Jae Park believes life happens for you, not to you, or at least that’s what he tells himself while playing Master Chef to his three daughters’ discerning palates. Read below to learn more about his recipes for success.
What’s a constant theme in your life?
I view my life as a reader reading a beautifully written novel. Every good novel not only has moments of success, but also moments of struggle and growth. This perspective has led me to be able to be patient in moments of hardship, knowing that there is more to the story and the good part is just coming. It helps me to enjoy and be thankful in every moment and experience, knowing that it’s a part of a good story.
How do you stay busy outside of the office?
I have 3 young daughters, so the trouble finds its way to me and always keeps me on my toes.
What's your proudest work achievement?
When I joined Lewis, our department did not have a robust process of estimating the apartment budget and relied heavily on the general contractors we hired. I’ve established a framework for developing our in-house budget, which has brought us more control and transparency over our project budget (we’re talking about hundreds of millions of dollars of apartment budget, not a grocery budget). It feels good knowing that I’ve created a foundational achievement within the company that continues to get improved and built upon as we advance as a company.
Any habits you’re particularly proud of?
I’m particularly interested in health, and I’ve created a habit of exercising and eating well. I enjoy cooking for myself and my family and it’s rewarding when my kids enjoy the food I make.
What makes a great leader? Any shoutouts?
I’d like to give a special shoutout to Mike Tamura, who is my manager. He’s been critical to my career growth and my performance at work. He and I are quite the opposite when it comes to creating value at work, and we’ve been complementing each other in a way that highlights our strengths while covering our weaknesses. Mike is always finding ways to create new methods and protocols, whereas I’m more detail-oriented and thinking about their practicality. Mike would suggest a bunch of new things that we can try, and I would work on the exact methods of implementation. He has helped me to see beyond our status quo and constantly find ways to improve, even on the current protocols that are working, to be more efficient. They say don’t reinvent the wheel if it’s working, but he motivates me to seek better solutions if there is room for even a bit of improvement. His forward way of thinking has helped me to create more value and build my career here at Lewis.
Jae embraces challenges as learning opportunities, whether it’s turning Mike’s vision into a detail-oriented, #VALUE!-free reality or just broadening his own perspective along the way. Email Jae directly at Jae.Park@LewisMC.com for Excel shortcut tips or to applaud him on a recent, well-earned promotion.
Rosie Lewis is the Corporate Marketing Manager at The Lewis Group of Companies. A Claremont native who enjoys hiking, yoga, and developing her green thumb, Rosie also appreciates quality alone time.