At LRE & Co, our team members wear many hats, and few embody that spirit more than Amber Lonski. As a Due Diligence Coordinator, Entitlement Manager, Project Manager, and more, Amber is the organized force that keeps our complex projects on track from concept to completion.
From Healthcare to Real Estate
Amber’s journey to LRE & Co took an unexpected turn. After 15 years in the medical field, including 12 years managing a family practice and three years managing a dermatology office, she found herself craving something different. “While I loved helping people, I felt like I was created for something more,” she reflects.
That “something more” led her to real estate and construction. Since joining LRE & Co. in July 2020, Amber has been fascinated by the building process itself and by how projects evolve from initial concepts into thriving businesses that serve communities.
The Art of Staying Organized
When you’re juggling multiple projects with countless moving parts, organization isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. “I am extremely organized,” Amber says. “The process is not easy. There are multiple steps, and if you miss one, it could cause a major delay. Having things organized helps streamline the process.”
Her typical day involves focusing on one project at a time while remaining ready to pivot. “Multiple fires come up daily, so I work my way through them and keep going,” she explains. It’s this combination of structure and adaptability that makes Amber invaluable to our team.
Finding Reward in the Journey
What keeps Amber passionate about her work? “Creating new businesses and opportunities,” she says without hesitation. “The process is so long from start to finish. It’s rewarding when the business is open and operating. Just to sit back and think, ‘I helped with that,’ is truly amazing.”
Take the Roseville Junction project, for example, which remains active and presents new challenges daily. “You just need to put your head down, breathe, put on your thinking cap, and get through the issues, one at a time,” Amber notes. Her persistence is her superpower: “I stick with things until they’re done.”
Looking Ahead
Amber sees exciting changes on the horizon for the industry. With the rise of online shopping, she believes people are craving more gathering spaces and experiences, a shift that aligns perfectly with LRE & Co.’s vision. “It’s exciting to see what comes next,” she says.
Regarding her future with the company, Amber has ambitious goals: “I would like to partner up at some point and invest in some of our projects. Just having that opportunity would be huge.”
Beyond the Office
When she’s not navigating the complexities of real estate development, you’ll find Amber outdoors, especially now that she has a new companion. Her pug, Benson Boone, who turns one on Christmas Day, keeps her active and exploring new places. “I enjoy taking him to new places and seeing his excitement,” she says.
Her perfect weekend? Home improvement projects (she’s completely renovated her house), family and friend gatherings, and trips to the dog park. She’s also a dedicated practitioner of hiking, yoga, and meditation, “needed in this line of work,” she adds with a laugh.
Amber’s go-to beverage? An iced double-shot chai tea latte. She describes herself as someone who “dabbles in both worlds” when it comes to being a morning person or a night owl—fitting for someone who needs to be ready for anything.
Words to Work By
When asked about the best advice she’s ever received, Amber offers wisdom that serves her well in the fast-paced world of development: “Breathe and think before you react.”
For those just starting their careers, her guidance is simple: “Open your ears and learn as much as you can.”
And perhaps most importantly, she’s learned from the LRE & Co team that flexibility is key: “The process can start with one plan and end with something entirely different. You need to be willing to adapt to the constant changes in this field.”
Making an Impact
What makes LRE & Co stand out? According to Amber, it’s our willingness to tackle ambitious projects and phase them strategically. “We are not afraid to tackle the big projects,” she says proudly.
As someone working “in the trenches,” as she puts it, Amber knows her role is crucial to whether projects materialize and, ultimately, to LRE & Co’s mission of creating economic opportunities and positive community impact.