Kim’s adventures

Yes, it is true that the commercial real estate industry brings adventures. I think that is exactly what drew me in. No two projects or strategies are the same. Every client has a different objective. As a result, each set of criteria is uniquely critical to their business needs.

Our job is to identify challenges to those objectives. Then we must determine how to accomplish each solution. When I am not working, I seek those same types of challenges. Those of you who know me, know that I don’t sit still very long. I am constantly moving, thinking and embracing opportunities.

Triathalon

One of my most challenging adventures was completing a triathlon. The bike and run were a piece of cake. However, the swim was terrifying.

When I first tried to swim I could not even make it 10 yards. Nor could I put my head under water. I was in pretty good physical shape but had a fear of the water.

Before long I was able to swim 6,000 yards in a week. However, it took tremendous perseverance and a strong desire to succeed. Nevertheless, it felt pretty amazing getting out of the water after the swim on race day. I completed my second triathlon a few weeks later.

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack a strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will,” Vince Lombardi

Rachel Carson Challenge

Although fear was not a factor, I also enjoyed  the training and endurance of completing the Rachel Carson Challenge. This hike is known for its 35.1 mile one day endurance challenge. The terrain is very difficult. I had trained on every mile of the course. However, I was not prepared for the heavy downpour at the start of the race. I was nothing but ecstatic to complete the trek in just over 15 hours right before the cut-off. Although I was not excited to find that my toe nails turned black and fell off a few months later.

Other Adventures

Some other fun challenges include the MS150 Ride to State College, Snowboarding, White Water Rafting, Charity Walks and many years of competitive tennis. I had the pleasure of being on quite a few great USTA teams and enjoyed the regional championship for both 9.0 mixed and 4.5 women. I never played as a child but as an adult fell in love with the game.

“Winning is not everything – but making the effort to win is,” Vince Lombardi

Paddle Tennis

Today, you won’t find me on a tennis court as much. However, you will find me on a much smaller court. Furthermore, I’ll be on the court, outside, in the middle of the winter!

I started playing the game of paddle tennis last winter. Mostly, I have enjoyed having something to do over Pittsburgh’s long winter. The game is a bit faster than tennis. In addition, with the ability to use the screens, it provides for a whole new set of strategy.

During the winter, I may sneak into the office a little late. A morning paddle match is usually the culprit. Or you may catch me doing the 5 mile loop at North Park at lunch.

I know for sure that each one of my adventures has led to physical and emotional growth. I feel very strongly about always challenging myself to break out of my comfort zone. In other words, it’s important to identify new strategies, angles and opportunities to stay on-top of my game both in and out of the office.

“Winning is not a some time thing, it is an all the time thing. You don’t do things right once in a while…you do them right all the time,” Vince Lombardi