Leadership Spotlight featuring Lisa Gualco of Madison Marquette
Lisa Gualco of Madison Marquette is a long-time, award winning BOMA San Diego member and the only principal-level Annual Supporting Partner. She has contributed to the growth of our organization by volunteering at the committee and leadership levels throughout the years! She’s also a BOMA trailblazer with an amazing list of accomplishments! For this author and many other BOMA San Diego members, Lisa has conveyed the importance of being involved, staying organized, working together and following through with various BOMA projects.
Read below to learn more about Lisa:
BOMA San Diego: How long have you worked in property management?
Lisa: I have been in the commercial real estate industry for over 32 years (and worked in property management for 30 of those years).
BOMA San Diego: What is your current role at your Company?
Lisa: I am the General Manager at Hazard Center.
BOMA San Diego: How long have you been a BOMA member?
Lisa: I’ve been a member for twenty years this time around. I was a previous member through a different company with a gap in between memberships.
BOMA San Diego: What is your favorite BOMA event?
Lisa: The annual gala.
BOMA San Diego: What committees are you involved on? Have you ever held a BOMA leadership position?
Lisa: I am currently on the Government Affairs Committee. I was a member of the Board of Directors for 3 years as a Member-at-Large and also as Secretary. In the past, I was Chair of the Awards and Scholarships Committee for 2 years, Chair of the Jack Moshgat Scholarship Subcommittee for 3 years, Chair of the Education Committee for 2 years, and have served as a member of 7 other committees for approximately 16 years.
BOMA San Diego: What are your most significant accomplishments in BOMA?
Lisa: Winning the BOMA San Diego TOBY Award, the BOMA Pacific Southwest Region TOBY Award and the BOMA International TOBY Award on our first try. It was the first time that a BOMA San Diego property had won the International TOBY in many, many years. I am also proud of having been awarded the BOMA San Diego President’s Award, Principal Member of the Year Award and a Special Recognition of Services to BOMA San Diego Award. I am especially proud of our team for holding the very first Joint Task Force Active Shooter Drill at Hazard Center which I think paved the way for other property managers to hold such events at their properties. Hazard Center was also the first property to be the test property for an Earthquake Preparedness Workshop for property managers.
BOMA San Diego: Who is the most inspirational BOMA leader you’ve worked with and what did you learn from them?
Lisa: Ray Magnussen. He was a supportive, kind and positive role model and was especially supportive when we were board members together. Ray was always such a cheerleader of BOMA San Diego, BOMA Cal and BOMA International and he really was supportive of our TOBY Award winning endeavors. I always felt he had my back, and I could count on him to support me at every turn. I miss him to this day!
BOMA San Diego: What advice would you give to our emerging leaders about how to manage work and their involvement in BOMA?
Lisa: Know yourself first and know your limits. Start small like serving on a committee and then build up to more responsibility. You do not have to climb the ladder to the top as not everyone is meant to be at the top of the heap. If committee involvement is all you can handle that is enough. Remember, it is a volunteer job and your responsibilities to your employer and your family come first. Whatever your level of involvement, it is valued and needed. Most importantly, do not volunteer with expectations that your participation is going to get you that new client, that new contract or a new job. Volunteer because it is rewarding in and of itself and focus on building relationships and friendships. I have made lifetime friendships in BOMA and I grew simply by participating with no grand goal in mind.
Thank you for your leadership, Lisa!