Employee background:

I was fortunate to learn about commercial real estate appraising while in college at North Carolina State University. I worked part time for a local appraisal office as an admin/researcher and after graduation I was hired full time as a commercial appraiser in 1993. I received my MAI designation in 1997 and in 2003 ventured out on my own to start Paramount Appraisal Group, Inc.

What is your title and what do you do at Valbridge?

I am the Senior Managing Director of Valbridge Property Advisors | Raleigh-Durham

How did you become a part of Valbridge and VWC?

My firm was one of the founding members of Valbridge. When Steve Bullock, the founder first contacted me I declined, but then Larry Colorito and John Bosworth, two MAI appraisers that I have a great deal of respect for, asked me to reconsider. After attending my first Valbridge meeting in Boston and seeing the intellect in the group, I was sold.

Being one of the few women-owned Valbridge offices, I hope that being on the Women’s Council helps other women realize they can also succeed in the commercial appraisal business.

What are your specialty areas?

I don’t per se limit myself to one property type although I am qualified to appraise LIHTC properties and have appraised a large footprint of downtown Raleigh from vacant land to historic buildings and mixed-use high rises.

My office appraises a wide range of property types including multi-family, office, industrial, retail, and vacant land. The appraisers I manage have certain property types they concentrate on so I get to see a multitude of different property types.

What are some of the most interesting projects you've worked on at Valbridge?

That’s a tough question because even the most mundane property type can be interesting. I enjoy old historic downtown buildings planned for renovation, as well as new Class A high rise downtown office buildings with all the modern bells and whistles. Just recently I learned how CBD is produced and I’ve even had the opportunity to ride an ATV through a testing field.

And through my love of cycling I travel to Bend Oregon quite a bit and Valbridge has given me the opportunity to become state certified in the State of Oregon and provide appraisal assistance when there is a need.

What do you like most about working at Valbridge and being a member of the VWC?

Well first and foremost is the vast amount of knowledge and expertise in Valbridge. It’s nice having a national network of support just a phone call away. Plus Valbridge has allowed me to expand my client base and work on many different projects with other Valbridge offices. Before joining Valbridge I was just a small local firm, but now I have a national presence.