Developing Leader Spotlight: Champion Communicator
Melissa Scofield first became interested in commercial real estate when a family friend and mentor encouraged her to explore the field; after meeting numerous CRE professionals and learning about their industry experiences, she was captivated. Scofield – a recipient of NAIOP’s 2015 Developing Leaders Award – has combined her passion for commercial real estate with communication over the course of her career.
Scofield currently serves as an account executive for the San Diego Business Journal where she works exclusively with San Diego companies within the commercial real estate, accounting and hospitality industries to help maximize exposure of their unique brand, culture, offerings and expertise in the business community. Previously, she worked as an associate for CBRE, Inc. with a focus on the private client sector of the investment properties arena. She was involved in 45 sales transactions with a total estimated consideration of $204 million.
Scofield has been active in NAIOP San Diego’s Developing Leaders Council and serves as the 2016 co-chair. She has received the Toastmasters International Competent Communicator and Competent Leader Certifications and served as NAIOP San Diego’s Developing Leaders Toastmasters Club president. A young professional to watch, Scofield has been recognized by numerous organizations, receiving CBRE San Diego Client Services Professional of the Year, CBRE National Private Capital Group Excellence Award and the San Diego Business Journal Emerging Generation Award: 25 in their 20s. We asked this eloquent young professional for her insights into career growth and success.
NAIOP: How has being a member of NAIOP helped your career?
Scofield: Being a member of NAIOP has been absolutely critical for my career. NAIOP has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. Your network is the foundation for your success, and NAIOP has been integral to helping me create my network. I’ve met some amazing people in the business because of NAIOP, many of which I feel fortunate to call friends.
NAIOP: What advice would you offer to other young professionals in commercial real estate?
Scofield: Fostering relationships and building your network are so crucial to gaining success in this career and especially in the close-knit community of San Diego. Get involved and give back to your community, and it will return the favor. There are going to be different hurdles that need to be overcome throughout a career in this business. Try not to let those slow you down, but rather empower you to work for it that much more. Anything is possible!
NAIOP: Who has been an inspiring or influential figure in your life?
Scofield: There are really too many to name. I am very grateful to have the most amazing family and friends who inspire and support me in very different but such valuable ways. I feel very lucky.
NAIOP: What is your dream vacation destination?
Scofield: Maui, Hawaii, has captured my and my husband’s heart as that’s where we got married. One day we would love to own a home there. It always brings us a unique calm and sense of happiness that’s tough to beat!
This is part of a series of profiles of NAIOP’s 2015 Developing Leaders Award recipients, who have distinguished themselves through exceptional commitment and contributions to the industry. This prestigious award was presented at NAIOP’s Commercial Real Estate Conference 2015 in Toronto. Read about all of the honorees in the Winter 2015/2016 issue of Development Magazine.
The recipients of the 2016 Developing Leaders Award will be recognized at Commercial Real Estate Conference 2016 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Watch this two-minute video to learn more about NAIOP’s Developing Leaders program.
