Noting the region's multicultural make-up, he explains, "Our clients are across-the-board (ethnically), and we want them to feel comfortable working with our company." Language and culture both are issues in working with multicultural clients, says Plott, emphasizing that a Japanese broker is needed for Japanese clients, a Korean for Korean clients and so forth. He notes that his firm's ethnic balance currently is reflective of the population in general at about 70/30, but not of its clientele, which is about 60/40. "This certainly is not ideal. So we need to continue to push to reach our goal."

Plott says the same holds true for women clients. So "if a qualified job candidate is female, that's a plus," he continues, admitting that the firm goes to great lengths to recruit and hire a woman with industry experience.

Both Plott and Jana Turner, president of Management Services for CB Richard Ellis, agree that women today are striving for a balance between their personal and professional lives. To attract and keep them, their firms offer flexible work schedules, telecommuting and other quality-of-life benefits.

"The challenge is to be adaptable to each person's personal needs," says Turner. "When we feel an employee is valuable, we come up with a way to make it work," she says, noting that some women on her management team work part-time, telecommute some days and even bring their children to work in emergency situations.

Turner contends that CBRE has been proactive in creating and maintaining gender balance in its ranks since she joined the firm in 1992. "I wouldn't be here if I thought there is an issue with women," she says.

Instant Insights /

Ethnic and Gender Balance is a Top Priority for SoCal Industry Leaders

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