Women in real estate have long faced challenges such as lack of mentorship, bias, and unequal access to opportunities, leading to their underrepresentation in the industry. Overcoming these obstacles and rising to leadership roles has never been easy. Karen Simon, President and Managing Partner at Emerson’s Commercial Real Estate, navigated even tougher circumstances but overcame them with unwavering dedication and passion, ultimately becoming one of the most empowering women leaders in the industry.
Real Estate Leadership Against the Odds
Resilience and innovation have been the driving forces behind Karen’s career. In the 1980s, she made history as the first woman to lead an industrial and land division at Henry S. Miller, a major real estate firm in Texas. Determined to succeed in the male-dominated world of commercial real estate, she pursued specialized training to deepen her expertise.
In the same decade, Karen seized the opportunity to launch her own firm, The Real Estate Group, capitalizing on government programs designed to support women and minorities. She continued to strengthen her position in the commercial real estate space through leadership roles at the Woodmont Company and the Bradford Company. In 2016, Karen co-founded the Tarrant County office of Emerson’s Commercial Real Estate, which marked a culmination of her extensive experience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Building a Comprehensive Real Estate Career
Karen’s tenure at Bradford marked a pivotal shift in her career. This 12-year experience provided much-needed stability, contrasting with the volatility she encountered in earlier roles. While her time at Miller involved active business development, it ended abruptly. Running her own firm, The Real Estate Group, had its limits, largely due to its focus on government contracts.
However, her work at Bradford gave her a comprehensive commercial real estate experience—managing, selling, leasing, and consulting across various sectors. It was here that Karen truly discovered her passion for the industry, but she still faced the challenge of lacking ownership opportunities, which led her to seek a position with greater influence and decision-making power.
Defying the Odds: A Journey of Perseverance
Karen’s journey began in 1983, a time when women in industrial real estate were rare. Surrounded by men in her classes, she was undeterred and contributed to the formation of the first Tarrant County commercial real estate women’s organization in 1987.
Through her focus on client needs and her relentless work ethic, Karen broke through industry stereotypes. She learned that clients weren’t concerned about her gender—they valued her commitment, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to excellence. Karen’s story proves that hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn can help anyone overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Promoting Gender Diversity in Commercial Real Estate
At Emerson’s Commercial Real Estate, inclusion and diversity are core values. The firm’s leadership team, which includes Karen’s co-partner, reflects its commitment to empowering women and people from all backgrounds. This diversity leads to creative solutions, better decision-making, and superior service for clients.
“It’s not something I have to advocate for—it’s simply how we operate,” Karen says. “Our diverse perspectives make us stronger and more effective.”
A Culture of Empowerment
Emerson’s Commercial Real Estate also recognizes the importance of fostering a supportive, flexible work environment. Even during the pandemic, the firm embraced remote work options for employees who preferred it, offering a balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility. This focus on work-life balance has been essential in empowering team members to succeed.
Gender and Opportunity in Real Estate
Despite the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, the commercial real estate sector has seen a significant rise in female professionals over the past few decades. This shift signals a future where diverse perspectives and expertise will continue to shape the industry.
The Recipe for Success
According to Karen, success in commercial real estate is built on trust and transparency. Acknowledging gaps in knowledge and committing to finding solutions is key. Going above and beyond for clients—whether scheduling weekend tours or taking on extra research—helps build lasting relationships that lead to referrals and growth.
“I think it’s important for both women and men to say, ‘I don’t know the answer to your question, but I’ll find out,’” Karen says. “Recognizing that you can’t be the expert in everything, but being willing to learn, is essential.”
The Role of Technology in Real Estate
While technology has revolutionized the commercial real estate industry, Karen emphasizes that face-to-face interactions are irreplaceable. Digital tools may streamline communication, but nothing beats a personal tour or a meaningful conversation to build rapport and trust with clients. Encouraging younger team members to develop strong interpersonal skills will help foster more engaging client relationships and lead to greater success.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Women Leaders
Karen believes that gender should never be a barrier to success in real estate. Professionalism, respect, and expertise are the true measures of success. By cultivating strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of the market, women can become trusted advisors in today’s competitive real estate landscape.
