admin A trailblazing CEO imbibes an innovative spirit, a forward-thinking attitude, and is capable of successfully navigating new and uncharted territories. Powerful CEOs have a strong sense of vision and are able to inspire others to join them in pursuit of that vision. Adapting to changing circumstances and the ability to mould themselves to annihilate roadblocks defines them. They don’t shy away from taking risks or trying new approaches, and are not afraid to challenge the status quo. Breaking barriers is second nature to powerful CEOs – regardless of the resilient age-old customs and stereotypes in the industry.
I believe in being well-prepared. As humans, we might have many shortcomings, but by remaining well-prepared, we can poise ourselves to take on anything, despite our misgivings – Karen Simon
The commercial real estate sector has traditionally been male-dominated. Studies have shown that women make up a relatively small percentage of the industry, particularly in leadership positions. Women face barriers such as lack of mentorship, bias, and lack of access to equal opportunities. Carving out a niche in this male dominated industry is no doubt a commendable feat. Karen Leslie Simon is one of the first women realtors to forge this golden path with her sheer determination, hard work, and passion. Karen entered the commercial real estate market back in 1983, a time when the male-centric rhetoric of the domain kept women realtors largely exclusive to the residential field. However, with her tenacity, zeal, and sheer force of will, Karen became the first female broker to be recognised as the top industrial producer in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
Today, after 30 years of relentless hard work, she is the President and Managing Partner of the Tarrant County office of Emersons Commercial Real Estate, a full-service commercial real estate firm that specialises in property management, leasing, and sales in and around the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
Propelling to Greatness
Great leaders are not born but forged in the fire and rigour of everyday life. For Karen this adage is as true as it gets. Karen’s illustrious commercial real estate career, multiple accolades, and several industry-first badges are all owed to her unwavering spirit and tenacity. Karen started her career working as a teacher for the Tarrant County Community College. After spending 5 years in the position, she decided to shift gears and focus on business rather than education. This shift led her to work as an executive assistant for the Department of Housing and Urban Development for Area 10. Here, she coordinated public relations and intergovernmental relations for the 5-state region.
It was at this time, she happened to stumble upon the opportunity to take the real estate broker’s test and get a sales licence. As per the law, she had to take the test and send in her transcripts for evaluation. However, as per the criteria, Karen was short of 9 classroom hours. As a determined individual, she was not going to let this slight discrepancy come in the way of realising her dreams. Thus, she took a leave of absence from her employer and completed the 9 hours, sat for the exam, and passed it with flying colours – all while managing a home and family. However, this magnificent feat was just the beginning for Karen. Armed with her broker’s licence, Karen entered the real estate market and had a job offer from the Henry S. Miller Company – the largest real estate firm in Texas – all within 6 months!
Chartering a Course for Distinction
While working at the Henry S. Miller Company, Karen had already achieved the distinction of being the first female industrial broker. She founded the industrial department of the Fort Worth office. During her 6-year stint with the 5th largest commercial real estate company, Karen repeatedly won the highest producer position in the industrial department of the firm state wide. This signaled to the fact that there’s no substitute for hard work and determination. Over her initial years in the real estate market, Karen realised that her gender was a double-edged sword. While on one hand it could help her break the glass ceiling and set new records, on the other, the prevailing stereotypes could compromise her credibility. However, at the end of the day, with her performance at the firm, she realised that clients were more interested in what brokers had to offer rather than their genders. Since she was consistently pushing the envelope, Karen managed to forge a pioneering legacy.
I consider myself fortunate for both the opportunities and adversities that came my way. In their own way, they have each moulded me into the person I am today – Karen Simon
After this, Karen went on to establish the R.E Group Advisory Inc., a women and minority-owned real estate company that worked for leasing, sales, and management of property for the Federal government. Next, she headed the industrial division of The Woodmont Company helping the regional firm capture novel opportunities in the real estate market. Starting from 2003, for the next 11 years, Karen worked as the Vice President and Managing Partner at the Bradford Commercial Real Estate Services, while in 2014 she moved to TIG as President and Principal of TIG DFW Metroplex West.
