50 FOR 50

During his 22-year-long tenure, Mark Pikus has most enjoyed Inland’s family culture and Vice Chairman Joe Cosenza’s pre-holiday motivational announcements over the intercom. As president of Inland Green Capital, LLC, Mark is responsible for its overall business direction, which includes overseeing PACE project investments, capital markets and legislative affairs. Below, Mark shares his memories and advice.

1. Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Inland?

   Watching Inland ring the bell on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange for IRC (Inland’s first REIT). I thought it was one of those moments that culminated the success, hard work and integrity that Inland deserved.

2. What was the best advice you received?

   The best business advice I’ve received is to treat your career as if it’s a marathon. Work on making the right choice and not the easier or popular choice. The right choices will pay dividends later on.

3. What was the biggest life lesson you learned?

   To not listen to those that tell you “it can’t be done.” If you believe in something strong enough, and have the passion to see it through, then keep trying.

4. What is your favorite Inlandism?

   I really enjoyed something that Bob Baum, Vice Chairman, consistently said at staff meetings – Inland’s balance sheet has an intangible benefit due to the long-term tenure of its employees.

5. If you could give the next generation of Inlanders one piece of advice, what would it be?

   That Inland has always reinvented itself to adapt to the changing markets. It’s important to stay engaged and feel confident to offer up your ideas.

As the Benefits Manager for Inland’s HR department, Mary Borfitz is responsible for the administration of employee benefit programs including 401k, medical, dental, vision, life and disability. Mary, who was nominated twice by her peers to receive a G.E.M. award for “Going the Extra Mile” and providing exemplary customer service, shares her favorite memories and advice from her 11 years with Inland.

1. What have you enjoyed most about working at Inland?

   Working with the staff. We have a diverse team that we serve with many different needs – it keeps our jobs interesting and always changing. Also, because my team works directly with benefits and disability, we have an opportunity to get to know staff members more intimately and I really like that.

2. Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Inland?

   I remember being very surprised by the candidness of the company when I attended my first staff meeting. It was refreshing to see that Inland was very open about the state of the company.

3. What was the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?

   My greatest challenge when joining Inland was understanding the company structure. I was so overwhelmed the first few months that I truly thought, “I am never going to understand this.” Just to complicate things a bit more, 10 years ago, the Human Resource staff used both company acronyms and payroll codes from ADP when referring to a company. I felt like everyone was speaking a different language that I clearly didn’t understand.

   I overcame it by not being afraid to ask questions. Sometimes multiple times to different people until the explanation made sense to me. I also had great colleagues who answered my many questions and most importantly encouraged me to “hang in there.”

4. What was the biggest life lesson you learned?

   What matters most in life are the people in our lives. I am reminded daily that I am fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful people in both my personal and professional life.

5. What is your favorite Inlandism?

   “Built to Last.” It’s one of my favorite Inlandisms because I feel it speaks to our investors as well as our employees.

6. If you could give the next generation of Inlanders one piece of advice, what would it be?

   I would recommend that they embrace change because the Company is evolving. Change can be good but I also like the fact that Inland has worked hard at retaining its old philosophical values. The old with the new is a good balance.

As Assistant Vice President of Due Diligence, Pierre McKinnie evaluates various acquisitions for Inland Real Estate Investment Corporation. Throughout his 20-year tenure with Inland, the biggest life lesson he’s learned is to stay humble and treat everyone with respect. Pierre shares his memories and advice below.

1. What have you enjoyed most about working at Inland?

   Without a doubt, I most enjoy the Inland family. My co-workers across the Inland campus and supervisors provide an enjoyable work environment. It’s a pleasure to come to work every day.

2. What has been your greatest professional achievement?

   My greatest professional achievement has been working my way up the corporate ladder at Inland. I started out managing/leasing residential properties and now I have the privilege of serving as an officer of Inland and meeting with top executives as we evaluate acquisitions for the company.

