Carolyn Pistone of Petaluma’s Clear Blue Commercial has won one of North Bay Business Journal’s Nonprofit Leadership Awards.
North Bay Business Journal
October 30, 2017, 5:37PM
Professional background: I have held various senior positions in the entertainment, real estate, and hi-tech industries, including Head of Operations for Dreamworks, and Head of Production at Tippett Studio. A former actress, director, and standup comic, I also spent a year as a comedy traffic school instructor. I am the President and Managing Director at Clear Blue Commercial, committed to client service and applying a holistic and sustainable approach to all facets of the life of a property. I am a certified Realtor, EcoBroker, and Green Building Professional. These experiences have led me to work to build a supportive, innovative, and collaborative environment for clients, vendors, team members, and, yes, even the planet, to thrive.
Education: I earned a B.A. from San Francisco State University; and an M.F.A. in Directing for Theatre, Film, and Television from California Institute of the Arts. I am a 2016 Fellow of the Leadership Institute for the Ecology and the Economy’s Leadership for a Sustainable Future program and a graduate of the Leadership Petaluma class of 2015.
Describe your organization
Clear Blue Commercial is a full-service brokerage, sustainability consulting and project management company dedicated to saving the planet through real estate. An NBBJ Community Philanthropy and Outstanding Facility Management award winner, voted Best Green Business in 2016 by North Bay Biz magazine, Clear Blue Commercial’s efforts saved over three million gallons of water annually during the recent drought, successfully saved their clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in green upgrades and energy savings, and added significant value to their properties through community engagement, customer attraction and retention. Clear Blue Commercial is the ONLY commercial real estate firm to be a certified Green Business, a certified Small Business, a certified Woman Owned Business, AND a B-Corp. We support the many other businesses that will join our ranks and we are proud to be leading the way.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am a committed Earthling and a member of the Stewardship Circle of Daily Acts, a sustainability non-profit that inspires action to create more nourishing, connected, and resilient communities. In addition, I serve on the Environmental Committee of the Sonoma County Alliance, the Climate Action 2020 Stakeholders Advisory Group, former President of the Board of Trustees for the Petaluma Community Foundation, and a founding board member of 100 Sonoma People Who Care. I am also a founding member of both the Real Estate and Business Social Enterprises Association (REBSEA) and Investing in Communities (IIC). I strive to be an inspiring and supportive mother, daughter, sister, and friend, and I believe that life is not worth living without a sense of humor.
What is your role in the organization?
As a business owner and as a leader, it brings me the greatest joy to act as a humble servant to my talented team, helping to maximize their talents to bring ever-increasing positive impact in the community.
What achievement are you most proud of?
I am so honored to be among the amazing individuals and organizations receiving this award. Also, so blessed to be spending every day with my wonderful husband, best friend, and business partner of 22 years, Marty Pistone (which is amazing, considering I am only 29!).
What is your biggest challenge today?: Climate change!
What is the next major project either underway or on the horizon?: Growing our brokerage team and our outreach to bring sustainable real estate solutions.
How do you think your profession will change in the next five years?
We strive to meet every client and property where they are, and through the course of each transaction, project, or consulting assignment, move them forward on the sustainability continuum. Obviously, the broader our reach, the greater positive impact we can have on our planet and in our communities. Hope and optimism.
Most admired businessperson outside your organization: Laurie Zerga, Oren Wool, Cate Steane, Don Black, Tim Saavedra, Pooran Desai, and Brad Baker
Current reading: “A Manual for Cleaning Women” by Lucia Berlin
Most want to meet: Anyone that I can help, anyone that I can learn from, and anyone with great Warriors tickets to share.
Stress relievers: A Sonoma Stompers game in all my fan gear.
Favorite hobbies: Philanthropy and good works in the community. Also, any time that I can spend swimming, paddling, or snorkeling in the sunshine is time well spent
Buzzword from your industry you hate the most: “In sales, we have to kill what we eat.” I prefer to think that we plant what we eat.
Words that best describe you: Resourceful, generous, and funny (I hope).
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