Social Media:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-raike-95533457/
Professional Background:
I am Vice President – Senior Account Executive for Old Republic Title Company, in San Francisco, and I have been with the company since 1990. I work with real estate brokers, attorneys, lenders, developers, buyers and sellers as a “go-to” person for title, escrow and property information needs which are essential to the successful closing of transactions of all types and sizes. I grew up in the world of commercial real estate. Prior to 1990, I sold and leased commercial/industrial properties for Damon Raike & Company in San Francisco, which is now Cushman & Wakefield. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in English from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
In addition to CREW, I am a member of Lambda Alpha International and SPUR. Additionally, I sit on the Board of Governors of The City Club and am a former board member of TMC Development and Ohlhoff Recovery Programs.
CREW SF Background:
Beyond my day job with Old Republic Title, I have been very active in the San Francisco chapter of CREW, and I served as president in 2002. I have been a member since 1990 and have been active on the Membership, Sponsorship and Programs committees. In the last few years, I have been an adviser to the Sponsorship and Programs committees and have helped to develop a mentorship program where I serve as a mentor to CREW member, Katie Fraher.
In nominating Jennifer for the Member Spotlight feature, Katie had this to say, “Jennifer is remarkable. She understands what needs to be done quickly, and whether it’s business or mentoring, she exudes confidence in her response every time. She can identify issues quickly, offer solutions and work with you to develop a plan for action and growth. She has a presence about her when in a room – a ’spotlight’ if you will.”
Q&A:
How did you move up in your career and what advice do you have for women who wish to advance in their jobs?
Not everyone is slated to “move up the ladder.” I was promoted to San Francisco County Sales Manager after 17 months with my company. After two years in this position, it was evident that I was a much better salesperson than a manager! It was hard to admit that I was not successful in my management role, but I was so happy to go back into sales and have remained there since. Know what you do well and know what makes you happy!!!
What do you like most about your job and/or industry?
What I like best about my job are the relationships that I have built, both internally with Old Republic Title and externally with my clients, many of whom are CREW members.
What advice do you want to give a new CREW SF member?
I would encourage any new member to get involved on a committee right away. People do business with people that they like and trust.Working on committees can help you do that.
Going to luncheons and events (ZOOM meetings for now) do not necessarily result in relationship building and eventual business – joining a committee is the way to go. Even if you are brand new and do not know many people, joining a committee, like Membership, can be ideal because you are helping to recruit new members who know even less that you do!
What has been the highlight during your membership with CREW SF?
The highlight of my membership was being the first recipient of the ELEVATE MVP award. It was an incredible honor.
How has CREW SF benefitted you personally and/or professionally?
Being an active member of CREW has been very productive and has helped me become successful. Learning to work on the various committee teams has built my self- esteem.When I was President-Elect in 2001, President in 2002 and Immediate Past President in 2003, doors opened for me that had been previously closed.Public speaking became easier, and I know that my personal and professional growth is mostly due to my active involvement with CREW.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my “spare” time, I enjoy travel, especially abroad (pre-COVID, of course). I am an avid reader and love to walk the hills in my neighborhood, as well as Crissy Field. I enjoy the San Francisco Symphony, the San Francisco Ballet and other wonderful programs and events that our first-class city has to offer.
What’s a fun fact that you’d like to share about yourself?
I have a few rules about how I interact with people.
- Under promise and always overdeliver.
- Never, never, never be late (It is just plain rude).
- Return phone calls and emails immediately.
- When people ask for help, I consider it an honor and try to do the best I can.
- Try to smile more.
- Remember, life is short …ENJOY!