Let us introduce you to the Valley’s top design and build professionals. Today, let’s get to know Alana Mann of The Statesman Group and how she was born into the biz.
Instagram, Twitter and Facebook handles: https://www.facebook.com/caysocotillo/ https://www.instagram.com/caysocotillo/
How did you get started in the design/build industry? I was born into it. My father started The Statesman Group in 1971 as a hobby building our family homes. Fortunately, in 1995 I had the rare opportunity to expand my family company from Canada into the US, which brought me down to Scottsdale.
What is your favorite project in Arizona? The master-planned community of DC Ranch. The location and design is one of the best in the Valley. The golf, tennis, walking paths, hiking, biking and proximity to some of the best shopping and dining make it appealing to so many people of all ages. Also, DC Ranch offers a variety of residential products both for rent and for sale in all sizes and price points. I love going for runs and walks around the neighborhood and meeting a diversity of people.
What inspires you and your work? I’m inspired knowing that The Statesman Group is a legacy company originated by my father and expanded by my family. Both my mother and father were active in different roles at the company and now all four children are working in some capacity in our family of companies in the US and Canada. How inspiring to someday watch the company’s legacy pass down for many more generations to come.
What is something timeless every home should have? Every Arizona home should have a large outdoor patio or a balcony to relax and enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather and spectacular sunsets.
What is considered trendy in homes at this time? The biggest buzz words in the industry right now are center around all things “smart” technology. Super high-tech homes are no longer just reserved for the multimillion dollar price point.
What do you consider your biggest professional accomplishment? The creation and development of Manor Village Life Centers, our full-service senior living communities that help preserve independence for our cherished senior residents. Every time I walk through the lobbies of our Manor Villages, I feel so rewarded from all the smiles and endless hugs from our loving senior residents. Through all the chaos and hustle in our society today, they teach me to appreciate the true essence of life.
What advice do you have for young people or students hoping to pursue a design/build career? Real estate development is “high risk – high reward.” As developers, we rely on the expert consultants to design and value engineer a quality product, but no great developer should rely on others to know the numbers. Therefore, I believe in learning and understanding all financial aspects of every project. Every detail is paramount to being a successful developer. Secondly, I strive for balancing a diversified portfolio of different product types. My father used to always tell me, “This biz will get you if you put all your eggs in one basket.”
