BISNOW – March 8, 2023
Women don’t rise to leadership roles by accident or coincidence — just like their lack of opportunities in most industries and cities isn’t an accident. Beth Azor and Trish Blasi, the founder of Borghese Investments, both came up at Terranova Group, where many of Miami’s female leaders have worked over the years.
Azor, the founder of Azor Advisory Services, credited Terranova Group founder Stephen Bittel as a mentor who made sure she had every opportunity to succeed.
“Why he was so amazing was anything you wanted to do, he said I’ll help you,” Azor said. “He’s the one who helped me go to a bank and co-signed a loan to help me invest in my first commercial real estate property. I wouldn’t have been in investment today without that. There was no glass ceiling for him. He ran a meritocracy.”
Blasi was Terranova’s president before leaving to found her own firm. Its president today, Mindy McIlroy, got her start at the company as an executive assistant in 1997.
“I had no plans to be involved in the real estate business, but the company president approached me and asked if I would consider transferring to a sales role in the leasing department. It seemed like a good idea at the time and has proven to be the best decision I have ever made,” she wrote in an email. “Every day I give thanks for saying ‘Yes’ to the opportunity.”
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Not So Lonely At The Top: Why Miami Real Estate Is ‘Very Much Ahead’ On Elevating Women Leaders
/in General, In the newsWomen don’t rise to leadership roles by accident or coincidence — just like their lack of opportunities in most industries and cities isn’t an accident. Beth Azor and Trish Blasi, the founder of Borghese Investments, both came up at Terranova Group, where many of Miami’s female leaders have worked over the years.
Azor, the founder of Azor Advisory Services, credited Terranova Group founder Stephen Bittel as a mentor who made sure she had every opportunity to succeed.
“Why he was so amazing was anything you wanted to do, he said I’ll help you,” Azor said. “He’s the one who helped me go to a bank and co-signed a loan to help me invest in my first commercial real estate property. I wouldn’t have been in investment today without that. There was no glass ceiling for him. He ran a meritocracy.”
Blasi was Terranova’s president before leaving to found her own firm. Its president today, Mindy McIlroy, got her start at the company as an executive assistant in 1997.
“I had no plans to be involved in the real estate business, but the company president approached me and asked if I would consider transferring to a sales role in the leasing department. It seemed like a good idea at the time and has proven to be the best decision I have ever made,” she wrote in an email. “Every day I give thanks for saying ‘Yes’ to the opportunity.”
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Stephen Bittel’s Gift Propels Division of Movement Disorders’ Search for Parkinson’s Disease Cure
/in Giving BackUMHealth.org, by Stacey Bomser – February 16, 2023
As one of South Florida’s most successful commercial real estate developers, Stephen Bittel has accomplished projects that have helped build the local landscape.The latest endeavor of the founder and chair of Terranova Corporation will have an even greater impact on the community — and the world. Bittel’s $1 million gift to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Movement Disorders Division in the Department of Neurology promises to accelerate research into a cure for Parkinson’s disease and improve developments in patient care.
Advancing Parkinson’s research and care is a cause that has been near and dear to the entrepreneur’s heart ever since the president of his company, Mindy McIlroy, was diagnosed in 2014. It came as a shock to them both, as she did not fit the typical patient profile.
While McIlroy processed this life-changing news, Bittel sprang into action. He called his friend John Kozyak, who was then chair of the Parkinson’s Foundation. Within days, Bittel and McIlroy were on an airplane to see one of the leading neurologists in the field.
With the diagnosis confirmed and a treatment plan in place, the two turned their attention to supporting the Parkinson’s Foundation. McIlroy started by creating a Moving Day team to raise funds, with Bittel pledging to match donations. As McIlroy’s involvement grew, she assumed leadership positions within the charity, and currently serves on its board of directors.
Independently, Bittel helped fund numerous Parkinson’s Foundation Centers of Excellence around the country and globally. To receive this designation, medical centers must meet rigorous care, clinical research, professional training, community education, and outreach criteria.
The Miller School’s Movement Disorders Division received designation as a Center of Excellence from the Parkinson’s Foundation in 2007.
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Pay It Forward: “Outwork Your Competition Consistently”
/in Bittel on Business, Giving BackTerranova Corp. founder and chairman Stephen Bittel has dedicated his life to building his business, while promoting the livelihood of his hometown through active involvement.
Stephen Bittel, 66, founder and chairman of Terranova Corp. in Miami Beach, FL. Stephen Bittel is a fixture in both the real estate industry and the community of Miami, FL. With deep roots in the southern coastal city, Bittel has dedicated his life towards not only building his business to be one of the top commercial real estate firms in South Florida (for which in 2005 he was awarded the South Florida Business Journal “Ultimate CEO” award), but also promoting the livelihood of his hometown through his active involvement in it.
Area of expertise or focus: Commercial real estate and private equity investments/capital markets.
How have you overcome obstacles in your industry? The best way to overcome any obstacle in this industry is to build a team with a shared commitment to excellence and a joint belief in consistent hard work.
What about your current role at the company are you most happy with? I am very proud of the senior leadership team we have built over the years. Everyone is well aligned, enabling us to achieve the best results possible in a constantly shifting and challenging market.
What is the best piece of advice you have received that has helped you succeed in your industry, and do you have any advice specifically for the next generation? A common misconception — but balance is not a lifestyle. It is something that happens in a bank account after a lot of hard work. My advice is to outwork your competition consistently so you can outperform them again and again.
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