Today we’d like to introduce you to Malena Bennett.
Malena, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was five years old, a week of trips to the hospital to visit my father changed my life and forever set me on my course to becoming a philanthropist. During his stay, I grew curious (as 5-year-olds often do) and decided to visit the other patients in his wing. It became my “job.” I would bring artwork I made, talk with them briefly, and move on to the next room. My mother asked me what people’s faces looked like when I walked in versus how they looked when I left, and I realized that I had made people happy. I had made a difference in their lives that day, and I liked it.
To know me is to know that promoting the welfare of others is my life’s true passion, and “See A Need, Fill A Need” is my life’s core philosophy. Over time, I have been very fortunate to be involved with many non-profit and philanthropic organizations, and have seen first-hand that people really do want to help each other, and that we’re better together.
It’s been my privilege to be of assistance to Brother Benno’s, WRC – The Women’s Resource Center, Warrior’s Warehouse on Camp Pendleton and BTS – Break The Silence. I am on the Board of The Palomar College Foundation, The Oceanside Museum of Art and The Rotary Club of Carlsbad.
Has it been a smooth road?
The youngest of four, with three older brothers, I grew up around blueprints, job sites and hard hats. My father and godfather were civil engineers, while one of my brothers, a nephew and multiple cousins of mine are all mechanical engineers.
Industrial, warehouse, manufacturing and mixed-use spaces are all second nature to me, they’re my niche, and I’ve worked hard to challenge the perception that a woman is best suited to only selling homes. It takes imagination and experience to see how industrial and flex zone spaces can benefit a variety of clients, from auto wraps to a doctor’s office handling bio-hazards, to a photo studio or coffee shop/brewery looking for a fun and funky open-ceilinged space.
Armed with a master’s degree in psychology, I am able to easily hone-in on what people want and need. My experience with in-patient clinical trials, clinical testing and data collection for the FDA has given me a passion for doing research. And with experience in interior design, I see things differently than my peers and understand the visual potential of a space. I also have an astounding work ethic. By being scrappy, nimble and creative, I have found clients spaces that maximize their bottom line while reinvigorating their businesses.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
As a commercial real estate professional, I am invested in the welfare of my clients and strive to reveal the right opportunities that are best suited to their businesses. I am a creative, resourceful and passionate advocate for them and am proud to be associated with Keller Williams Commercial, one of the largest commercial brokerages in the US. I collaborate with other KWC agents around the country and together, we have the reach to find any space for any client at any given time.
By finding the right space and helping to create a solid livelihood for my clients and their employees, I see a tangible impact that enhances lives – not only theirs but the entire neighborhood’s. Beyond improving a client’s bottom line, on larger commercial properties, I look for opportunities for low-income housing to come in and help buoy the community and add a measurable quality of life for those in need.
My proudest personal moments revolve around my 18-year-old son, while professionally, my proudest moments revolve around my appreciative clients and seeing the impact their work has on others. Many have felt that they would never find a space to suit their needs, but after removing the obstacles that were in their way, I have watched them settle into their spaces and thrive. Sharing and contributing to their success is an amazing feeling.
Additionally, being on the board of several philanthropic organizations has been extremely rewarding. The Palomar College Foundation is committed to removing obstacles to education for students of all ages and backgrounds, as they endeavor to solve each and every student’s needs on an individual basis, one by one, student by student. It also serves a large population of our military veterans and first responders seeking education.
The Oceanside Museum of Art is committed to introducing and supporting the education of the arts in schools, while also exhibiting the work of local artists. Students are exposed to a multitude of art forms and are encouraged to look beyond simple aesthetics to really consider the work and come to an understanding of it for themselves. This is truly a museum for the community with diverse exhibitions and an equally diverse and passionate following!
The Rotary Club of Carlsbad champions peace in all communities by hosting and supporting events at a hyper-local level. They endeavor to be the actual boots-on-the-ground needed to dig ditches, paint houses, plant gardens, build schools or buy books. All of the money they receive goes directly towards philanthropic causes – and they have one of the highest percentages of money given to money used of any charity organization. The hearts and resourcefulness of Rotarians, banded together, is boundless.
To sum it all up, my drive has always been to impact and enhance people’s lives. Whether it was as a five-year-old visiting patients in the hospital, or now as a commercial broker, I’ve learned that everything in life needs all of its parts to work properly and thrive. If any part erodes, the whole system falters, and if we can help pick people up when they falter, everyone benefits. After all, we are all better together.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The best thing about our city – the PEOPLE! Warm, creative, goodhearted and lively. It’s a joy to live and work here – America’s Finest City!
Speaking of wonderful and creative people in our community, I’d like to thank Sam De Santo (of S&G Studios) for his work writing this article.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6005 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 200
Carlsbad, CA 92009 - Website: www.AskMalena.com
- Phone: 858.382.5006
- Email: Info@AskMalena.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askmalena/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/askmalenarealestate/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AskMalena
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malenabennett/
Image Credit:
Joe Dussel
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