3. What was the best advice you received?

   It’s okay to not have the answer to every question, but to listen and learn from the ones that came before you. Try to be a better you than you were the day before.

4. Do you have any favorite memories with Inland’s founders?

   While reviewing a deal with Joe Cosenza, he stopped to share some of his personal history with me about his father and the barber’s chair in his office. Sitting with Dan Goodwin after an all-staff meeting drinking ginger ale (on the rocks), he told me several entertaining stories about his fishing trips and the history of Inland. Bob Baum always makes it a habit of stopping to give me words of encouragement. Soon after my mom passed, his encouraging words came on the day I needed it most.

5. Who is the most famous person you’ve met while working at Inland?

   I have met Otis Wilson. While stuck in the airport as I returned from a site visit, I had a long conversation with the guy sitting next to me - Spike Lee.

6. If you could give the next generation of Inlanders one piece of advice, what would it be?

   Extend a hand and encourage the next person.

Rod Curtis is responsible for research and product development at Inland, a role he has enjoyed for six years that has evolved over that course of time. Here, he shares his favorite memories, best advice and greatest professional achievements during his career.

1. What have you enjoyed most about working at Inland?

   I enjoy the collegiality of the Inland environment and the ability to interact with people from all different disciplines. We have people with deep expertise in a variety of fields -acquisitions, due diligence, property management, finance, accounting, law, risk, insurance, banking and securities underwriting - and being able to interact, collaborate and learn from each of them is very rewarding.

2. Do you have any favorite memories with Inland’s founders?

   I was part of a small team that traveled with Dan Goodwin to Washington, D.C. to call on members and leaders in Congress and to make a presentation to all REIT executives at a NAREIT function. The purpose of the trip was to influence lawmakers and the industry as a whole to make beneficial changes for our industry. Mr. Goodwin gave one of the most impassioned speeches to all of the industry executives. Every Inlander would have been extremely proud to see the reaction by lawmakers and industry executives to what he was saying and how he was saying it.

3. If you could give the next generation of Inlanders one piece of advice, what would it be?

   Work through the challenging times. The principals of Inland have a long history of supporting people and providing challenging opportunities. Additionally, there are a lot of creative people at Inland allowing the company to continue to adapt and grow in challenging business environments.

As Chief Accounting Officer, Prashant Bodhanwala is responsible for overseeing the preparation of the consolidated financials for The Inland Real Estate Group, LLC. In his two years in his position, some of his favorite memories include board meetings where valuable knowledge is shared between Inland’s principals and the executive management teams. See below for more insights into Prashant’s experience working at Inland.

1. What have you enjoyed most about working at Inland?

   I really enjoy the close-knit family culture.

2. What has been your greatest professional achievement?

   To obtain the position that I have currently reached, with such an admired and reputable company as Inland.

3. What was the biggest life lesson you learned?

   Although my natural demeanor is more quiet than those of my peers, I have learned that my confidence and strong work ethic really shines through the high quality work I produce and superior service that I offer clients and colleagues.

4. What is your favorite Inlandism?

   Be unwavering in doing what is right and not what is easy.

5. If you could give the next generation of Inlanders one piece of advice, what would it be?

   When performing any task, perform it in a way that is ethical and to the benefit of the company and yourself.

In her 14 years (and counting!) with Inland, Tracy Le has most enjoyed the relationships she has developed over the years, the mutual respect and goals that all employees want to achieve to make the company great. As a proud representative of Inland, Tracy oversees the day-to-day operations of the property tax group and Inland clients’ property taxes which include real estate and tangible personal property tax filings, appeals, assessment negotiations, audits, multi-state property tax compliance, tax projections and pre-acquisition tax due diligence.

1. How many positions have you held at Inland?

   I have held four positions: Real Estate Tax Due Diligence, AVP – Tax Reduction, Vice President Due Diligence & Tax Reduction and currently, President, Inland Property Tax Services, LLC.

