Karen Simon heads Emersons Commercial Real Estate as President and Managing Partner and is a formidable presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) commercial real estate market, boasting over 27 years of experience and remarkable achievements across various sectors, including office, retail, industrial, and land. Her track record consistently places her among the top achievers, and she has held the distinction of being the top producer at her firm for multiple years. However, her journey into real estate was a unique one.
The zealous leader initially worked as an executive assistant to the regional administrator for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where her responsibilities included handling public relations and intergovernmental relations for region 10, which covered Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. As an employee of HUD, Karen couldn’t hold a real estate salesman’s license at that time, which was prohibited due to potential conflicts of interest.
But, her path took an unexpected turn when she stumbled upon a Texas legislative bill that allowed individuals qualified for a broker’s license to sit for the exam without first obtaining a salesman’s license, provided they received approval from the Texas Real Estate Commission. To Karen’s surprise, she discovered that she had already completed 57 hours of real estate coursework, only three semester hours short is needed. Determined to embrace this opportunity, the zealous leader took a two-week leave of absence, tirelessly attending classes during the day, night, and weekends to fulfill the remaining hours and successfully passed the broker’s exam.
Armed with her broker’s license, Karen’s life took another significant turn at a Christmas party when she met the head of the industrial and land department at Henry S. Miller, the largest real estate company in Texas and the fifth largest in the United States at the time. Sharing her story of acquiring a broker’s license without prior experience sparked further conversations, eventually leading to an offer for the industrious leader to head the industrial and land division of the Miller company in Tarrant County.
Despite her initial reservations about industrial real estate, Karen was encouraged by the belief in her ability to learn, her management skills, and educational background. She became the first woman to lead a commercial department within the Miller company and the first female industrial realtor in Dallas or Tarrant County, breaking barriers and paving the way for women in the industry.
Karen’s inspiring journey continued as she actively participated in the real estate industry, even when she was the sole woman in her first industrial school class. Her role as the first female head of a commercial department at the Miller company was a significant milestone, and she cherished the opportunity to make progress for women in the real estate field. Her extensive career in the real estate business includes specialization in office, retail, industrial, and land sectors, with over 900 transactions to her name, spanning thousands of acres of land and and 6,000,000 square feet of building area.
Her commitment to mentorship and business development shines at Emersons Commercial Real Estate, where she serves as President and Managing Partner. She is actively involved in her community, serving on the Advisory Board of Adrian College of TCU and as a Board Member of Jewel Charity, a fundraiser for Cook Children’s Hospital. For Karen, real estate may not have been her first career choice, but it has unquestionably become her best one.
A Pioneering Force In The Commercial Real Estate Market
Emersons Commercial Real Estate, a pioneering force in the commercial real estate market since its inception in 2004, has been instrumental in reshaping the industry landscape. With an impressive portfolio that now spans over 7 million square feet in the Dallas region and an additional 9,000 square feet of office holdings across the state, the company’s remarkable journey is underpinned by a steadfast commitment to proactive asset management. Its strategic approach minimizes capital expenditures and fosters an environment where investments are optimized to ensure long-term value for clients.
In the increasingly competitive realm of commercial real estate, Emersons stands out as a true leader, distinguishing itself through its hallmark offerings, dedicated customer service, and bespoke solutions. Renowned as the go-to expert in commercial real estate (CRE), the company sets the bar high by leveraging comprehensive market studies to tap into the ever-evolving pulse of the industry. Furthermore, its mastery of cutting-edge technology tools, coupled with the latest market insights, empowers clients to make informed, data-driven decisions.
Emersons’ ability to stay ahead of the curve and provide unmatched value to their clients hinges on their unique blend of expertise and innovation. It is not just a real estate company; it is a strategic partner that equips clients with the tools needed to thrive in today’s dynamic commercial real estate landscape. With a focus on reducing expenses and improving overall efficiency, Emersons has truly redefined the rules of engagement in the CRE industry, setting a new standard for success and delivering tangible benefits to their clients.
