Member of the Month: Rosana Anchondo-Isaack
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As an International and national real estate investor, I manage a portfolio of commercial, industrial, and residential properties worth over $10 million. Over my 35+ year career, I have performed several responsibilities such as Marketing, Contract Negotiations, Accounting, Accounts Payable, Facility Design, Improvement, and Team Building. I have spent the majority of my career assessing different geographical areas for investment purposes both here in the US and abroad.
I am excited to be a part of this great city. Work and family has brought me to the east coast where I now call Philadelphia my home. I very much enjoy the city’s history, vibrant culture, and savory food.
My passion in life is to create safe and prosperous communities where people can work and live. I started my real estate business, Anchondo and Associates, back in 1988 with that specific goal in mind. I love the work I do today as much as the day I started my company.
Over the course of my career I have purchased and sold properties throughout the US and abroad. I have also renovated buildings for industrial, commercial, and retail lease as well as for sale. Currently, I am finishing a major renovation project where I am converting a large multi-use building from office use to residential use.
I am actively involved in the community as a member of Center City Business Association, the Philadelphia Chamber, Pyramid Club, Union League, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Rotary Club of Philadelphia where I am the active President. As such, I instituted changes to unify the board, instill accountable leadership, and provide financial transparency, all for the purpose to better serve our community.
I aspire to broaden my reach to serve non-profits in the community, and to develop long-lasting relationships to help children through education and mentoring. I have worked with several organizations and donors to secure funding for the betterment and welfare of children. I led classroom lessons that centered around math and reading, and provided mentorship for children to learn basic life and leadership skills. Recently, I visited Liguori Academy where I spoke with several High School students about how to prepare for a successful career. I was enthralled by their curiosity, inquisitiveness, and optimism. I also spoke with graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business to share my keys to entrepreneurship and the life lessons I have experienced along the way. I feel as a society if we provide inspiration for young adults to have an opportunity for a better life and help prepare them for a successful career then the results will yield for a safer and more prosperous community.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Apart from being a real estate investor, I have two e-commerce businesses, Talavera & Ceramic Tile Studio and Emma Wanless. We sell handcrafted and hand painted ceramic tiles. Since we produce custom tiles, we will change the colors of our tile designs to best fit your client’s needs at no additional cost. This is our edge in the marketplace as most suppliers have fixed designs and colors they cannot change. We find that customers have a hard time matching colors with their decor and design wishes. We can help with that.
What is a non-profit that you support? Other than CCBA?
We live in a great city filled with incredible nonprofits that help our community in many ways. I support MANNA, Habitat for Humanity, Caring for Friends, Cradles to Crayons, and Salvation Army.
If you had to leave your home and could only take 1 item with you, what would it be? I would take my family’s photo album to always keep the memories alive and cherish them.
It’s Sunday at 10 AM. Where are you?
You will find our family at church. We should always be grateful for what we have.
What’s your favorite or go to meal?
I am always looking for the perfect pizza. Recommendations are always welcome.
