In a family of three generations of residential brokers, Lindy Deller, a recipient of the 2021 Developing Leaders Award, put her own twist on her career – a fitting spin for an accomplished professional who has a second career as an aerial acrobat. Deller started out as a commercial real estate office and retail broker before transitioning into commercial real estate development.
“I’ve always wanted to be at the forefront of change with the ability to affect positive growth, and the commercial real estate and development industry is right where I want to be,” Deller said.
In her role as development manager with Panattoni, Deller works with contractors, attorneys, city officials, engineers, and others to facilitate projects. She also oversees every aspect of development operations for current and future projects in Reno, Nevada. Deller previously worked as an associate with Dickson Commercial Group. Prior to Dickson Commercial Group, she was an associate with Marcus & Millichap.
She is the 2022 president of the NAIOP Northern Nevada board of directors and previously served in numerous leadership roles within the chapter. As chair of the Developing Leaders committee, she more than doubled the DL membership. She also developed curriculum and program for the NAIOP Northern Nevada Developing Leaders Institute, an 8-month program taught by industry leaders.
NAIOP caught up with this high-flying high achiever to learn more about her multifaceted accomplishments.
NAIOP: Name a person who has had a notable impact on your career.
Deller: Our chapter executive director when I started in NAIOP, Randi Reed, has had the largest impact on my career. From the beginning of my career in CRE, Randi took me under her wing and introduced me to some of the largest players in our market, while also giving me great leadership and professional advice. With an in-depth knowledge of NAIOP and its benefits, Randi was able to ensure I had the same opportunities through NAIOP as she did. I am extremely grateful for her mentorship.
NAIOP: What is your advice for Developing Leaders early in their careers?
Deller: Get involved with one of your local NAIOP committees. It is the best opportunity to network with other motivated CRE professionals, and it presents opportunities to reach out to other members or potential members with whom you’d like to meet. If possible, take the lead on a few projects such as heading a government affairs effort or planning a unique event from start to finish. This will help you understand what’s involved and the process, making you a more effective leader.
NAIOP: How has being a member of NAIOP helped your career?
Deller: I strongly believe that without my active involvement in NAIOP, I would not be where I am today. Through my membership, I have been able to foster strong relationships with industry leaders and have become more confident in my ability to lead people. I have been able to educate myself about the industry and through my leadership position as DL chair, I have been able to educate others as well. As an active member of NAIOP, I have gained respect amongst my peers, developers, and board members, and have seen immediate benefits from my involvement, such as life-changing career moves and now serving as president for our chapter.
NAIOP: What do you like to do outside of work?
Deller: Outside of my career, I am a professional aerial acrobat. I teach and perform on a variety of aerial apparatuses such as silks, rope, hoop, and trapeze. I teach twice a week and offer workshops across the western U.S.
Read more about the 2021 Developing Leaders in Development magazine. Applications for the 2022 Developing Leaders Award are open through June 24 – apply today!
