Marianne Mueller has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Before she became a real estate appraiser, she lived on Fire Island and owned a kayak company. "We had a kid's kayak camp, rented out equipment and gave tours," she recalls. "I still kayak a lot myself. The North Fork of Long Island is a favorite destination"

She had previously been in real estate working as an assistant to Sheldon Solow, but needed an escape from corporate America. It didn't last for long. While on Fire Island, she met an appraiser, the late Christopher Devine, who convinced her that she should get into real estate.

"I followed his advice. I was fascinated by markets...real estate, stocks, whatever." In 2002 Marianne started at Mitchell, Maxwell & Jackson. By the time she left in 2010, she was the Executive VP. "It was a good ride." When the industry began to change after the subprime crisis, she and two of her colleagues struck out on their own. They formed their own real estate appraisal and consulting firm - Mueller Lang & Associates.  Marianne, who is the Managing Partner, says "it's been terrifying, exciting and gratifying all at once."

Recently she has seen some big changes in New York City. "In the East Village and the Lower East Side, pricing in condo conversions and new condos is increasing exponentially," she notes. "The financial district is also recovering. Watching the Freedom Tower go up is very exciting. I love going down there, there's so much hope and positive energy."

In between teaching classes at Corcoran/Citihabitats, testifying as an Expert Witness and running her company, Marianne keeps her focus on some other big events. She's in the middle of a private adoption and is planning an international wedding. Mueller Lang is really expanding: partner Kevin Lang and his wife just had a baby boy and partner Michael Lang and his wife are expecting their second in October!