Who did you meet with today?
Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with Henry Escobar, who is a construction manager at Bernards, and Lili Huang, who is the Business Assurance Principal at CLA.
Where do they work? What does the company do?
Bernards is a commercial builder and construction management company that provides technical expertise and construction services to developers (e.g. PCSD), corporations, educational institutions (e.g. Bright Star Schools), and public agencies (e.g. LAUSD). CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) is a firm that offers industry-focused wealth advisory, outsourcing, audit, tax, and consulting services with the goal of creating possibilities for private businesses, public enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and the individuals who own and run them.
What did you learn today? What were some highlights?
One of the things I learned from Henry today was that Civil Engineering is the best type of engineering (LOL). But, most importantly I learned the construction process of a school by touring Rise Kohyang High School with Henry and Gilbert Tercero, Project Manager, PCSD. Along with learning about built-up roofing, I also learned about the expansion of materials when not exposed to a constant temperature.
By talking with Lili I was able to learn about the firm she works with and the impact they strive to make with their clients. Learning about the firm’s diversity, equity, Inclusion, and belonging initiative was also really inspiring.
Some of the highlights of the day included visiting a construction site and being able to witness the planning and effort that is being made to complete the school first hand. Speaking with Lili and getting to hear about her experiences was also another highlight since she was really empowering and inspiring.
What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?
One of the key insights I gained was a deeper understanding of the development process. I realized that developing a school can present a number of problems and challenges, and that numerous people, including the project managers, contractor, architects, and engineers , must work together to find a solution. This frequently requires compromise or a mutual agreement about the building’s structural vs. design elements. Additionally, completing a project in real estate requires a team of people. An auditor such as Lili is essential to the completion of a project, just as bankers, engineers, lawyers and contractors are. For example, I also learned that electricity is crucial for the operation of a school since it is required not only for the building to function but also for the students and staff. As a result, several engineers and contractors must collaborate to ensure that the project is managed properly.
Did you become more interested in the field after today?
I definitely became more interested in real estate development than ever before! I would also add that my interest in civil engineering and real estate development has grown as a result of learning about the planning, teamwork, and of the entire process involved in construction. Speaking with some of the contractors and project managers was also an excellent way to gain exposure, insights, and learn about the various aspects of real estate development. Furthermore, I had no idea that a business like CLA ever existed, therefore I found it really fascinating to hear from Lili about the various growth prospects and opportunities offered by a company like CLA.
