Men @ Work ...And One Leading Lady

Commercial real estate is generally considered a men’s game, but that hasn’t stopped this team and its leading lady from recording some big “W’s.” Burnham’s team (shown here) are the people behind a leader in Southern California’s commercial real estate market — Burnham USA and its affiliate, Burnham Ward Properties.

You can’t drive a block in Newport Beach or Costa Mesa without passing by a Burnham property (with its signature orange signs). 270 Newport Center Drive is reminiscent of a Frank Lloyd Wright-design, its crisscross of air, elements and environments. Burnham has re-invented the (Ed Giddings design) landmark without compromising any of its original design integrity. Another property turning heads on the north side of the 405 freeway is the South Coast Collection or “SOCO” (yes, SOCO). This is a community of innovation where retail specialists pursue their passions and offer their wares in a manner that shifts how people experience a retail destination. Everything about SOCO is new, different, unique and cool. SOCO is truly a collection of the best: visit a wide variety of design stores, including Stark, Scalamandre, tpt home, Fixtures Living or Pal and Smith. The OC Mart MiX within SOCO is a shopping experience unto itself and like none other in the OC. The First phase of the MiX is now open and the 2nd/3rd phase are expected to open in the coming months.

These properties and others are a part of a series of ambitious innovations of Burnham USA and its affiliate, Burnham Ward Properties. Innovation, creativity and improvement are synonymous with Burnham. A nimble and flexible organization with little ego but a relentless passion that commands everything it does.

It’s taken over 25 years, but that was always part of the plan. A plan that appears to have now made Burnham, Newport’s largest owner of individual commercial properties, behind the Irvine Company. It’s a plan that has helped Burnham survive multiple recessions through thoughtful staffing, conservative growth goals, manageable ambitions, flexibility and a willingness to build success the old fashion way: brick by brick, project by project, year by year. All are foundational to the firm’s growth and success.

It is easy for smart, successful people to reach beyond what the markets and times will bear but this firm’s careful calculation has allowed it to make small moves and/or big moves — but always the right moves — in a reflection of the times. All of which allows them to take full advantage of the opportunities before them.

Male or female, the key is a hands-on approach with everyone focused around the same goals. Everyone at Burnham does whatever is needed to ensure that each project is the best that it can be. Achievement is a collective accomplishment and each member of the management team can lead a deal, read a blueprint, or wear a hard hat, whether they are standing in a pair of Prada loafers or pumps.

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