One on One with Kristi Cherry - Commercial real estate appraiser, The Management Group

Tell us about the work you do.

I'm a licensed commercial real estate appraiser. At The Management Group, I work on financing and development for the owners. I work on their private real estate deals as well as with the owners of the properties that we manage.

How did you land the job you currently have?

I worked for PGP Valuation Inc. for 14 years. Carmen (Villarma, of The Management Group) and I used each other as resources. We were talking one day about careers, and I mentioned I was getting burned out on appraisals, and Carmen thought she could find me a place here (at The Management Group). The area I work at is called value added services.

What are your hours?

I work part time because I've got a 5-year-old (son). Estimate I work 30 hours a week.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

The most challenging and most exciting aspect for me is learning to navigate through the lending process. It's such a broad definition, whether through local bank, a conduit lender; every deal is different.

What was your biggest career break?

Taking my first job with PGP Valuation. They had called Willamette University and spoke with the head of the business and economics department to get a referral. I was that referral.

Biggest career mistake?

The bottom line for every big mistake is to make sure that everyone's expectations are clear. Too bad it took several times to learn it.

What was your first job?

Working at the Penny Pincher gas station in Myrtle Creek, Ore.

What did you learn from it?

How to work hard and have fun and persevere even though the circumstances might not be optimal.

What business decision are you most proud of?

I'm proud of the fact that I was willing to take a risk and quit my job (at PGP). I'm not someone who makes changes easily, and since I was coming to a company without a solid defined position at the time, it took some trust on both our parts.

What are you reading for fun?

"Full of Grace: A Novel," by Dorothea Benton Frank, and "The Purpose Driven Life," by Rick Warren.

What's playing on your iPod or car stereo these days?

The soundtrack from the movie "Cars" and the soundtrack from the movie "Akeelah and the Bee."

Is the American dream alive?

I believe it is alive for anyone willing to work hard and persevere and have a good attitude.

As a kid, what did you dream about doing when you grew up?

At one point I wanted to be a veterinarian, and in high school I thought about being an attorney.

What's your favorite restaurant?

Oba and P.F. Chang's China Bistro.

What is the most you've ever spent on a pair of shoes or a tie?

$250 on a pair of boots.

What kind of business advice would you give someone looking to enter your field?

Education first and foremost, and to keep up on continuing education. To get involved in the community and to market yourself. You have to get to know the players in your market. You need to be someone they know and can trust. Financing is a little personal.

Favorite vacation spot?

I love going to Sunriver (Ore.) with my family.

Viatl statistics

Age: 39.

Education: Willamette University graduate.