Q&A: with Amanda Zipperer

At 27 years old, Amanda Zipperer hasn’t shied away from a challenge. Less than two years after joining Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty as an administrative assistant, she worked her way up to assistant property manager and now is property manager/leasing agent for Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

Zipperer also won the title of Young Professional of the Year two consecutive years at the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s annual Sandies Awards, held each November.

Q: What has it been like becoming the property manager for Lakewood Ranch Main Street?

A: It’s been a good experience. Some days are definitely challenging, but Kirk (Boylston, Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty president) and the executive team really help and assist me if I have questions. With property management, there’s something different every day.

Q: What do you think differentiates Main Street from other main streets?

A: I feel like we have a sense of community. Everything I do, we focus not only on how it will affect the merchants, but also the community. I think we offer a wide range of events and happenings a lot of places don’t do for their tenants.

Q: What are some of your professional goals?

A: I want to see Main Street stay 100% leased. With the economy up, the future is bright. With the management side, there’s a lot of things that go into a property that you don’t think about. I’ve definitely broadened my knowledge on roofing and landscaping and stuff like that I never thought I’d need to know about.

Q: You worked for two years as an administrative assistant for the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance before joining Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty. Why do you remain involved in the organization?

A: I formed a lot of strong relationships when I was there. It was a great stepping stone for my professional development. I still think they continue to connect businesses with one another and they’re all about the community, too. 

On the Young Leaders Alliance, I sit on the board. I’m the vice chairwoman. Our board is made up of a lot of young working professionals. It’s good to have those connections and learn together. 

When Tommy Klauber was (Alliance) chairman, it was his vision to have a young professionals group in Lakewood Ranch. There were a few of us who took the ball and ran with it. We wanted to do networking but more breakfasts and lunches that focus on professional development.

Q: What’s your favorite event that Main Street hosts?

A: Music on Main. It’s fun. So many people come together from businesses and church groups. We get people from North Port to Tampa. That event has gained popularity over the years. It’s good for the community because it builds visibility for Lakewood Ranch and for Main Street because it shows what we have to offer. But, I also feel Lakewood Ranch is a safe place.

Q: What did you think of being named Young Professional of the Year for the second year in a row?

A: The second time, I was definitely not expecting it. It was an honor. I feel I really do embody a young professional. I pound the pavement. I work hard. I play hard.