Melissa Gross-Arnold, a 17-year veteran and shareholder at Lewis, Longman and Walker was selected as one of the top “20 Under 40” women at the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network’s National Convention.

She is the only individual selected from Florida and one of 20 in the U.S., Gross-Arnold was selected based on job responsibilities, career achievements, leadership roles and affiliations within the commercial real estate industry. Award recipients are considered “women to watch” in the industry.

“Receiving this award is motivating,” says Gross-Arnold. “It is the type of thing that really makes you want to work even harder.”  

Working hard and making commitments—then keeping them—is the key to success. “I had people invest in, advise and create opportunities for me. I try to do that for others,” she added.  

Starting at Lewis, Longman and Walker after she received her undergraduate degree, but before law school, she’s now a partner in the firm. She is helping younger associates find great opportunities and is teaching them to work hard to create value for the community.

In addition to CREW, she is committed to the North Florida Land Trust and was just appointed to the Clay County Economic Development Advisory Committee. She recommends that other young professionals find things they think are important and then work on them.

“I try to be a mentor to others, as it is critical to the success of the commercial real estate industry to develop up-and-comers,” says Gross-Arnold.  “I like to be the one that people come to because I think that when you help others, they will help you back.”