Board Member Spotlight: Lori Suba
Thursday, Oct 8, 2020
Lori Suba serves as Past President of CREW Calgary and is President, Broker and Founder of Scout Real Estate Ltd., a newly launched boutique brokerage firm in Calgary specializing in the office, industrial and retail markets. Lori is also a mom to two boys and has recently completed her Executive MBA with a speciality in Real Estate Leadership from the University of Fredericton.
With over 50 years of combined commercial real estate experience and diverse backgrounds in brokerage, development and operations across all asset classes the Scout team (consisting of Lori, and fellow CREW Calgary members, Laurae Spindler and Eve Renaud) offers a unique perspective.
Lori began her career in commercial real estate in Calgary in early 2003 and has spent most of her career on the office leasing side of the brokerage business, representing tenants ranging from start-ups to multinationals. Time spent managing the lease portfolio for a local Calgary developer/landlord offered additional insight into the office, industrial and retail asset classes from an ownership perspective.
1. What do you enjoy most about working in the Commercial Real Estate Industry?
Helping people is my biggest motivator and I love that I get to help Calgary businesses and Calgary landlords realize successful outcomes. Brokerage has teaching/helping elements to it that I find particularly appealing. I have an opportunity to educate clients about the market and opportunities; collaboratively work with them to develop solutions that fit their needs; and support them through the process.
2. How has CREW brought value to your career?
CREW has benefitted me tremendously over the last 10 years! There were not many female brokers when I started out (sadly still not) and at times it was a very lonely road for me. CREW was a place where I felt welcome, and it provided opportunities to build connections and confidence which led to career growth and personal development.
3. What are three reasons you would encourage a colleague to join CREW?
Connections are so critical not only for your professional growth, but also your personal wellbeing. CREW offers opportunities to make these connections, learn about the industry, help those around you and ultimately grow as a real estate professional.
4. How are you positively adapting to the work-from-home and work/life challenges presented by COVID-19 measures?
My big a-ha moment through COVID-19 was how important it is to take care of yourself and those around you. While I am great at taking care of others, sometimes I am admittedly not so great at taking care of myself. Through COVID I have focused on carving out time for the things that bring me joy - taking time to go for a walk, phoning a friend to catch up, and really soaking in the time spent with my family.
5. Share an interesting or little-known fact about yourself
I love to bake and in my spare time you will usually find me whipping up yummy treats for my husband and two boys. Cookies don’t last long at my house!