Mindy McIlroy began her journey in real estate at Terranova Corp. 15 years ago as administrative assistant to its leader, Stephen Bittel.

But her hard work and drive revealed potential for much more and she was given the opportunity to learn the sale and leasing side, leading to her current role as executive vice president.

In this position, Ms. McIlroy focuses on marketing the company’s services, retail leasing and developing new business.

Despite the economic challenges, the company’s real estate practice continues to grow and it seeks to hire new associates.

“The immediate focus that we have is that we have to hire,” Ms. McIlroy said. “We are hiring in every department within our company, which I think definitely speaks to our optimism with what’s happening with our industry.”

Terranova acquired three retail buildings on the popular corridor Lincoln Road earlier this year and also handles the leasing of the retail complex CocoWalk in Coconut Grove.

Most recently, it was selected to lease the retail space at the parking garages of the new Marlins ballpark.

“So our role there is just to lease, lease, lease, I mean we just need to get that thing full,” she said. “Our goal is to try to get some of these restaurants opened by game day which is quickly approaching in April.”

Ms. McIlroy discussed her responsibilities, market trends and what’s ahead for Terranova with Miami Today reporter Yudislaidy Fernandez at the company’s Miami Beach headquarters.