Yvonne Chang is vice president of Leasing of Kaufman Organization, a three-generation, family-owned and operated New York-based real estate company active in ownership of commercial and residential property, office leasing, management and acquisitions, with a portfolio of approximately 6 million square feet. She began her career in commercial real estate in 2009 with the Kaufman Organization and quickly became one of the company’s top performing brokers. She, along with co-vice president Sam Stein, manages the leasing efforts for Kaufman’s “Family Portfolio,” consisting of eight office buildings (450 7th Avenue, 462 7th Avenue, 470 7th Avenue, 519 8th Avenue, 132 West 36th Street, 212 West 35th Street, 111 West 19th Street, 22 West 18th Street and 257-259 Canal Street) totaling 2.3 million square-feet in New York City.
How long have you been in the business?
I started my real estate career with the Kaufman Organization in 2009. I had just finished a period overseas on various real estate projects and wanted to explore opportunities in NYC. Even though I had little experience with brokerage, they gave me a shot.
What made you decide to get into real estate?
I’ve always loved buildings and knew at a young age I would somehow be involved with them. I’ve lived in NYC all my life, but still today I love looking up to admire the different architecture.
Who inspires you?
Barbara Raskob, my colleague and mentor who sadly passed away last year, is my hero. She rose up to her position during a time when it was very difficult for women to do so. She was a force and was equally as fierce with her negotiations, as she was caring to those around her. She took me under her wings and I learned much from her both professionally and personally. I will always be thankful for her.
What’s your favorite thing about real estate?
When I first started in real estate, I previewed a retail listing on Bowery in Chinatown. Prior to becoming a lighting store, the location used to be a theater and one particular room was left practically untouched. I remember it still had the theater seats, red curtains and carvings. It was so fascinating and really made me think of how space changes through time. A hotel went up in its place, but every so often I’ll see a space that has been occupied for decades with minimal updating. It’s very much like stepping into a time warp and I always find it to be a treat.
What made you decide to work at Kaufman?
The President of my company, Steven J. Kaufman, is an incredible leader to work for. Besides his knowledge and experience in the industry, Steve is one of the most humble and caring individuals I know. He treats everyone with the same courtesy. It’s wonderful to have a work environment with an open door policy. My colleagues are always willing to lend a hand. We are like a family. It’s pretty ideal.
What are some projects you’ve worked on during your career?
One of my favorite projects is 111 West 19 Street. The entire building had long-term leases roll over a 2-year period. It was a great opportunity to rebrand the 12-story building. We’ve since invested $9 million dollar into the building and have attracted a complete new tenant roster including Barbarian Group—known for their Superdesk, Regus, Law360 and Plated.com.
What are you working on now?
We are currently undergoing a $15 million dollar capital improvement project at 450 Seventh Avenue. Elevator hallway corridors, bathrooms, elevator cabs and the lobby will be getting a fresh new look. We have received great response from our tenants and anticipate completion by the beginning of 2018.
What’s the best piece of advice you would give to someone starting in the business?
Find the value in the deal and determine what value you add to the deal. Clients can obtain information with a click of a button. Differentiating yourself from your competition goes a long way. You have to be more than just a smooth talker in this industry.
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