Meet Metropolis . . . Denisse Duran, Planning for Perfection

This article continues our series on the men and women who make magic happen here at Metropolis Group. If you would like to recommend someone for a future employee spotlight, please email us with your nomination and let us know why you love working with this team member.

Denisse Duran

Project Manager

Metropolis Team Member Since . . . June 2017

Industry Experience

Before joining Metropolis Group, Denisse worked as a project manager at a logistics company, coordinating with ports around the country. “I loved the import and export industry,” she recalls. She was responsible for cargo entering and leaving the country through Newark, N.J., as well as Jacksonville, Fla., Baltimore, and Wilmington, Del. She managed vessel inventory and shipped cars, trucks, and other equipment to Nigeria, Ghana, and other African nations. “I learned how to be a team player and how to juggle different responsibilities.”

After four years, Denisse was ready for a change of geography—and in career. She moved from New Jersey to New York and looked for an opportunity in her new hometown. A former colleague told her about an opening at Metropolis Group, where she could apply the project management skills from her previous career.

Role at Metropolis

Denisse works as a project manager for the Outer Boroughs team. She guides projects through the initial stages, from developing the filing strategy to securing approvals and permits. “I work with many people—from engineers and architects to property managers, building owners, and others. It’s a team-based job that requires coordinating with many different parties to reach our target,” she says. “In my previous job, I was able to work with a wide range of people as a team, which definitely helps me in my current role.”

According to Senior Project Manager Eileen Rivera, “Denisse is an asset to the company as a project manager and team player. She is always ready to take on new projects, while aiding her fellow teammates. She is truly a wonderful person to work with.”

Favorite Project

While Denisse enjoys all of the projects in which she has been involved, she has a special fondness for one of her earliest clients, with whom she still works on a regular basis. “We have a good connection with them, and we work really well together as a team. They always have a lot of different projects going on, with many people involved,” she says. “It’s a fun challenge.”

Best Part of the Job

Denisse loves the customer-service aspect of her role most of all. “I like getting clients what they need and accomplishing whatever they want in a quick, efficient manner,” says Denisse. “Meeting the clients’ expectations and giving them whatever they need really makes me happy.”

Little-Known Facts

Before joining Metropolis Group, Denisse started an event-planning business with her sister, a baker. She provided decorating and planning services, while her sister baked custom cakes and desserts. “I enjoy creating an atmosphere and planning in general,” says Denisse. “Planning is the best part for me—I need to have a plan for everything I do, whether it’s a party or a trip, my favorite hobby.” Both her attention to detail and her love of planning pay off in client service, as she uses these skills to ensure successful projects.