Open Forum

@Alana Tisch has been with Colen Built for more than four years; first starting out as a project coordinator.

"I knew I could do more than what that role outlined, so I asked for additional responsibilities and successfully advocated to be part of the implementation team for NEWSTAR.  From there, my input helped develop the Integrated AP Solution for NEWSTAR, and it was successfully deployed in our live environment mid-year."

Alana was recently promoted to Homebuilding Systems Implementation Manager. In this capacity, she ensures all systems are operating as efficiently and effectively as possible. At Colen Built they believe in a “train the trainer” philosophy, so she is a training and support resource for users of NEWSTAR in the group's new, all-ages community, Calesa Township. And Alana will continue this mission as they transition to NEWSTAR the existing, active adult community, On Top of the World.

What is your professional background?

I’ve worked in various facets of the homebuilding/real estate industry for quite a while, but my passion has always been data and analytics from an operational standpoint. I received my Bachelors Degree in Business Management at one of the first online universities available, while parenting my 4 young children.

How did you become interested in homebuilding?

I moved to Florida just before the market turned in 2008. At that time, the housing demand was at exceptional heights so there wasn’t a way to avoid becoming immersed in the industry. With the market turn, I was able to use data and analytics to help predict growth patterns and opportunities for profit that hadn’t been fully explored before. That skillset propelled me further into the homebuilding industry and I haven’t looked back! What is the most rewarding thing about your work? I am a planner, by nature. Putting in long hours and hard work to make sure we meet a goal that will benefit the company, and then achieving that goal, is an amazing feeling. Knowing my input played a role in the company’s success is the most rewarding thing about my work.

If you could give yourself advice when you started in the industry, what would it be?

Education is the answer! We cannot control the world around us, so we must adapt to the everchanging demands of it. I would definitely go back and tell my younger self to invest in education. It can be financially challenging to pursue higher education, however there are an abundance of free educational sessions available through the homebuilding industry that provide valuable information.

What do you think is the biggest challenge the homebuilding industry faces today?

Right now we’re navigating our way out of something no one has ever experienced before. I think a lot of us grew restless and had a desire to make change, after being home for years while dealing with Covid. That kind of demand mixed with supply and vendor constraints created a perfect storm for the building industry. I think our biggest challenge is resolving the constraints while still being sales-driven and buyer-focused. There is nothing the homebuilding industry cannot overcome.

What are you looking forward to most in the next 5 to 10 years?

As it pertains to Colen Built Development, I am looking forward to full Newstar implementation across both communities to allow for complete data transparency; and then using that data to steer our business in an even more successful direction. I am hoping to check off many of my professional goals during that time as well.

What's your favorite tip for someone using NEWSTAR?

Can I have more than one? I have a few: Use the keyboard shortcuts! Get familiar with Knowledgebase! Join CAMPUS!

What do you do when you're not working?

I am a mom of 4 kids so free time is limited. When we are not running errands, we’re at the beach, exploring trails, hunting through antique shops, and making lots of memories together.

Anything else you'd like everyone to know?

Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. NEWSTAR made the undo button for a reason.