This limited series profiles DFW Power Women who have made their mark in the Dallas-Fort Worth commercial real estate industry. Each of the women profiled will be honored at Bisnow's Dallas-Fort Worth Power Women event Nov. 12.
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With a wicked sense of humor and respect for math, you can go far in commercial real estate. Just ask Susan Arledge, ESRP's executive managing director for site selection.
Arledge is always ready to share her CRE knowledge by reciting data and offering the latest market research. When she is not staying on top of tenant demands and the ever-shifting DFW market, she enjoys the great outdoors and sharing anecdotes from her time in commercial real estate.
Bisnow: What did you dream of becoming as a child? How does your current career feed that inner child inside of you?
Arledge: I wanted to play in a rock band because rock stars were cool, hip and brave. David Bowie was my hero, because he was brave enough to go on stage after Queen at Live Aid! But I had one drawback to success — I can’t sing, so I’m really glad I can do what I do. As Freddie Mercury said “If I didn’t do this well, I just wouldn’t have anything to do. I can’t cook and I’d be a terrible housewife.”
Bisnow: If you could teach women growing in the industry today just one thing, what would it be?
Arledge: Geometry and algebra do matter. Also, stop trying to make everyone happy — you’re not tequila!
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Bisnow: What is your biggest career failure and what positive lessons did it teach you?
Arledge: I have a T-shirt that says: “Somewhere out there someone is practicing and when you meet him in head-to-head competition, he will beat you.” I learned and earned that the hard way.
Bisnow: Describe your greatest career accomplishment.
Arledge: I have worked for three major NFL players in my career: Roger Staubach, Emmitt Smith and now Darren Woodson. I can say that as a female, I possess a unique expertise in both commercial real estate and NFL football knowledge.
Bisnow: Who inspires you on a daily basis and why?
Arledge: My son is a cancer survivor and every day I admire how he managed his treatment and attitude to become the successful young man he is today.
