~~~ Ralph Northam ~~~
A significant transformation is sweeping through the real estate landscape of Beverly Hills and so I've called for a strategic planning session to address that. These are the top realtors of the firm and they give me their undivided attention.
"Headlines of an exodus are false," I say. "Instead we're seeing a trend of people moving from the city to suburban areas. Now the question is, how do we respond? We've got numerous clients seeking our help to sell or lease properties. Plus we have our own properties to consider."
I prefer meetings that are fast and snappy. Too long and the important messages get lost. On the board are pictures of property, prices, and writings in marker of who is tasked with each sale. The strategy session is a chance to recalibrate the firm.
When everything is settled I head back to my office and realize that Marielle Henning is following me. She closes the door when we're both in my office. That's her style, she's very in-your-face and assertive. She's a veteran in the real estate game and knows how to flex her muscles when necessary.
"I have an idea," she says. "It's a novel one, which you're going to love, I promise."
Entertaining her ideas are always amusing because she's a crafty individual. A top earner here. I sit behind my desk and she stands there with this sassy attitude and a wry smile on her face.
"You couldn't mention this at the meeting?"
"It's more of a delicate matter."
"So what can I do for you?"
"The beachfront property, the one with the pool, I want to manage that sale."
"The place on Bryant street?"
"Yes, I want it," she says.
"That's already being handled. I can still assign you that property if you have a good reason."
Her smile is confident. "My friend is an entrepreneur and she says that major investment firms are putting more money in female-led businesses. I feel there's an opening there."
"Explain."
"The beachfront property is perfect for business women who need to relax. Think of the Barbie movie, women love that vibe, it's alluring. So why not capitalize on that? You know, mixing business with the hot sun by the pool. Massages and manicures are also fantastic."
At first it sounds far fetched, but then I think about all the deals I've done in strip clubs with male clients. That's the old boy's club. Who knows what women prefer? That's where I defer these matters to Henning because she has deep connections with business women in the city.
"Could be interesting," I say. "I'm still wondering why you didn't mention this during the meeting. I'm sure your colleagues would have been impressed with everything you just said."
"To be honest, the strategy is unorthodox. I'd rather keep this on the downlow for now."
"Anything risky? Now isn't the time for risk. Not with these interest rates."
"God you're a prude. I actually know some interested women. This is what they want. I've already spoken with them."
"You're being unusually coy about your plans. I'm not sure if I like that."
Henning winks. "If my strategy works -- and I believe it will -- then we could be looking at big profit margins with other properties as well. As opposed to, you know, lack of interest and no one buying."
This kind of confidence is something to be admired. The truth is, I don't want to know what she's up to. She's always secretive but she can generate competitive offers. I agree to her request and make a note to assign her the property. After expressing her gratitude, she leaves with her chin high and a sway in her hips, same as always.
~~~ Leila Khan ~~~
I'm standing in the kitchen making final preparations before the prospective buyers arrive. Informational materials are placed on the counter next to deli sandwiches and drinks and various snacks. The property is gorgeous. Open space with white walls and high windows that welcome streams of sunlight inside. Typical for Southern California in the best way possible.
This is my second year with this real estate firm and being under the tutelage of Marielle Henning is a blessing. I love that she's a shark behind the scenes but an angel towards clients. Charm and people-skills are what separates the pros from the amateurs, she often tells me.
"Looks nice," Ms. Henning says.
She inspects the table and nods, she rarely gives much acknowledgment beyond that. On the day of property showings, she's the ultimate multi-tasker, and she does that with relative ease. Another reason I'm happy doing whatever menial task she wants, because I love learning from her.
"I bought a little extra. It makes the table look prettier."
"Smart. Better they have lunch here than go somewhere else."
She gives one more curt nod and she carries on. We've worked together several times before, but this is the biggest showing we've done as a team and I aim to prove that I can be trusted with the big jobs.
Around 10 a.m. the property showing begins. This is the kind of group who are always punctual, so most of them arrive at around the same time. Some are older, experienced women who've already built stellar reputations in the business world. Others are younger, wide-eyed, and are in the process of growing their brands with help from investors.
It's interesting seeing how they're dressed, the generational divide. Style with this crowd is a must. The older women are wearing slacks and blouses and thin blazers. The younger women dress more casual and modern, almost as a flex that they can wear what pleases them. It feels like stepping into a reality show with ultra competitive women.
The younger clients remind me of myself. Ambitious and looking to prove a point. Shy but looking to overcome that shyness. But it's the older clients who I aspire to become, someone with ice cold confidence, who can command a room just by entering.
I introduce myself with a well-rehearsed smile and a firm handshake. Of course, it's Ms. Henning who's the star of the show, making her way around and fielding questions. It feels more like a social gathering than anything else because she's good friends with many of these ladies, something she's told me beforehand.
An hour goes by and the group examines the layout of this place and how they'd potentially use it for their respective businesses. Special attention is paid to the rooms that could be offices, then outside to the pool area, where they consider the pros and cons of letting their employees have a dip during working hours.
The most common remark is that if men can use the gym to lift weights at tech places and modern offices, why can't women swim here for exercise? It's easy on the joints and it's a fantastic stress reliever, especially with this view of the ocean. Yeah, they love the idea of a pool and they're gushing over which end of the pool they'll use the most.
Every so often Ms. Henning would come and whisper directions in my ear, which guests are curious about what topic, what needs more attention, that sort of thing.
An hour later, she pulls me aside and I know it's for something more serious. She only breaks her perfect demeanor and sports this face if there's an issue.