2. What has been your greatest professional achievement?

   Receiving my Certified Member of the Institute (CMI) Designation. CMI is the highest level of professional achievement in business property taxation and is a mark of professional distinction in the field. I am especially thankful to Inland’s management team for supporting my pursuit of the CMI designation.

3. What was the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?

   We are a very small group of dedicated individuals who always work tirelessly on due diligence, property tax appeals and compliance matters. There have been challenges (volume of work, staffing changes, etc.) but I believe in educating and keeping my team motivated. I’ve committed quite a bit of time to coaching my team, defining skills and responsibilities, providing cross training to increase their effectiveness, all while motivating an enjoyable work environment. When it’s 5 p.m., and most of the company is on its way out the door, my team is still working hard and having fun at the same time.

4. What was the best advice you received?

   Always do the right thing.

5. What was the biggest life lesson you learned?

   Open your arms to change but never let go of your values. You have to start giving first and expect absolutely nothing. Never blame anyone in your life. Good people give you happiness, bad people give you experience. Worst people give you a lesson and best people give you memories.
   - Dalai Lama

6. If you could give the next generation of Inlanders one piece of advice, what would it be?

   Learn this company’s journey and how they built this foundation to what it is now. I guarantee you will go far with hard work and perseverance. Looking at the number of employees and their years of service speaks volumes. Be the best at what you do - do everything to the best of your ability because, when you do your job well, it makes you invaluable to those around you. Be reliable - nothing will get you further in your career than a reputation for being reliable. Be the person that everyone can count on to get the job done; sometimes being reliable will mean that you have to put in a few extra hours to make it happen. It requires commitment and hard work.

In Larry Sajdak’s 17 years at Inland, his favorite memory that stands out above the rest was a champagne toast with Inland’s Chairman and CEO, Dan Goodwin, and other employees following the successful sale of four Oak Brook International office buildings located next door to Inland’s main office. Responsible for all functions related to leasing, marketing and lease administration for the management company handling the day-to-day operations across Inland’s commercial asset portfolio, Larry shares more of his insights, advice and accomplishments below.

1. What have you enjoyed most about working at Inland?

   My ability to grow. I started at Inland part-time while in college and was able to work my way up from a bookkeeper to my role today as an executive vice president. I don’t believe there are a lot of companies that still allow for that kind of growth within the same organization these days.

2. What has been your greatest professional achievement?

   Being able to conquer my fear of public speaking.

3. What was the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?

   Similar to conquering my fear of public speaking, my biggest challenge was presenting at one of Inland’s General Staff Meetings to an audience of over 700 employees, executives and the founders of the company. Every speech and presentation following that just felt easier. It’s true that the more you take advantage of public speaking opportunities, the easier it gets.

4. What was the best advice you received?

   Know when you’ve made the sale. Don’t try to oversell and know when to stop talking.

5. Have you received any accolades or awards during your career with Inland?

   Yes, I was named a “40 Under 40 Rising Star” in Chain Store Age magazine in January 2007, was named one of the May 2013 “Stars to Watch” in Commercial Property Executive magazine, was honored as a “Tomorrow’s Leaders of Retail” in the May 2014 issue of Real Estate Forum magazine and was recognized as one of “Real Estate’s 10 under 40” in Chain Store Age in May 2014.

6. What was the biggest life lesson you learned?

   Take initiative. No one else is going to figure it out for you.

Bobbi Matlin’s favorite memory from her 33 years with Inland has been making wonderful, lifelong friendships with her co-workers who have now become “family.” In her current role, Bobbi serves as an officer and administrator of Inland’s REITs and works directly with the Chairman and CEO of Inland, Dan Goodwin, on projects. Bobbi, who keeps her Lifetime Achievement Award in a special place in her home, shares her advice and reflects on her time at Inland.

1. What have you enjoyed most about working at Inland?

   It is a great learning experience. Every day brings new challenges that are met with doing the right thing, which has been Inland’s culture since day one.

