In the dynamic world of commercial real estate, where deals are forged, empires are built, and fortunes are made, Karen Leslie Simon stands tall as a formidable force. As the President and Managing Partner of Emersons Commercial Real Estate Tarrant County Division, she has not only carved a niche for herself but has also redefined the industry standards.
Shattered Glass Ceilings in Texas Real Estate
Karen was an executive assistant at HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development), managing public and intergovernmental relations across Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. As a HUD employee, she was barred from holding a real estate sales license due to potential conflicts of interest. However, a Texas bill allowing qualified candidates to take the broker’s exam without a sales license caught her attention. Realizing she was just three hours short of the required coursework, Karen took a two-week leave, completed her classes, and passed the broker’s exam.
Six months later, at a Christmas party, the diligent leader met a department head from the Henry S. Miller company, Texas’s largest real estate firm. Her story of earning a broker’s license intrigued him, leading to a job offer to head the industrial and land division in Tarrant County. Though initially hesitant about her lack of real estate experience, he reassured her, seeing potential in her management skills. Karen accepted the offer, becoming the first woman to lead a commercial division at the company and the first female industrial realtor in Dallas and Tarrant County.
Today, by leveraging her expertise in leasing and sales across retail, office, industrial, and land sectors, Karen has managed over 900 transactions, totaling more than six million square feet. Her role at Emersons includes business development for Tarrant County, and she brings over 30 years of experience to her leadership.
The diligent leader has earned numerous accolades, such as ‘Business Woman of the Year’ by the Texas Women’s Chamber of Commerce, ‘Most Influential Woman in Texas,’ and ‘One of the Greatest Women of Texas.’ Her career was also featured in Top 100 Magazine and Marquis Who’s Who of Top Executives. In addition to her role at Emersons, Karen mentors colleagues, served on the Advisory Board at TCU’s Adrian College, and designs custom jewelry.
Comprehensive Offerings and Nationwide Expansion
Emersons offers a comprehensive range of commercial real estate services, ensuring clients can find all the assistance they need in one place. Its property management integrates leasing, maintenance, and capital improvements while prioritizing tenant relations and data-driven asset value planning. The firm provides full-service customized accounting, allowing clients to enhance their own accounting capabilities. Asset management strategies are tailored to align with client goals and state compliance, focusing on tenant retention and maximizing net operating income.
Emersons also excels in investment sales, leveraging a vast network to maximize acquisition and sale value. Its construction management simplifies the development process, while its leasing services enhance value and tenant retention through an integrated marketing strategy. The Specialty Leasing program takes full control of leasing aspects, ensuring a worry-free experience for clients.
Recently, Emersons acquired a 50% stake in 1045, a company focused on managing Kroger Real Estate’s extensive portfolio, which includes about 2,800 properties totaling over 80 million square feet. This partnership has helped Emersons attract additional clients seeking professional property management.
The firm also broadened its reach with 1045 establishing smaller offices nationwide, including locations in Cincinnati and St. Louis. Two years ago, Emersons’ parent company leaders collaborated with Priority Properties and the former head of Kroger Real Estate to create a real estate investment trust (REIT) called Essential Growth Properties. The first fund for the REIT raised $50 million, while a second fund, valued at $100 million, is currently 70% subscribed. These funds focus on acquiring stable shopping centers anchored by grocery stores, offering investors an 8% preferred return.
Deliver Unmatched Service with a Client-First Philosophy
Under the exemplary leadership of Karen, Emersons follows a client-centric strategy that prioritizes customer needs above all else. While aiming for financial success, their main focus remains on serving clients, as evidenced by their practice of ensuring timely invoice payments before receiving personal compensation.
The firm’s core values are built on integrity and a strong work ethic, fostering trust through honesty in all operations. The Emersons team is dedicated to making necessary sacrifices for success, even if it means working outside traditional hours to accommodate client needs. They are committed to going the extra mile to deliver exceptional service, whether it’s showing properties or meeting clients on weekends.
Pioneering Role for Women in Real Estate
Karen reflects on her journey in commercial real estate, noting that when she started, there were few female role models in the industry. Despite this, she became the first woman to lead a department at Henry S Miller and the first female industrial realtor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 1983. While she initially drew inspiration from women in other industries, she observed that in the years following her entry, more women began to emerge as leaders, particularly in property management and retail within commercial real estate.
Karen’s Definition of Success
When asked to share her personal definition of success, Karen emphasized that recognition from others as an inspiration or trendsetter is deeply gratifying. While monetary achievement is one measure of success, she believes that respect and recognition from peers are equally important. The diligent leader highlights that success can be defined through various levels, but the recognition and respect from others stand out as key indicators.
Balancing Work and Family
For Karen, the best way to deal with and maintain a work-life balance by sometimes bringing her dog, Spencer, to work, whom she affectionately calls her “at-home child” since her other children are adults. She emphasizes her dedication to working long hours and even weekends when necessary, highlighting the need to balance her family responsibilities with client demands. Spencer plays a crucial role in helping her maintain this balance.
From Doubts to Blessings
Karen reflects on her academic and career journey, sharing that she often felt uncomfortable and struggled with her role as a parent. She married at 19 and became a mother at 21, which made it difficult for her to find a balance between her personal and professional life. Despite her initial doubts, she believes she raised two well-educated sons and maintains a positive relationship with them. Looking back, she feels grateful for her blessings and cherishes her six grandchildren. The diligent leader emphasizes the importance of loving her children while also enjoying their company as friends, stating that she would gladly welcome all her children and grandchildren back into her life.
Beyond the Boardroom
While Karen is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the professional realm, she is also a well-rounded individual with a passion for giving back to the community. She actively supports various charitable organizations, dedicating her time and resources to causes that are close to her heart. Her philanthropic endeavors reflect her belief in the power of compassion and the importance of making a difference in the lives of others.
In addition to her professional and philanthropic pursuits, Karen enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She finds solace in nature, often exploring the great outdoors and appreciating the beauty of the world around her.