As part of our series, CRE Future Leaders, we caught up with Linsey Neyt, a partner in the real estate group at Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC. She represents both commercial landlords and tenants, helping them to plan for potential risk, future growth needs and eventual exit from the asset. Neyt has helped buyers and sellers with acquisition and disposition of commercial properties in all asset classes with special emphasis on multifamily and single-tenant properties.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up, where did you go to school?
I grew up in Geneseo, which is a small town in western Illinois. I went to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for undergrad and Marquette University Law School.
When you were young, what did you aspire to be?
It varied from year to year from babysitter, to architect to engineer. I was able to dabble in two of the three.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I focused on real estate coursework in law school. After law school, I was hired by a law firm whose principals also ran a development company. I played dual roles of in-house counsel for the development company and an associate at the firm where I focused on real estate and special taxing districts. This was my first “real world” exposure to real estate.
Did you have a mentor who helped you get on your feet, or is there someone you turn to now for support?
I’ve been lucky to have great mentors between coworkers, clients and friends. I think that there are little things you can learn from many people, regardless of whether a formal mentorship program is in place. One constant I look for in a mentor is the ability to be open and honest—having someone who simply acts as a cheerleader without pushing you to grow has limited benefit.
What does a day in the life of Linsey Neyt look like?
Never the same, which I love! I try to get in an early morning workout since I never know what demands will show up on my desk during the day. A day at the office consists of drafting, phone calls and meetings with my team. Days on which I have a closing are especially busy. I also serve as our group’s Assignment Partner so I am often working on staffing for deals and development and training for our associates. I am active in a few organizations, including CREW Chicago, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and REFF, and I often will have meetings or events at night.
What do you like most about your job?
I like the people I have the opportunity to work with. I also enjoy closing a deal and knowing we’ve accomplished the client’s goals.
Looking to the future, what do you hope to achieve/work on that you haven’t already?
I am looking forward to having the opportunity to mentor the next generation of women in real estate. I’ve been lucky to have some great mentors and it’s important to me to be able to pass it forward.
How do you spend your time away from the office?
I enjoy checking out new restaurants and activities in the city.
What is your favorite place that you have traveled to? Where do you hope to go next?
Australia is my favorite, I had the opportunity to study there in law school. I would love to spend more time in Europe.
Who would you like to see answer these questions?
