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Shay and Star Hughes

Focused Perfection By Glenda Batzer

Photos courtesy of Shay Hughes

I recently had the privilege of meeting with both the Director and at Hughes Marino. She was pleasant, smiled and shook my hand
the Chief Operating Officer for a Commercial Real Estate Company and offered me water or coffee. Although she is only 22 she has
named Hughes Marino. The company is located downtown at accomplished more in those short years than many accomplish
in an entire lifetime. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business
Administration which she completed in only two years and holds a
Master’s Degree in Business Administration which she completed in
only one year. Star Hughes is also a Licensed Real Estate Broker.
Next we were joined by the Chief Operating Officer, Shay Hughes
who happens to be Star’s Mother and the wife of Jason Hughes,
President of Hughes Marino. Like her daughter, Shay greeted me
warmly and then proceeded to give me a tour. Shay informed me
that they had purchased this building only two years before and
had completely gutted it and started from scratch. She also told me
that she had made all of the interior design decisions for the newly
renovated spaces. Shay told me, “Her goal was to have it feel as
though you were walking into someone’s home”. Mission accom-
plished!
After the tour we settled in a small conference room to conduct the
interview. Star began by telling me about her background and de-
scribed her role at Hughes Marino. Although she grew up with the
business, she has been involved full time for the past 18 months.
She is responsible for Client Outreach and conducts tours with
potential clients and is involved with the real estate transactions.
Shay mentioned that Star is really involved in sales and selling the
company when she interacts with clients. Star also told me that she
feels incredibly blessed to have her father serve as a mentor to her
and for that she feels incredibly lucky. I asked Star: Do you feel
that there is a role for social media in Commercial Real Estate? San Diego
Star replied: “I feel it is important because there are many younger Woman
up and coming Business Professionals that are very tuned into
social media.”
Star’s Mother, Shay entered the conversation as well, “A few years
ago we did not think it was applicable or even appropriate in this 21
particular business setting. But Star has pushed us to step into the
21st century. So, yes, absolutely we both believe that social media
becomes another important business tool”.
Shay Hughes went on to speak about the company as a whole.
“The focus of the company both internally and externally is to treat
1450 Front Street just at the edge of Little Italy. everyone fairly and with dignity and be as inclusive as possible.
For those of you who are unfamiliar, Commercial Real Estate The Hughes Marino organization treats all of its employees like
involves purchasing or renting any property that would be used to members of the family, and all of the thirty employees have the
generate an income. Commercial Real Estate companies assist same mindset. They all function under a unifying set of ten core
business owners with finding the appropriate space for their needs values.” Shay also went on to explain that the company feels very
which occasionally includes expanding into larger spaces. I had fortunate, and as part of being a successful company recognizes
done a bit of research about the company before the interview and there is a need to give back to the community. As part of that effort,
was already surprised by the list of awards and accolades from the Hughes Marino opens its doors as a venue for non- profit organiza-
San Diego Business Community that Hughes Marino has received. tions to host events. It makes perfect sense; after all they are in
They have been voted San Diego Business Journal’s “Best Place a great location with a great renovated space. “We have hosted
to Work” and received a “Workplace Excellence Award” and were many events and will continue this tradition for many years to
even voted one of San Diego’s Healthiest Companies. come”, said Shay. From my observations I see that Shay Hughes
On the day of the interview I parked my car and as I walked through is a modest and humble woman who acts as the unifying message
the glass doors and into the center of the business, it was like walk- for the company. That is not surprising given that she is the “Chief
ing into a beautiful home. There was a living room with big over- Operations Officer”, however, I would also add that Shay Hughes is
sized couches and a large flat screen television mounted into built a visionary, she understands that everyone has a voice and every-
in bookcases. Off to the left there was a huge dining room table one can contribute and you can never truly move forward without
and a beautiful kitchen. The area was flanked by large glass walls looking back.
which let you see into several conference rooms. Even the confer- I was quite simply in awe of these two women and the entire
ence rooms had beautiful tables and lighting. It did not feel like a Hughes Marino Organization. They are focused on what is best for
cold or sterile business environment. It was warm and inviting with the entire organization and their surrounding neighborhood, and
a lot of windows and natural light. their commitment to the San Diego Business Community is Perfec-
I was greeted by Star Hughes, who holds the position of Director tion.