Suzanne Amaducci-Adams, leader of the Real Estate Practice Group at Bilzin Sumberg, frequently catches people by surprise when they hear that her group has closed on more than $2 billion in commercial real estate loans so far in 2016 despite what many describe as a Miami market that’s cooling down.
“When are people going to realize that Miami’s real estate market is much more diverse than condos?” Suzanne asked in The Miami Herald in its December 5 Business Monday section. “Arguably no other city in the country can boast as many high-profile, game-changing developments as Miami right now.”
Among other topics Suzanne touched on are what it is like to be a trailblazer for women in commercial real estate. She relayed a story to the Herald about her first closing 20 years ago.
Not only was I the only woman in the room, but the older gentleman who was the borrower asked me to make the photocopies. Since he was paying the lender’s counsel fees, I quipped that I would be happy to, but it was probably not the best use of his money at $200 per hour.”
Suzanne said her quip was followed by a lot of laughs and a few embarrassed people. Gender equality is improving as four of seven Bilzin Sumberg real estate hires in 2016 were women and two of the three attorneys being considered for partner are women. Suzanne is actively involved and a past president of the Miami chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW).
Suzanne, who spent her summers growing up working for a hotel in Cape Cod, sees Miami’s hotel industry as another hot spot.
“The rise in Miami’s new hotel inventory has resulted from an increase in demand from domestic and international travelers,” Suzanne said. “New domestic and international brands and hotel owners and developers continue to flock to South Florida, too. While the Miami hospitality industry is experiencing a short-term reduction in revenue growth, its long-term future is incredibly bright.”
Click here to see the Miami Herald’s complete Q&A interview with Suzanne.