Kassie Murphy with Newmark Grubb Zimmer

This week’s MWM Broker Spotlight features Kassie Murphy, associate with Newmark Grubb Zimmer, who specializes in sales and leasing of retail properties in the Kansas City metro and surrounding areas.

RT: What was your lightbulb moment to get into commercial real estate?

I have always been fascinated by the structure and set up of communities, specifically how our communities are built and changed. Commercial real estate has always sparked my interest because you are at the forefront of seeing properties change hands, tenants making moves and ultimately how that shapes the communities we live in.

RT: Who do you mentor?

I enjoy mentoring clients on the process of commercial real estate – whether they are leasing or buying. I also love when I talk with somebody considering starting a new business. Being an entrepreneur myself, it is exciting to talk with like-minded people who are ready to take risks and make big changes. I also enjoy mentoring those that are just starting out in commercial real estate, and am always happy to help in whatever ways I can.

RT: What gets you excited to get to work every day?

I love that every day is different in the brokerage world. I get to talk with a variety of people - from a new business concept, somebody that is just starting to look for their perfect space, or a landlord that is looking to reinvent their shopping center to name a few. I also get excited to learn about new projects, discover new properties and learn about how our city is changing through the commercial real estate world.

RT: What keeps you up at night about commercial real estate?

Questioning the true impacts of COVID-19 on commercial real estate and business in general. I think we will continue to see the impacts, both positive and negative, in the coming months and even years.

RT: When did you get your CCIM/other continuing education and how has it affected your career?

I received my Masters in Entrepreneurial Real Estate from UMKC in 2017. During the program, I was working at Newmark Grubb Zimmer as a property manager. Continuing my education, focused on commercial real estate, it really opened me up to other possibilities within the world of CRE. It also gave me more confidence in my knowledge and abilities that I gained and already had to pursue a different path in commercial real estate.

In addition, I have real world experience of owning a women’s clothing boutique - en·sem·ble in downtown Overland Park (Kan.). Going through the commercial real estate leasing process firsthand in the retail world gives me the ability to relate to tenants who are going through the same process. I am also able to talk about the current environment with COVID-19 and how that has impacted retail.

RT: How do you keep your skills sharp in this competitive climate?

I stay in tune with what is happening in the Kansas City market and beyond through networking groups and events (CREW, ICSC, ULI, etc.), talking with everyone from business/retail owners, landlords, tenants and participating in market update calls, both in the Kansas City market and beyond. Above all, the collaboration between our brokerage team at NGZ has been crucial to not only sharpen my skills, but keep me motivated.

RT: What deal do you wish for in your future portfolio?

I would love to connect with a new retailer/franchisee that sees the opportunity of Kansas City and is looking to grow with multiple locations in the market.

RT: What does a Kansas City CRE Comeback look like you?

I envision commercial real estate, specifically related to the retail sector, seeing a world of retailers recreating themselves to provide an elevated experience to customers. COVID or not, I think customers are asking for more when it comes to shopping and dining. Efficiency, customer service and unique experience are going to be key when it comes to retailers making a comeback. This will inevitably impact the types of deals being made in commercial real estate. I also think we will see more creativity for use of the larger department stores/retailers going dark. Kansas City has always been great at creativity and thinking outside the box – so I am excited to see what the next world of retailers brings to the CRE world!

RT: How can prospects contact you for more information?

I can be reached via my cell phone at 913-424-5418 or by email at kmurphy@ngzimmer.com. I can connect over the phone/via email but also enjoy meeting new prospects in person to really to get to know them!

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Staying true to MetroWire Media’s focus on all things commercial real estate, we have added a new, feature column: MWM's BROKER SPOTLIGHT.

The goal is to provide our readers with direct insight to Kansas City’s brightest, up-and-coming CRE professionals.

Discover the true brains behind the build - including their professional focus, career paths, future plans, goals and more.

Know a broker, developer or other KC CRE pro who deserves to be featured in the MWM Spotlight? Please send details to kcnews@metrowiremedia.com.

What does a Kansas City CRE comeback look like to you?

This week's MWM Broker Spotlight features Logan Rose, who shares his positive perspective, energetic drive and contagious determination as an associate, industrial properties for NAI Heartland.

RT (Rachel Treanor): What does a Kansas City CRE comeback look like to you?

LR (Logan Rose): This year has been a unique challenge for everyone and a year most people would like to forget. Kansas City is full of hard-working and resilient people that can see light at the end of the tunnel. Getting through tough times can open doors to new opportunities.

RT: What was your lightbulb moment to get into commercial real estate?

LR: I came into the CRE world directly out of college, while interviewing and getting a better understanding of what industrial brokerage is all about, I thought my personality traits aligned with what it takes. Having the chance to be a part of a successful industrial team while simultaneously expanding my own brokerage career was appealing to me. I grew up in a commercial construction family, so I was fortunate to have basic knowledge of industrial buildings and their functionality.

RT: Who is your mentor and why?

LR: Russ Pearson and Nathan Anderson at NAI Heartland have served as great mentors to me.  They have taught me the dedication, effort and the attention to detail it requires to be successful in our industry. I continue to learn from them every day – they are excellent teachers.

RT: Who do you mentor?

LR: I mentor my clients on the sales and leasing process and figuring out their true needs in a space. For some of my clients, this is their first-time leasing or purchasing a property and they might have a general idea of what they want, but it’s my job to work out the details and find them a space that will aid in their success.

RT: What gets you excited to get to work every day?

LR: The opportunity to expand my business on a daily basis keeps me excited and motivated. You get out what you put in. Trying to get a little better each day will eventually get me to where I want to be. 

RT: How do you keep your skills sharp in this competitive climate?

LR: The CRE world is certainly a competitive profession. Knowing other young brokers are also trying to advance their careers keeps me motivated to constantly improve and not stay stagnant. Trying to stick to a detailed schedule and plan keeps me sharp.

RT: What deal do you wish for in your future portfolio?

LR: I wouldn’t say I have a specific deal in mind; I’m more interested in continuing to increase the number of transactions I take on. Every deal is different and there is always something you can take away to keep in your tool belt for future use.

RT: What leads do you look for?

LR: My primary areas of focus are Landlord and Tenant representation with regard to leasing, property acquisition and disposition of flex/industrial properties in the KC Metro. I am always looking to make new connections with anyone involved in the CRE world.

RT: How can prospects contact you for more information?

LR: Contact me by email at lrose@nai-heartland.com or by phone at 913-890-2013.

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Staying true to MetroWire Media’s focus on all things commercial real estate, we have added a new, feature column: MWM's BROKER SPOTLIGHT.

The goal is to provide our readers with direct insight to Kansas City’s brightest, up-and-coming CRE professionals.

Discover the true brains behind the build - including their professional focus, career paths, future plans, goals and more.

Know a broker, developer or other KC CRE pro who deserves to be featured in the MWM Spotlight? Please send details to kcnews@metrowiremedia.com.