At The Heart of Emory Hill
Celebrating Tia Clifton and her 35-Year Career with the Company
When Tia Clifton joined Emory Hill in October 1991, the company was just 10 years old. Today, as Emory Hill celebrates its 45th anniversary, Tia is celebrating a milestone of her own: 35 years with the company.
She remembers those early days well. The country was emerging from a challenging economic recession that had impacted the commercial real estate and construction industries, and starting a new job came with some uncertainty.
“I must admit, I was a little scared in the beginning,” Tia recalls. “However, the warm welcome I received stands out the most. From day one, leadership was approachable and accessible, a culture that continues today, as their doors are still always open.”
Tia began her career at Emory Hill working closely with current President Carmen Facciolo, Jr., and over the years, her role evolved along with the company.
“When Tia started with Emory Hill 35 years ago, she was my assistant and also helped with property management and leasing at some of our apartment properties,” Carmen said. “Over the years, she took on more and more responsibility, and when our former HR director was preparing to retire, she recommended Tia to fill her shoes. It was a natural fit.”
Today, as HR/Office Manager, Tia’s responsibilities reach nearly every corner of the company. It is that variety that has kept the role interesting after more than three decades.
“I love that my role is constantly evolving and challenging me,” she said. “Because no two days are ever the same, it keeps things exciting and engaging.”
Those who have worked alongside Tia know that her job description tells only part of the story.
“For 35 years, Tia has been our ultimate utility player, wearing more hats than we could possibly list and always stepping up wherever needed,” said Neil Kilian, CCIM, SIOR, Partner and Director of Brokerage. “From HR and problem solver to trusted confidant and, at times, unofficial company therapist, Tia has met every challenge with sincerity, good judgment, humor and an unmatched commitment to quality and, most importantly, to people.”
The company’s founder and retired President, Bob Hill, echoed the impact Tia has had on the company over the years.
“I see Tia as the center of the Emory Hill organization. Everything revolves around her,” Hill said. “Whether it is solving a problem, planning a celebration or just answering a simple question like, ‘Where is Carmen?’ she has had all the answers for 35 years. I don’t know where we would be without her.”
For Tia, what has kept her at Emory Hill for over three decades comes down to values, opportunity and the people around her. Her career at Emory Hill has also closely paralleled another important chapter of her life. Tia had just gotten married when she joined the company in 1991, meaning this year she is also celebrating her 35th wedding anniversary.
“The ownership at Emory Hill has always operated with integrity, treating both employees and clients with genuine respect,” she said. “They provided the work-life balance that allowed me to be a successful wife, mother and employee, while giving me the flexibility to take on new challenges and grow alongside the business. Because the company’s culture and values align with my own, staying here has been an easy choice. I truly care about our team.”
That sense of connection is something Tia sees throughout the company.
“The employees here don’t just work alongside one another; they genuinely care about each other and want to see their teammates succeed,” she said. “For the most part, egos are checked at the door, which creates a truly collaborative environment.”
It’s a culture that Clay Hill, CCIM, CPM, Partner and Director of Property Management, credits to people like Tia.
“Emory Hill’s success rests on the people who show up every day with integrity, commitment and care for one another. Tia has exemplified those qualities for 35 years. Her steady presence, professionalism, and genuine concern for our team have helped shape the culture we value today. Her willingness to roll up her sleeves and tackle whatever may be needed makes her the ultimate team player.”
Thirty-five years together have also created plenty of memories.
Neil remembers one in particular from more than 20 years ago, when he and Tia were driving together to an appointment. His driving, apparently, was a little more aggressive than Tia’s stomach appreciated.
“Let’s just say she wasn’t feeling her best by the time we arrived,” Neil recalled. “We still laugh about it today. I’m happy to report that she survived both the trip and another two decades of working with me.”
After working together for 35 years, Carmen has a hard time imagining Emory Hill without Tia.
“She keeps things organized, solves problems, helps me with just about everything and is always willing to step in wherever she is needed,” he said. “It’s hard to imagine Emory Hill without her. She truly does it all, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything she has done for me and for the company.”
Reaching 35 years has also brought a realization that Tia finds difficult to believe.
“All these factors combined have made the last 35 years fly by,” she said. “At 64 years old, it is hard to realize I have spent more than half my life working here.”
And when she looks back on those years, what makes her proudest is not any one position, accomplishment or milestone.
“I am proud of the people, the business and Emory Hill’s strong reputation in the community,” Tia said. “I feel a strong sense of pride knowing that I helped play a part in building it.”
About NAI Emory Hill
NAI Emory Hill is a full-service commercial real estate, construction, property management, and maintenance company serving clients across Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region. Celebrating 45 years of experience, NAI Emory Hill brings in-depth market knowledge, regional expertise, and an integrated service approach that supports clients at every stage of the real estate cycle. Learn more at naiemoryhill.com
About NAI Global
NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 325 offices strategically located throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, with over 5,800 local market professionals, managing in excess of 1.1 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes in excess of $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions throughout the world. NAI Global provides a complete range of corporate and institutional real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain and logistics consulting and related advisory services. To learn more, visit naiglobal.com