Jenna Rowland has been the business development manager for The Tower Group, a construction company located off Philips Highway, since October 2006.
WHAT DOES HER COMPANY DO?
“We are a general contractor who builds schools, retail centers, theme parks, office buildings, high rise condominiums or anything in between.”
The Tower Group provides construction services to commerce, industry, communities, and governments. The Tower Group has grown into a full service provider of comprehensive general contracting and construction management services.
WHAT ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY INTERESTED YOU?
“I like the fact that it is always changing. There is something new going on all the time and I like knowing things before others know about it. We are building a school in St. Johns County near CR 210 area right now on two roads that don’t even exist yet. I find that interesting to know.”
HOW DOES SHE GET CLIENTS?
Rowland said that about 80 percent of their business comes from referrals and repeat business. “They hired me to expand their portfolio and get into some more types of negotiated work as well. I’ve joined about six different organizations since I started to really get our name out. We’ve been here for seven years, but as a construction company it means we are still the new kids on the block. My main targets are land developers and architects because they are in the game before anyone else. Our clients are building owners and developers.”
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
“I like the fact that I’m constantly meeting new people and really getting into this industry that I didn’t even know existed. It just fascinates me how the architects, engineers, general contractors and brokers are all intermingled and work together.”
COLLEGE
She has a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from Florida State.
HER HISTORY?
After college she worked several temporary jobs because she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. “I like temp work because you get to learn something new all the time.” Then she moved to New Jersey for a year and interned at PricewaterhouseCoopers in its tax and legal services department. “I did tax returns for foreign nationals and expatriats.” She moved back to Jacksonville in the end of 2002 and worked for Promo Depot as an account executive for a year and a half. She then became a residential property appraiser for Barrington Appraisal Group for two years. She had a brief stint with CB Richard Ellis as a property manager before joining The Tower Group.
WHY MAKE A MOVE TO THE TOWER GROUP?
When she moved back, she was very involved in the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce. A friend of hers was approached by a headhunter about filling the position. “The Tower Group was looking for someone with a real estate background and who knows a lot of people in Jacksonville. I said, ‘That’s me.’”
HOW DID YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HELP YOU NOW?
Her experience with Promo Depot, an advertising and marketing firm, has helped her with marketing in her new position. “We are developing all new marketing materials including the collateral and the website. My previous experience really helps me a lot.” Her residential real estate experience helps her as well. “What ever the residential real estate market is doing affects the commercial real estate market and vice-versa. So, I understand the real estate market very well.” She said why you build a building where you build it is very dependent on who is around there or a building is built with the hope that it will attract residential.
BEST PROFESSIONAL ADVICE EVER RECEIVED?
“I don’t believe there is such a thing as a stupid question. I have also been told to just be myself.”
LESSONS LEARNED?
“It is much better to listen than to talk and always treat people the way you want to be treated.”
PET PEEVES?
“I don’t like negativity and people who act one way and then turn around and act just the opposite.”
ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT?
Rowland said to help people and it will come back to you.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Commercial Real Estate Women of Jacksonville, trustee and cornerstone member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, St Augustine/St Johns County Economic Development Council, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, Associated Builders and Contractors and its Women’s Council and Society for Marketing Professional Services.
—by Michele Newbern Gillis