91ÊÓƵ

Lauren Menashe, 26, has joined her family’s firm in Portland after an apprenticeship in Los Angeles’ commercial real estate market.

As director of asset management at Menashe Properties, Lauren is working with her older brother, Jordan, and father, Barry, in managing and expanding the Portland property investment and development firm’s local and national portfolio.

Lauren grew up in Portland, and graduated from Jesuit High School. She followed Jordan to the University of Southern California, where she studied business and real estate development. Then she worked as retail manager at The Grove, a major Los Angeles shopping center, for real estate magnate Rick Caruso. Lauren then served as manager of business development for Macerich, a real estate investment trust.

The 91ÊÓƵ spoke with Lauren last week about her new role and Menashe Properties’ future. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

91ÊÓƵ: Why did you decide to return to Portland and join the family firm?

Lauren Menashe: It finally kind of dawned on me that if I’m going to be working this hard the rest of my life, I’d rather be doing it for my family (and in the city of Portland). So after I left (Rick Caruso and The Grove), I kind of knew that would be soon to follow.

91ÊÓƵ: What has it been like to be back in Portland and be working with your brother and your dad?

Menashe: So far, so good. I think with any family business, it’s complicated, but I think Jordan and I are fortunate that it’s just us two and we get along extremely well. We’re kind of yin and yang. He’s very instinctual and intellectual, and I’m more thoughtful and analytical, so it’s a really nice balance. I couldn’t ask for two better teachers.

91ÊÓƵ: So what is your role at Menashe Properties? What does your (typical day) look like?

Menashe: Since I’ve been back, I’ve been shadowing and spending as much time as I can with Jordan. I’m evolving to be the asset manager, so overseeing all of the suburban properties and all of downtown. I’m kind of just like another owner of the company, so my hands are involved in everything. I’ve gotten more involved in leasing, which has been a lot of fun because I didn’t do that at my prior jobs.

91ÊÓƵ: What do you see as the next chapter for Menashe Properties?

Menashe: As we plan to grow, we have been and will continue to strategically dispose of some of the smaller assets that hopefully can help us buy larger stuff out of state. Anywhere within a three-hour flight, we’re pretty much open to. I think Jordan and I are more traders, unlike dad, who (holds assets long term). We both are very keen on development. It’s something that really excites us, and just leaving our own lasting legacy in Portland. We’re working on a significant plan on the Eastside right now, which has been really fun.

91ÊÓƵ: Is there anything else you can tell me about that … Eastside idea?

Menashe: It will be one of its kind, or the first of its kind, and it will cater to the Portland market.

91ÊÓƵ: Is it office, or a different program?

Menashe: That’s all I’ll say. I’m sure as you know, we don’t divulge too much until it’s fully vetted through.