Kelci Paiva

Member Spotlight

Company: Beutler Exchange Group, LLC

How did you first hear about CREW Portland?

My current boss and name sake of the company I work for thought CREW would be a great way for me to make connections in the Portland real estate community. After going with her to a couple of meetings, I ended up taking over her membership and haven't looked back since!

What motivated you to join CREW Portland?

Networking, Business Development, Career Advancement, Meet Inspiring People, Be a Voice for Women in Commercial Real Estate. I know everyone says this about CREW Portland, but they really make networking easy. I consider myself an introvert and sometimes have a hard time making connections at networking events. Everyone at CREW, from members to leadership, really take the time and talk to you and get to know you. People really want you to reach out and ask for help.

How did you get here?

I graduated from law school in 2011 and it was a difficult time as a new attorney to find a legal position. With bills to pay I got a job in the retail industry. While working in retail, I met some property managers and they liked my customer service and sales skills. They offered me a position in property management and I took them up on it. I started my property management as a leasing agent and worked my way up to become a property manager of a 220 unit garden style community in Clackamas. As the economy came back to life, I decided it was time to put my legal knowledge to work. I saw a job posting for a 1031 exchange coordinator and decided to apply - after all one of the buildings I had worked at had just been sold as part of a 1031 exchange. I've been coordinating 1031 exchanges with Beutler Exchange Group since 2016 and have enjoyed helping clients through the process.

Tell us something we didn't know about you?

I have played Carnegie Hall! (My high school band was invited to play there)

If you could describe yourself in three words what would they be?

Favorite Travel Destination?

Definitely the Big Island of Hawaii. I love going back to see family and friends.

What is one goal you would like to achieve through CREW?

I'd like to become an expert at networking and someone who can feel confident stepping into any room (even when I'm the only woman present) and striking up a conversation with someone.