CRE Families Building Legacies

• By: admin
• On: 09/04/2025 15:13:00
• In: BOMA Oakland/East Bay Buzz
• Comments: 0

The ?Booths
Charlie Sr started his CRE journey as a nighttime janitor for a school down in Los Angeles.  He had this amazing gift of selling himself, and next thing you know, he was a building engineer for Odgen Allied. He became a chief engineer quickly and made one of the best connections in his life, getting introduced to Art Viat with Local 39. 

Next thing you know, we were moving up to Marin County as my father was promoted to Engineering Manager with Odgen in the San Fransico Bay Area. Odgen was taken over by ABM, and my father started his 30-year journey with ABM, working his way all the way to VP.
I, Charlie Booth Jr,  started my journey as a re-lamping utility engineer, visiting numerous buildings and working our way from top to bottom, replacing every light. Was able to get a permanent position at Trans America. After passing the apprentice test, I was hired at Jack London Square. Did my Local 39 4-year apprentice program and was able to stay on as a journeyman. I moved on to the city for Tishman Speyer, where I had the opportunity to learn from one of the most detailed, technical, and exceptional chief engineers, Steve Goodwin. I was promoted to chief with Tishman, then didn't get enough abuse the first time, so I went back to Jack London. I am now a chief with Newmark in downtown Oakland. I'm also on the Board of Directors for BOMA OEB and could not be prouder of that accomplishment.

Annabella Booth started her CRE career learning the trade while a Business Development Specialist at Bay City Mechanical. Working under some of the best people in the trade, Annabella knew the ins and outs of the industry. Then one of my biggest dreams came true. Annabella will be following in her Papa's (Charlie Sr.) footsteps as she is now an ABM Project Manager and could not be prouder. Knowing she is walking the same floor my dad was on is super special. 
 
The Ludwick's
My family has a long history in Engineering, HVAC trades and Commercial Real Estate fields. My great, great grandfather, John Ludwick, was certified as a Stationary and Portable Engineer by the State of Minnesota back in 1898, qualified to work on Steam Boilers and pressurized vessels as a First Class Engineer.   My great-grandfather was a skilled automotive and diesel mechanic, bringing our family west from Ten Sleep, Wyoming, during the great depression. 

My grandfather managed the lumber yard at Santa Barbara Mill and Lumber for many years. My dad went to the California Maritime Academy, received a Mechanical Engineering Degree and served as a shipping Engineer for the Coast Guard and Merchant Marines in the Vietnam era before serving for over 35 years as a Local 39 Stationary Engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area. My brothers Ted, Gordon and I have all served as Stationary Engineers in our careers. Ted is currently managing facilities and construction at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (his alma mater). Gordon is Chief Engineer at the Mills Buildings, a historic facility in downtown San Francisco.  I am the currently the Chief Engineer at 2100 Powell Street in Emeryville. 

My dad is very proud to have us follow in his footsteps and continue the family legacy of Engineering. We have all enjoyed lucrative and fulfilling careers that the CRE field has offered us. I am proud to continue the legacy and make my own contributions to the field through my career and involvement in BOMA.