Member Profile: Marisa Varga, CPSM, LEED AP
Business Development Manager, Barton Malow Company

How did you land in the commercial real estate field?

Nine years ago I graduated from Michigan State not even realizing this wonderful industry existed (I may have been slightly naïve)! I grew up in a Ford family so my first thought was automotive. I feel fortunate to have found a small Architecture and Engineering firm to work for initially after graduation and shortly after was offered a position at Walbridge and then moved over to Barton Malow where I started as their Corporate Marketing Manager. I then decided to get some technical experience as an estimator in the past two years before joining our Industrial and Self Perform Services Group as a Business Development Manager. Barton Malow is a great company and I really enjoy working here.
 
What single piece of advice or encouragement would you offer a woman who wants to enter your career field?

Always look for new ways to educate yourself and never stop. Take advantage of the people around you and share in their knowledge and don’t ever undervalue your skills, abilities or worth. The most important thing to advancing in my career has been my mentors, network and professional organizations.       
    
Who is your mentor/who inspires you?

Luckily I have quite a few. My mom’s strength has always inspired me. And Sheryl Maibach, CMO and Sr. VP at Barton Malow has always pushed me out of my comfort zone to do more, be accountable and get involved. Then there are the many amazing builders that have worked for years in construction that I learn from everyday.

What do you love about CREW Detroit?

I’ve just joined, but I am looking forward toCREW  events in the past and realize the value found in a great network of professional women.

Educational background and certifications:
Michigan State University, Bachelors of Arts, Communications and Public Relations
Lawrence Technological University, Master of Business Administration
CPSM – Certified Professional Services Marketer
LEED AP BD+C – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional

Where do you live? Are you a lifelong Michigander?

I currently live in Farmington Hills and have lived in Michigan my entire life. My husband currently lives and works in Birmingham, Alabama – the economy has definitely displaced a lot of people outside of the State of Michigan – particularly the many automotive engineers. We’re hopeful that things will improve and there will be more opportunities here in the near future. We are one of many and I like that the members of CREW Detroit and other organizations throughout the State do what we can to encourage businesses that Michigan is the place to be! I’m so glad that CREW is supporting the Business Leaders for Michigan efforts in the Michigan Turnaround Plan, http://www.michiganturnaroundplan.com/

Family, friends, free time?

My family and friends are the most important thing to me. I am very fortunate to have my husband of four years, our parents and my sister and brother-in-law in my life as well as my excellent network of friends, my two dogs, Hailey (boxer) and Oliver (yorkie) and two cats (Bonnie and Clyde).

Tell us about your volunteer efforts.

I’ve enjoyed participating in the American Heart Walk in past years, I’ve been a part of and served as president of SMPS Michigan – Society for Marketing Professional Services and still serve on one of SMPS’ national committees. I regularly support Michigan Humane Society, Vietnam Veterans of America, Michigan National Public Radio, the United Way and I’m looking to get involved in a Breast Cancer Awareness program – my mother and step-mother are recent survivors.

What are you currently reading and recommending?

I am currently reading Ayn Rand and the World She Made by Anne Heller and highly recommend two of my favorite books by Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. The Fountainhead has some alignment with our industry as the central character is a young architect. I just finished Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson – an easy, quick read that makes you rethink the way we go about our business day after day. I also get Hour Detroit Magazine – love to find new places to go, food, shopping and culture!

What’s your favorite restaurant?

Shaw’s Crab House, Chicago; in Detroit I love trying new places and
went to Quattro in Birmingham recently. Great food and wine! Vincente’s Cuban Cuisine, Centaur Bar for Martini’s and Cliff Bell’s in Detroit.

What’s on your iPod?

I’m currently listening to OAR and Citizen Cope, going to see them at Meadowbrook soon, as well as the Foo Fighters, Modest Mouse, The Fray, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Muse, Snow Patrol, Dave Matthews, The Raconteurs….I could go on and on!

What’s the next “big thing” in your life?

The next big thing – I’m not sure. Once my husband finds a job back in Michigan, I think we’d like to take a big trip to celebrate, maybe Italy or an Eastern European Cruise. I would like to run the Detroit Marathon someday, maybe I’ll start with the half. And, to be successful within my new position in Business Development.