For Karen Shadid, business is a family affair. Shadid, a leasing agent at Detweiller Center and manager of Pac Supply Company, has made her own way in her parents’ companies and is now fully engrossed in real estate and her growing family.

Born and raised in Peoria, Shadid decided to major in marketing at the University of Notre Dame. Upon graduation, she considered many different opportunities, including joining the Peace Corps. "Ultimately, I decided to come home to Peoria and take advantage of managing a small distribution company—Pac Supply Company—owned by my mother. It was an opportunity to gain valuable experience in business and have flexibility to start a family," she said.

Shadid was introduced to the Detweiller Center when her father, Maurie Cicciarelli, purchased the property in 1992 from the sale of another commercial property.

"He saw the need for an executive business center like Detweiller Center, which offers many amenities to entrepreneurs and large corporations needing satellite offices. It’s a full service office building," she said.

She got into real estate work to fill a void in the family’s businesses and to give her time with her four young children. Shadid said after college, she wasn’t sure what career she would end up with, and the work she now loves actually began as a side interest. "My number one priority has always been my children and my husband. My career has been made to fit my family. Being self-employed has allowed a lot of flexibility in my schedule."

She earned a real estate license in 1990 and a real estate brokers license in 1993. Today, her day-to-day tasks are divided between her many business responsibilities. "I work on leasing, exploring opportunities in real estate, managing five employees, and managing the repair and maintenance issues for our properties. I’m also involved with accounting because we’re a small business. My bookkeeper, Dorothy, is excellent. We’ve been working together for 11 years; she’s taught me a lot about cash flow, book maintenance, and managerial use of financial statements for yearly planning," Shadid said.

Though she has her finger in several pies, most of her professional energies are directed toward Detweiller Center. Shadid said she prefers to focus on the businesses’ tenants and manage other family-owned properties, while carving out significant family time. "I’m part-time, and I don’t want to be full-time," she explained. "I pretty much just handle our stuff; I don’t want to take other people’s business. I really like commercial real estate because it doesn’t involve nights and weekends."

So why does she choose to continue her career? "I enjoy the business world," Shadid said. "I’ve worked since I graduated from school. I like the negotiation process and making deals, and I like the people I work with. It’s hard, but I finally feel like I have a good balance. I couldn’t do it without my mother-in-law; she’s the angel in my life. She comes to my house and takes care of my children. The other factor that keeps me interested is that I’m self-employed, and I can come and go when I want. I wish other women could have the same flexibility."

It also helps that she greatly enjoys her work at Detweiller Center. Shadid said the type of leasing the center does has been around for about 40 years, but it’s really hit Peoria hard only in the past seven years or so.

She said she’s especially proud Detweiller Center offers affordable choices to help business owners launch their companies. "We’re talking about only $450 per month," she said. "And everything that comes with it is amazing: a suite with a conference room, use of a meeting room, a reception area, and a digital phone system, among other amenities. It’s a great idea; if I were starting a business, I would definitely take advantage of something like this. Plus, you don’t have to sign a long-term lease."

She attributes the success of the Detweiller Center to being in a good location, having a good facility, and employing a great service staff. "We couldn’t operate without our main employee, Jeannie. She’s the best executive secretary I know. She’s a true professional, and she gives a personal touch to all of our tenants’ businesses."

In the decade she’s been involved in executive business centers and commercial real estate, Shadid said she’s seen big changes. "First, Internet use is a must for marketing and communication. Also, owners need to be more flexible on lease terms now, executive suites must offer the latest technology at affordable prices, and provide a professional environment—with personal services—ready to move right into. People put great value on their time, and as an executive suite, we handle the building maintenance and provide services so they can concentrate on their business."

She said witnessing the fruits of that concentration is very gratifying for her. "The best part of my job is seeing entrepreneurs start with Detweiller Center, and seeing their companies grow. Being a part of that is very special."

Shadid sees plenty more opportunities ahead to be part of businesses’ success stories. "Detweiller Center’s future is very solid. If we continue with a strong service philosophy and flexible terms, we can maintain a good tenant base. Executive suites are a niche that fits into the fast-paced business environment we have today. Executive suite leasing is here to stay, and hopefully, Detweiller Center will expand with services and locations in the next five to 10 years."

She also has goals for herself in the near future, including earning an MBA, becoming more involved in land development and city growth, and researching and publishing an article on business issues. "For myself, I see continued involvement with real estate, especially in the commercial marketplace. I’ll pursue further education and training during the next few years."

No matter how hectic life gets, however, Shaded will take it all in stride. "I always try to remember that you learn new things each day, and to do one thing at a time." TPW