garage this December…..assuming my garage is built by then!”
We congratulate Paul on his tremendous accomplishments, and this much deserved award.
#StirlingProud
The Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Uncork the Cure Honors New Orleans’ Finest
Last Thursday, the Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation presented the 9th Annual Uncork the Cure fundraising event at The Cannery in New Orleans. More than 300 guests attended and sampled champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world, as well as food from some of New Orleans’ best restaurants.
For the second year, Uncork the Cure honored New Orleans’ Finest, a selected group of outstanding young professionals that show exemplary leadership, are active in their communities and have excelled in their profession. Stirling Properties’ very own Sales & Leasing Executive, Carly Plotkin, was among the honorees. In addition to her outstanding accomplishments, Carly raised more than $4,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!
“I am honored to be selected by the Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as one of New Orleans’ Finest, and to advocate for and advance the exceptional work that the Foundation does in our community,” said Plotkin. “This devastating disease hits close to home at Stirling Properties—three of our employees are directly affected by cystic fibrosis through family and friends.”
Brandon Gerak, Carly Plotkin, Saban Sellers, Lewis Stirling
Stirling Properties is a proud supporter of the Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Uncork the Cure. Funds raised by the event have helped spur dramatic progress in the lives of those affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). The disease causes debilitating lung infections that lead to premature death. It affects about 30,000 adults and children in the United States and 70,000 people worldwide.
“We still lose precious young lives to this disease every day. It’s more important than ever that we rally our community to fight CF,” said Executive Director Ashley Mills. “We are grateful for every sponsor, volunteer and donor who supports Uncork the Cure.”
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. Fifty years ago, most children with CF did not live long enough to attend elementary school. Today, people with CF are living into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
Congratulations, Carly, on being selected as one of New Orleans’ Finest and your support of the Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!
#StirlingProud
Developers Break Ground on Nicholson Gateway in Baton Rouge
Stirling Properties was pleased to participate in the groundbreaking of Nicholson Gateway last week, a 28-acre mixed-use housing and retail development located on the northwest corner of Nicholson Drive and Skip Bertman Drive across from Tiger Stadium. The development will include a 1,700-bed student housing and athletic dormitory with study areas and green spaces, as well as roughly 50,000 square feet of university focused retail space.
Stirling Properties was selected as the retail developer and leasing broker on the project, working with the prime developer, Georgia-based RISE that specializes in student housing. Stirling Properties will also handle on-going retail property management.
“Stirling Properties is proud to be involved on the development team of Nicholson Gateway. This mixed-use project will not only enhance the LSU campus, but will provide an activity hub for students and visitors,” said Townsend Underhill, Stirling Properties Senior Vice President of Development. ”In addition, this growth is creating much needed on-campus student housing, new job opportunities and economic development for the area.”
Nicholson Gateway is expected to be open to students for the fall semester of 2018. The development will transform one of the largest remaining underdeveloped tracts of university property, turning an overlooked area into an exciting new corridor.
For leasing information, please contact Rhonda Sharkawy at rsharkawy@stirlingprop.com or (504) 620-8145; or Dottie Tarleton at dtarleton@stirlingprop.com or (225) 922-4253.
Golf Fore! Good
Stirling Properties hits a hole-in-one
with its Annual Stirling Invitational Golf Tournament
The 16th Annual Stirling Invitational Golf Tournament was held earlier this month at University Club Plantation in Baton Rouge. More than 120 golfers participated in the scramble event and were treated to a great day of food, fun and fellowship—along with a little friendly competition—all for a good cause.
The tournament was a huge success, raising $30,000 for local nonprofit organizations! In support of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation received $10,000 from the proceeds. The remaining proceeds were distributed to various local charitable causes.
Representatives from Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation and LSU Tiger Athletic Foundation were on hand to receive a check for their contributions. Grady Brame, Executive Vice President of Stirling Properties (and resident golf expert!), presented a check to Todd Stevens, President and CEO of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center; and to Rick Perry, President and CEO of Tiger Athletic Foundation, during an awards celebration and cocktail reception following the tournament.
Todd Stevens, Jimmy Maurin, Grady Brame
What happens on the golf course does not stay on the golf course—here’s a recap of the days’ activities. The 1st Place Low Net was won by Steven Serio, Tyler Marquette, Lance McCardle and Colin O’Flynn. The Low Gross winning team included Paul Geyer, Rick Perry, Grady Brame and Jimmy Maurin. Additional awards were presented for 2nd, 3rd and 4th Low Gross and Low Net as well as 4 Closest to the Hole prizes, Longest Drive, and Highest Gross Score (we won’t name any names!).
A heartfelt thanks to all of our friends and supporters that participated and contributed to the Stirling Invitational Golf Tournament. This event would not be possible without you.
“The 16th Annual Stirling Invitational Golf Tournament was a tremendous success, and we were once again able to donate to worthy nonprofit organizations that are truly making a difference in our communities. We are grateful for the generosity of our tournament sponsors and thank everyone that came out to support us. We hope to see you again next year!” said Brame.
The Stirling Invitational Golf Tournament has contributed more than $184,000 to numerous organizations over the past 16 years, with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation being the majority beneficiary of proceeds. Since 2004, $117,000 has been donated to the center in support of its cancer research and care-giving efforts.
#StirlingProud
Additional sponsors include Economical Janitorial Supplies, Grass Unlimited, Calcasieu Mechanical Contractors, Robert Refrigeration, Ryan Gootee General Contractors, Thermal Products, Angelos Landscaping, Big Easy Parking Lot Maintenance, Chrestia Staub, Cost Segregation Services, Inc. (CSSI), Gulf South Electric, ITS Fire Alarm Security LLC, Massengale Grounds Management, Netchex Payroll Services, Precision Concrete Cutting of Louisiana, Republic Services, Inc., Star Service Inc., Trimark, Unit Design, Jones Fussell, BH Management Services, CBL & Associates Properties Inc., CSRS, Inc., Malone Roofing, Premier Service Team, Real Estate Tax Group, LLC, River Parish Disposal, LLC, Robert Levis Development, Southeastern Waterproofing, First Bank & Trust, Moran Construction Consultants.
A huge shout out to Fidelity Bank, Brad Jongbloed and his team, for sponsoring lunch.