Becoming a Part of the Emersons Team
Karen became a part of the Emersons team back in 2016. Emersons Commercial Real Estate was founded by banker and real estate professional, Richard Webb and CPA and broker, Matthew Price. Both joined hands in 2004 to breathe life into the company that now manages and leases 7 million sq. ft. in the Dallas region. Karen joined the team to assist them in opening and heading a Fort Worth-based Tarrant County office. Soon after her onboarding, the Emersons team further expanded their horizons to manage Kroger real estate nationwide. To effectively handle this huge opportunity, the company partnered with Priority Properties to form 1045, a firm focused on managing around 100 million sq. ft. including Kroger real estate.
Emersons was the perfect choice for Karen as the company’s philosophy clearly coincides with hers- a dignified, transparent, and effective way to achieve tangible results. The comprehensive approach of the company to leasing, property management, and marketing ensures optimum tenant retention to enhance asset values for the client. At Emerson, Karen shoulders the business development responsibility as President and Managing Partner. She manages an experienced and astute team dedicated to property management, leasing, accounting, and consulting that bring the best to the table. Emersons’ edge in the market is defined by its tech-based flexible solutions that can be adapted to fitted varied real estate scenarios. As such, the company covers a broad spectrum of services like property management, asset management, full-service customised accounting, leasing, investment sales, specialty leasing, construction management, and market studies.
Donning the Manager Hat
Apart from managing the Tarrant County team, she also plays an active role in mentoring the team, imparting the knowledge she has amassed over the years. She works relentlessly to ensure that the company’s policies are favourable to the employees and its environment conducive to growth.
Inspiring Others
Truly powerful leaders have the ability to inspire others, not just within the boardroom, but even outside one. Karen’s inspirational story proves that determination and hard work can help one overcome even the most insurmountable odds. As one of the first women in the commercial real estate space, Karen had to overcome several gendered stereotypes. From working extra hard to prove herself to sharpening her skills and abilities, Karen’s mantra has always remained simple – work with all your heart and you will see results.
Learning from the adversities she encountered on her way to success, Karen believes that it’s paramount to focus on the fire you have within yourself. Her fire to establish herself as a credible real estate professional is what drove her to pursue her path, regardless of the many disruptions on it. At the same time, she believes that standing up for yourself is important as it communicates self-belief, an indispensable virtue in a true leader. While it is important to cultivate an extensive reservoir of knowledge, it is equally important to acknowledge your lack of knowledge and have the courage to find out more. This constant quest for education and knowledge is the well-preserved roadmap to success.
Making Success Count
For Karen, success is not just measured in monetary terms. While she agrees that the monetary side of success is important as it helps you remain afloat and pay your bills, there’s an underrated aspect to success. It’s about the satisfaction she still derived from closing a deal after nearly 40 years in the real estate market.
Moreover, she focuses on establishing a clean, dignified, and respectable path to success. Acknowledging this philosophy as a cornerstone of her leadership style, Karen actively seeks to inculcate the same at Emersons Commercial Real Estate. She works relentlessly to ensure a productive work ethic, one that’s characterised by the right work-life balance. Her efforts ensure that the client’s needs are privileged but not at the expense of the team’s familial duties.
Accolades Commemorating Success
With over 30 years of brokerage experience on her ledger and an illustriously specialised career in the sales and leasing of retail, industrial, and land sectors, Karen has received several accolades. Apart from being the top industrial producer in the Dallas region, she was also named as the ‘Business Woman of the Year’ by the Texas Women’s State Chamber of Commerce in 2007, the Most Influential Woman in Texas and One of the Greatest Women of Texas. Consequently, her journey was also featured and celebrated in the Top 100 Magazine’s list of the Top 100 People in Real Estate. Most recently, she was featured on the Marquis Who’s Who of Top Executives List – a biographical volume that recognises only the most notable and prominent execs.
Apart from her role as President and Managing Partner, Karen also serves as a lifetime member of the Urban Land Institute. She also has spent her time between the executive board of the Boys and Girls Club and the advisory board of the Adrian College of the Texas Christian University. As a one of the Chairperson of the Jewel Charity Ball, Karen works to raise money for local children’s hospitals.
The Journey Ahead
Talking about her goals for the new year, Karen says ‘I want to continue to grow the company and nurture my employees, and help women reach their professional goals.’ She hopes to continue on this trajectory to ensure steady returns for agents, owners, and employees while also providing Emersons employees with ample opportunities to explore their potential. While she wishes to consistently stroke the fire of innovation and growth, she is also inclined on preserving her optimum work-life balance which includes spending time with those she loves – her husband, children, grandchildren and little bichon puppy.
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