If you've worked in commercial property management in Los Angeles for any length of time, chances are you may know one or both of the Suzuki's - Joe and Christine. What's this couple's secret to success? They were happy to fill us in.
Growing up and attending Bryant College in Smithfield, Rhode Island, Christine relocated to Southern California in 1985 where her brother was attending UCLA. Christine assimilated quickly and made many new friends, including her brother's college roommate, Joe. After spending a lot of time together, Joe and Christine's friendship evolved into something more, and after a short engagement the couple married in 1987.
Prior to marriage, even Joe and Christine's careers seemed to be moving along the same path. In 1985, Christine went to work as Director of Property Management for Shapell Industries where she remained for 14 years. After graduating from UCLA, Joe went into property management at Cushman & Wakefield where he stayed for the next 15 years, first at MCI Center (now The Bloc) and later at Bank of America Plaza, both prominent million plus square foot Downtown properties.
In 1999, Christine took a break from property management to raise the couple's two children. Austin is now 19 and attending San Francisco State University. Peyton is 16 and a junior at Granada Hills Charter High School. In 2002 Christine returned to the industry to work for LBA Realty where she is now in charge of the industrial assets in Southern California. As fate would have it, Joe now works for LBA Realty,
overseeing the office portfolio. Both are Vice Presidents.
What do you love about property management and filming on property?
Christine: We both enjoy work very much, especially now as the market is in a healthy state, providing increased activity and opportunities.
Joe: As real estate managers, we have to maximize every square foot of our assets. Filming provides unexpected revenue for our investors; so much so that with our positive history, many are capitalizing the income into their valuation.
What do you do when you're not working?
Christine: We enjoy travelling to Europe, most recently Puglia, Italy (photo) and we'll be going to Tokyo with the kids over the holidays.
Joe: Now that the kids are almost grown, we contemplated moving to a smaller home, but decided to stay put in Porter Ranch where we have been for 29 year and start a much-needed re-decorating project.
What's the secret to the success of your marriage?
Christine: Sense of humor and tolerance. We limit our discussions about work when we get home.
Joe: Traveling is key for us. We often seek private time, both as spouses and as a family. We will be celebrating our 30th Anniversary next year!
