Rowena Zar Email & Phone Number

Greater Atlanta Area

Greater Chicago Area

• Developed and executed high growth market strategy for seven markets: Illinois/NW Indiana, Kansas/Missouri, Minnesota, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin
• Sourced, negotiated and managed new store corporate deals and relocations
• Negotiated and managed store closures, lease terminations and lease renewals
• Prepared and presented real estate committee packages and proformas for: market strategy, new store sites, relocations, closures, lease terminations and renewals
• Collaborated with design, construction, finance, and operations teams to manage deal process and critical date timeline from real estate committee approval to store opening; serve as main point of contact for all parties
• Managed broker network to assist in market expansion and store relocations

Chicago, IL

• Generated more than $200 million in revenues as part of a strategic team
• Managed client relationships and assisted in the development of real estate strategies for local and national retailers across 35 cities
• Designed and launched multi-market entrance strategies based on target location, co-occupancy, estimated trade area, analysis of demographics, consumer segmentation and cannibalization; negotiated all business terms.
• Identified current market trends by analyzing land sales and retail transactions; provided the analysis to clients to determine best course of action
• Managed content and design for detailed tour books, summarizing each relevant market and site, and a comprehensive site package for clients to present to their real estate board for approval
• Created online probability reports for current deals utilizing Google applications; managed these websites that also detail contact information, economic and business terms, and related documents for each client

Chicago, IL

• Managed entire franchise agreement process from application to final agreement
• Collaborated with franchisees, their banks, and developers to coordinate all relevant information and set specific business terms
• Negotiated agreements with select service hotel brands: Hyatt Place or Hyatt Summerfield Suites
• Advised in-house general counsel on project timelines and status of all projects
• Managed the generation and maintenance of multiple reports containing key information including revised legal language and project status

Chicago, IL

• Oversaw commercial real estate transactions within Illinois and Idaho, from letter of intent to final settlement statement; reported directly to the General Counsel; coordinated all post-closing functions
• Analyzed title commitments, opened escrow accounts, amassed engineering reports and surveys, and drafted resolutions, amendments, and corporate forms; communicated with tenants regarding all lease provisions
• Ensured all funds were properly disbursed and documents were submitted for recording; obtained estoppels and insurance certificates

Ba, Economics

Paralegal Certificate