2. What has been your greatest professional achievement?

   Taking a chance – on both Inland and myself – by moving into an industry that I had no knowledge of, and through hard work and making valuable contributions being able to advance my career. I am also proud of being one of the founders of Inland’s Women’s Initiative Network, which provides educational sessions and mentoring opportunities for women employees.

3. What was the best advice you received?

   Where there is a “will” there is a “way” to accomplish your goals by doing the right thing and doing it professionally.

4. What was the biggest life lesson you learned?

   Treat people, regardless of their station in life, in the manner in which you want to be treated.

5. Do you have any favorite memories with Inland’s founders?

   There are so many it’s difficult to narrow it down so here are a few:

   • Being in New York for the listing of IRC (Inland’s first REIT) and watching the founders “glow” as the NYSE bell was rung.
   • Coming up with the most viable solution that Inland could provide, within its control, to ensure that investors were not hurt during the 1986 Tax Reform and in the 2008/2009 recession.
   • Seeing how emotional the founders were at the first Lifetime Achievement Award Luncheon as they thanked all the employees for their contributions to make Inland what it is today.

6. What is your favorite Inlandism?

   Be unwavering in doing what is right and not what is easy.

Celebrating five years with Inland in 2018, Andrew Baird recalls one of his favorite moments and memories with Inland’s founders is anytime when Dan Goodwin, chairman and CEO, starts a discussion with “Andrew will tell me how I am wrong.” Responsible for fund modeling and projections, Andrew knows those moments are all in good fun and they always make him chuckle. He shares more of his favorite moments, insights and achievements below.

1. What have you enjoyed most about working at Inland?

   Inland has in many ways retained its “family owned” business mentality, which allows its employees to approach situations with greater flexibility and creativity than a more institutional company that is very structured and rigid. This allows employees the latitude to develop creative ways of problem solving.

2. Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Inland?

   Developing/structuring a new REIT during a time of great change within the non-traded REIT industry. Though it was very challenging to anticipate what the market would want and to structure a product during this time, it led to many passionate debates highlighting many different opinions and the recognition of the importance to get it right.

3. What has been your greatest professional achievement?

   Though not an achievement per se, I think the trust I have earned with the various Inland executives would be my greatest professional achievement. Through strong financial analysis and modeling, I am entrusted by the executive team with taking any data and coming back with the correct answer.

4. What was the best advice you received?

   I was once advised that I should always question something when it doesn’t make sense as it will either lead to a more refined explanation or help identify an issue.

5. What was the biggest life lesson you learned?

   Let the facts craft the story rather than the story craft the facts.

6. If you could give the next generation of Inlanders one piece of advice, what would it be?

   Don’t be afraid to share a differing opinion.

As an executive administrative assistant, Kerby Kerber plays an important role in the success of Inland Real Estate Acquisitions, LLC (“IREA”). Her current responsibilities include setting up and supporting due diligence document transfers, updating the IREA website and database and supporting IREA’s email marketing initiatives. Kerby, who can be heard singing “God Bless America” over the intercom each Fourth of July, reflects on her more than 15 years with Inland.

1. What have you enjoyed most about working at Inland?

   I enjoy the attitude of family and the encouragement and support I’ve received to grow my career. Through Inland, I’ve been able to do everything from developing marketing materials, databases and websites to even singing.

2. What has been your greatest professional achievement?

   Professionally, when those I support are successful, I am successful. It’s nice to be recognized but it is not necessary to my success.

3. What was the biggest life lesson you learned?

   To love people. You will be hurt in your life but the freedom of loving others outweighs the energy spent in hate. This is a lesson I have to keep learning every day.

4. Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Inland?

   It’s hard to tie down one favorite memory, as there are many really great ones. But one is the honor of being introduced by Joe Cosenza, vice chairman of The Inland Real Estate Group, LLC and president of IREA, to “share a gift” of “God Bless America” to the staff and then getting to sing over the intercom.

