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.

Metal Supermarkets to open new store in Olathe

Metal Supermarkets, the world’s largest supplier of small-quantity metals, will open its newest store at 1713 E. 123rd Street in Olathe, Kan. on Monday, September 14, 2020.

Located right next to I-35, the new Olathe store is near major thoroughfares and situated between bustling retail developments and booming industrial businesses. 

Metal Supermarkets Kansas City (Olathe) offers customers instant access to any metal, cut-to-size and ready fast, with no minimum order quantity.

“Our newest location helps extend our footprint throughout the Midwest and it will be the first store in the state of Kansas,” said Stephen Schober, president and CEO of Metal Supermarkets.

Metal Supermarkets serves a wide variety of businesses customers across various industries, including tool and die shops, manufacturers, maintenance managers, fabricators, machine shops, contractors, construction companies, military, education and other government departments; as well as hobbyists, artists and homeowners.

Metal Supermarkets stocks a diverse selection of metal types including hot-rolled steel, cold-rolled steel, stainless steel and aluminum in a wide variety of shapes including bar, tube, sheet, plate and more. The new store also offers value-added services such as production saw-cutting, shearing and same-day delivery.

The new store will be owned by Leith Winsor, who was born and raised in the Kansas City area. After decades of experience in B2B and B2C sales roles, Winsor is adapting his skills to the franchise ownership, focusing his efforts on providing world-class customer service to area businesses and consumers purchasing metal.

“Even with the impact of the pandemic, the industrial manufacturing and metalworking industries in Kansas City haven’t slowed down. We are eager to help local businesses and customers get the metal products they need, when they need them,” said Winsor.

Partners on the building remodel included Manning Construction and Integrated Electric.  Olsson Engineering performed the engineering and architectural inspections. 

The new store will be open Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m; and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Customers in the Kansas City area can call 913-289-0021 or email olathe@metalsupermarkets.com to contact Metal Supermarkets and place an order.

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About Metal Supermarkets: Metal Supermarkets, known worldwide as The Convenience Stores for Metal, is the world’s largest small-quantity metal supplier with more than 95 brick-and-mortar stores across the US, Canada and United Kingdom. It sells a wide variety of metals including Aluminum, Hot-Rolled Steel, Cold-Rolled Steel, Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel, Galvanized Steel, Tool Steel, Brass, Bronze and Copper. Metal Supermarkets offers value-added services such as Production Cutting, Shearing, Punching and more. Its staff are highly specialized and assists customers in finding the metal they need. The franchise owners and their staff are metal experts and have been providing quality customer service and products since 1985.

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.

Westside Flats boutique-style living draws in residents

Westside Flats, one of the latest multifamily additions to KC’s premier downtown, westside neighborhood seems to be a hit with tenants - if its steady-climbing occupancy numbers are any indication.

The EPC Real Estate Group development, which includes 29 high-end apartments that sit above a secure, structured parking garage at the SW corner of 17th and Madison, and four townhomes just to the south, has seamlessly integrated into the existing community, while providing a very “boutique” feel.  

Amenities include an expansive rooftop patio with downtown skyline views, 24 hr-fitness center, streetside patio with communal indoor/outdoor fireplace, secured/covered parking and high-end finishes throughout all units. 

Perhaps the best amenity of all is the convenience of walking only 100 yards to KC staples such as Blue Bird Bistro, The Westside Local, Chez Elle Creperie, Goat Hill Coffee, Los Alamos Market Y Cocina or Fervere. 

“Westside Flats has been such a fun and unique property to be involved in. Nestled in the most perfect location that allows our residents to support local, within a neighborhood just blocks from downtown Kansas City,” said Nicole Yates, market specialist for EPC Real Estate Group.

Another 5-minute walk to the east will put you at a First Friday event in the Crossroads or Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts for a show. 

“The project has been a huge success thus far as we saw immediate demand. Kansas City recognizes the unique lifestyle opportunity at Westside Flats, and consequently we now have a limited number of units remaining. We expect these to go quick,” added Yates.

The multifamily development opened this spring and EPC anticipates it to reach full capacity later this year.

“It has been exciting to see this one come together. With ongoing input/support from the city, neighborhood, and design team (Klover Architects), this has been a true collaborative effort that’s resulted in a great project that we are all extremely proud of,” said Austin Bradley, VP of development for EPC.