Offering Comprehensive Commercial Real Estate Service
Emersons provides a wide range of commercial real estate services that encompass all aspects. This extensive service portfolio guarantees that clients collaborating with Emersons won’t need to seek additional assistance elsewhere.
●Property Management – Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Emersons seamlessly combines leasing, maintenance, and capital improvements, all while prioritizing robust tenant relationships. These integrations are designed to provide clients with data-driven planning opportunities, enhancing their asset values.
●Full-Service Customised Accounting – Full-service accounting services are an integral component of the services offered by Emersons. Clients have the option to either fully embrace these services or enhance the capabilities of their in-house accounting team.
●Asset Management -Every asset management strategy is carefully tailored to align with the client’s objectives and goals, while also adhering to state laws. Simultaneously, these strategies are focused on coordinating activities that contribute towards tenant retention and maximising NOI.
●Investment Sales – Due to Emersons’ extensive network of both individual and institutional investors, along with their well-established history of achieving success, clients can expect to maximize the value of their acquisition or sale. Whether they are looking to sell a property or make a purchase, Emersons ensures that they receive the appropriate support.
●Construction Management -Building a brand-new property can pose a challenging endeavor, but Emersons aims to streamline the procedure by overseeing it comprehensively, from the start to finish.
Memorable Milestones
▪ Pioneered as the first woman in Tarrant County to practice industrial real estate, making significant strides in a traditionally male-dominated field.
▪ Secured the distinction of being the first female broker to achieve the title of the highest industrial producer in the competitive Dallas/Fort Worth area during her tenure with Henry S. Miller.
▪ Recognized as an authoritative voice in real estate, sought out by national real estate publications and local business papers for her expertise and insights.
▪ Honored by The Business Press as part of its “Who’s Who in Business” section, acknowledging her as a Decision Maker and Heavy Hitter in Tarrant County.
▪ Twice nominated for the Fort Worth Star Telegram’s Newsmaker Award for Civic Involvement, showcasing her commitment to community engagement.
▪ Ranked #4 Heavy Hitter in land brokerage by the Dallas Business Journal, a testament to her exceptional contributions in the field.
▪ Recognized as one of the Great Women of Texas in 2001, highlighting her influential role and lasting impact.
▪ Crowned “Business Woman of the Year” in 2007 by the Texas Women’s Chamber of Commerce, a testament to her significant contributions.
▪ Honored in 2011 as one of the most influential women in Texas by the National Diversity Council, further underscoring her industry-wide impact and leadership
Emphasizes the Importance of Knowledge, Customer Focus, and Mentorship
Karen’s approach to corporate success in the real estate industry is crystal clear: information is key. She underscores the importance of having a comprehensive understanding of various factors, including the properties in question and the lay of the land in specific regions. But it doesn’t stop there; she insists that knowing your customers’ needs is paramount. Sharing this knowledge is just as critical, and the industrious leader urges folks to dedicate time and effort to help others by answering questions and offering advice. Karen advocates for direct communication with clients and colleagues, valuing face-to-face interactions over digital methods.
Moreover, her dedication to mentoring young individuals, especially aspiring women in commercial real estate is inspiring. Her mission is rooted in providing the guidance she wished she had received, ensuring that others have the support needed to overcome obstacles and thrive in the industry.
Words of Wisdom for Success
Success is important for Karen, but she also points out that it can be measured in different ways. According to her, it’s not just about financial stability but also finding joy in your work and experiencing a deep sense of personal fulfillment. What sets her apart is her belief that success shouldn’t come at the expense of others; she advocates for making things happen without disadvantaging anyone involved.
For aspiring businesswomen, Karen’s advice is simple yet powerful: prioritize education and knowledge. Being the best-educated version of oneself is key, and she encourages embracing the honesty of not knowing everything but having the courage to seek answers. In a world often driven by cutthroat competition, Karen’s philosophy stands out as a beacon of ethical and fulfilling success, reminding us all that achievement can be meaningful and considerate.