5. Do you have any favorite memories with Inland’s founders?

   I used to sit at the corner at which you could go either to the Chairman’s office or Joe Cosenza’s office. It was a delight to find myself involved in discussions occasionally about whatever was currently happening in the world or at Inland. That easy access and respect was huge and made me feel as though I could accomplish great things for the company and in life in general.

Art Rendak oversees all aspects of the bridge lending program that is being operated by Inland Mortgage Capital, LLC. Throughout his 17 years with the Company, he has had many fond memories like the old Inland Halloween parties and the time he met former President George W. Bush. Art reflects on his time spent at Inland and shares his insight and advice below.

1. What have you enjoyed most about working at Inland?

   I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities it has afforded me to learn about commercial real estate, particularly from an owner’s perspective. As a former banker, the perspective is significantly different from the “other side of the desk.” Of course, I have also met some great people here.

2. What has been your greatest professional achievement?

   Probably keeping the Mortgage Company from collapsing after the recession started. Working with all 13 of the banks that were participants on our line of credit and ultimately paying the line off in full was not an easy task. I don’t think the odds were too high that we were going to be able to do that, but we managed and I am very proud to say that we were able to pay all the creditors in full. I hope I can answer this question differently in a few years when the new program is achieving the success we are working towards.

3. What was the biggest life lesson you learned?

   Don’t get too excited about the successes or too down about the non-successes. Also, I believe that the harder I work, the luckier I get.

4. What was the best piece of advice you received?

   I don’t know if there was a particular phrase but instead, more of a mentor’s actions that I took to heart. I think preparation and knowledge of the subject matter are critical when negotiating a deal. I also think treating people fairly and being honest and straightforward has served me well.

5. If you could give the next generation of Inlanders one piece of advice, what would it be?

   I would suggest that the core value that the company espouses, “integrity” be taken to heart. In addition, I strongly suggest that the next generation find a mentor that will “show you the ropes.” Lastly, learn the business from the ground up. For example, read a lease cover to cover (and abstract it), go over a survey and title policy with an attorney, listen to the lawyers and the deal makers and learn all you can about what you are doing – the real estate business is nuanced and the more knowledge you have the better off you will be.

As a 23-year veteran of Inland Real Estate Investment Corporation’s (IREIC) asset management team where she oversees the asset management of the multifamily portfolio, IREIC Legacy private limited partnerships and public funds, Lupe Griffin has enjoyed the abundant growth opportunities, both personally and professionally, Inland has offered. From developing long-lasting friendships with many of her colleagues to experiencing success in managing a variety of real estate assets, Lupe shares her favorite Inland memories and advice for the next generation below.

1. What was the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?

   Early on in my career when I was originally promoted to the role of asset manager, some individuals expressed their concerns that I would not succeed because of my lack of experience. My supervisor went to bat for me and told me I was given a year to prove my worth. There is nothing more motivating then being told you can’t do something. With hard work, perseverance, lots of “on the job training” and encouragement from several mentors, I mastered each task given to me, allowing me to climb the Inland corporate ladder.

2. What was the best advice you received?

   I’ve received a lot of valuable advice, but the best advice I received was from Mark Zalatoris, former CEO of IRC, (Inland’s first REIT). After the birth of my first son, Mark said, “Remember, just when you think you’ve settled into a schedule it will change.” While the advice came after I rejoiced about the fact that my infant son was sleeping through the night, I quickly realized that Mark’s advice extended beyond my son’s sleeping schedule. In life, as well as in business, all things change. If you stay prepared, change becomes a welcome event.

3. Do you have any favorite memories with Inland’s founders?

   Attending group outings to Sox games, which included Bob Baum, having Bob Parks as a guest at my wedding where he and all my Inland friends danced the night away with my husband and me and enjoying numerous conversations with Dan Goodwin that turned into learning opportunities. However, one of my all-time favorite memories is how my unborn son, Nate, would respond to the sound of Joe Cosenza’s voice during meetings.

