Because people are at the core of Stream’s success, we’ve learned to identify the most talented individuals that contribute to our unique culture of service and leadership. As Stream continues to grow its business and people, we are taking this opportunity to spotlight our talented employees from all service lines, cities, and departments. These individuals are selected because they have had a significant impact on Stream, the commercial real estate industry and the local community.
For those that don’t already know her, we would like to shine a spotlight on:
Sha Alexander, Controller, at Stream Realty Partners in Dallas. Sha joined Stream Realty Partners in 2012. Demonstrating a keen ability to consistently produce quality financials within tight time constraints, she has garnered positive feedback from both internal customers and clients alike. As an Assistant Controller, Sha currently oversees and is responsible for accounting functions for several major clients, including GI Partners, Clarion Partners and Treeview.
“Sha has a level demeanor that inspires confidence within her team. If I had to guess her modus operandi, it would be something along the lines of working extremely hard and making it look easy,” said Dov J. Clayton, Vice President of Project Accounting for Stream. “Sha has historically carried large workloads and big teams as a supervisor but seemingly never runs out of time to help train or cover for others. She might be one of the most supportive work presences I have ever seen, and I work with a lot of selfless people.”
Sha, tell us a little about your role at Stream.
I currently manage a team of five accountants and oversee a portfolio of approximately 40 properties. Our team is responsible for the review of financial statement packages prior to submittal to clients. I also help the department in any capacity I can, which could be property transitions or any other relevant projects that come up.
What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now? Why is it impactful to you and Stream?
We’re currently assisting a client with a conversion from QuickBooks to Yardi, which empowers them to manage their portfolio in a more streamlined, digestible way and with more dynamic reporting. Since we’d already been through a conversion about four years ago, I was intimately familiar with all the nuances to make the client feel comfortable throughout the transition process. I think it gave them a sense of trust and confidence in Stream as a whole.
What is your greatest accomplishment to date?
I would say that I’m most proud of my two boys, who are 22 and 19. And completing my master’s degree in Accounting at the University of Dallas this past Spring.
What would you like to accomplish over the next 12 months?
Well, to be honest, I’m ready for 2020 to be over and just start 2021. But my goal for 2021 is to start preparing for the CPA exam. It’s a rigorous four-part exam, and I want to devote the time needed to crush it.
What’s the most significant challenge you currently face?
I want to make sure I’m always a good leader and an effective manager. I want to ensure I treat people right, balance my workload as well as my team, and keep myself and others motivated. And to always remain focused.
In the past few months, what is the smallest change you or your team has made that has had the biggest positive result? What is it about that small change that produced a large return?
This year we all had to deal with the pandemic, and that meant adapting to working from home and being away from the office and our peers. Through all these unprecedented changes, our team continued to work effectively, consistently meeting deadlines, and producing timely financials and deliverables for both our internal customers and our clients. So, in that sense, we never lost our stride.
What was it that initially drew you to Stream?
Definitely the people. I interviewed with two accounting managers, and the interview was so relaxed and comfortable as if we were just a few old friends chatting. It’s been eight years since I joined Stream, and the firm’s culture and its people continue to be really great motivators.
What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?
A positive attitude. I feel like if I can maintain positivity, it can help to create a relaxed and happy environment for my team.
What does success look like to you?
Happiness, health and family.
What do you enjoy doing away from work?
Family is very important to me, so I like spending as much time as I possibly can with them.
If you could pick up a new skill, what would it be?
This is probably going to sound funny, but roller skating. It’s something I’ve always wanted to try, and even though I tend to be a bit clumsy, I’d really love to learn.
Top three recommendations for things to do in your city?
I recently took a cooking class, which was something different and fun, and a nice change of pace from my everyday routine. Don’t get me wrong, I can cook, but I really enjoyed learning how to make a new and interesting dish. I also love Top Golf. Before the pandemic, we’d had a few Stream events there, and it’s a lot of fun, something I’d recommend if you have never tried it before. In terms of restaurants, I’ve always been a fan of Benihana.