   Medical experts say unborn babies recognize the voice of their parents and other significant individuals they may hear while in their mother’s womb. As I was further along in my pregnancy, I would attend board meetings and like clock-work, as soon as Joe would begin to speak, my baby would move around in my belly like a fish out of water. I was so mesmerized by the baby’s movement that I would find myself looking forward to the next meeting with Joe. I recently shared this story with Joe who had no clue he had that effect on my son.

4. Who is the most famous person you’ve met while working at Inland?

   I’ve met Bobby Hull, Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael, Otis Wilson and have also had regular conversations with members of the Rahal auto racing family, Tommy “Hit-Man” Hearns and Jesse Barfield.

5. If you could give the next generation of Inlanders one piece of advice, what would it be?

   At the end of each day, take a step back and ask yourself, “What did I learn today?” If you can pinpoint one new thing – and this is not just limited to work or your career – then consider it a productive day.

Approaching his fourth year as Chief Information Officer at The Inland Real Estate Group, LLC, Chong Huan is responsible for overseeing the Company’s technology strategy, implementation and services to the various Inland member companies. His staff handles the IT infrastructure, architecture, application development, digital transformation, cybersecurity and information management for more than 1,000 Inland employees. Below, Chong shares what he enjoys most about working at Inland and his achievements over the years.

1. What have you enjoyed most about working at Inland?

   Inland is a strong and reputable company with a great track record and a culture where all employees are dedicated to the success of the company.

2. What has been your greatest professional achievement?

   One of my greatest achievements has been moving and upgrading Inland’s IT technology and services to the cloud. Additionally, I’m proud of the effort my team has made to focus more and enable business initiatives through technology. For example, we have adopted the use of SalesForce, a responsive website, mobile capabilities and real-time analytics that employees can access via an easy-to-use dashboard for quick reference when in meetings or making strategic business decisions.

3. What was the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?

   When I joined Inland, I learned that certain pockets of the business were a bit resistant to change. By providing better communication and transparency through IT governance meetings with leadership and various business executives, a clear billing process, surveys and regular meetings on project statuses, I was able to create trust among those companies and executives to update and upgrade the IT technology services for those companies.

4. What is your favorite Inlandism?

   We are Inlanders!

5. Have you received any awards during your career with Inland?

   Yes, I was named one of ComputerWorld’s 2017 “Premier 100 IT Leaders,” and Inland’s IT department was named to the CIO “100 Awards” and the InformationWeek “Elite 100” in 2016.

In Cathy Lynch’s 28 years at Inland, she has most enjoyed the people and the collaborative atmosphere the Company offers. Currently responsible for overseeing the financial divisions of Inland Real Estate Investment Corporation, Inland Securities Corporation, Inland Real Estate Income Trust, Inc., Inland Residential Properties Trust, Inc. and InPoint Commercial Real Estate Income, Inc., Cathy shares the following insights, memories and achievements she’s accomplished at Inland over the years.

1. What has been your greatest professional achievement?

   Being the first woman and first non-founder on the Board of Directors for The Inland Real Estate Group, LLC.

2. What was the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?

   I’d say trying to raise four children while managing a demanding career. Fortunately, I have a very supportive and helpful husband and had a fantastic caregiver, but it was the flexibility here at Inland that allowed me the freedom, without guilt, to handle any emergencies that arose on the home front without jeopardizing my job.

3. What was the biggest life lesson you learned?

   That you need to create balance in your life. Whether it’s spending time with family or friends, participating in sports, volunteering, or enjoying a hobby, creating balance in your life can prevent you from burning out and will make you a well-rounded, interesting, and ultimately, more productive employee.

4. What is your favorite ‘Inlandism?’

   Always put the investor first.

5. If you could give the next generation of Inlanders one piece of advice, what would it be?

   Don’t be afraid to take a risk. All too often, we can become too comfortable and complacent in our positions at work. True career growth, however, comes from increased responsibilities and challenges. When those opportunities arise, have confidence in yourself and don’t be afraid to take on those challenges in order to advance in your career.