2016 Women in Real Estate: Kimberly Brennan

Kimberly Brennan, Colliers
International

Name: Kimberly Brennan     

Title: Chief Operating Officer | Tri-State Region

Company Name: Colliers International                 

Email: [email protected]                          

Years in real estate: Over 20 years

Telephone: 212-716-3511

How did you get your start in real estate?

I got my start in the real estate industry by accident. I answered an ad in the paper for a market research coordinator for one of the top CRE companies in New Jersey one summer after I graduated from college and was considering attending law school. I ended up loving the industry and staying in it.

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of?

I am the Vice President of Associate Affairs on the Board for NAIOP NJ. I’m also Co-Chair of Programing and Education for NAIOP NJ. I’m on the Rutgers Real Estate Advisory Board Programming Committee and I’m also a member of CREW NJ and REBNY.   

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of our newly formed Colliers Accelerate program and the recruiting we’ve done within that program over the past year. We have hired a group of young professionals for a training program and implemented an intensive two year training program, not only for this group, but all of our new hires. Due to the heavy managerial involvement and dedication to the program, this team of about 20 brokers has already begun transacting in the market, which is a large accomplishment for brokers in their first year.

What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why?

Taking this job as Chief Operating Officer for Colliers Tri-State last year has been the most recent achievement that has meant most to me. Making the move from being a top executive in NJ to be in the C-suite for Colliers Tri-State has been a huge step up for me, and I’ve enjoyed it immensely. Since coming into this position I’ve also become the executive sponsor for the Colliers National Women’s Initiative, which I was honored to be a part of at our America’s Conference in Washington, D.C. earlier this year.

What have been some of the benefits of being a mentor or having a mentor?

I’ve benefitted from both. Being a mentor has allowed me to give back and help fellow professionals grow throughout their careers. I find mentoring is important to prioritize in my career, just as I’ve had mentors that spent time to help me grow. The process of mentoring plays a large role in helping professionals navigate the politics of an organization, as well as the benefit of growing an individual’s particular strengths and skill set. Our Accelerate program is based on close mentorships that develop between senior leadership, brokers and the brokers in training.

Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why?

My grandfather was a real estate attorney and inspired me to make a difference in the industry. His dedication gave me the idea to dream big of being a leader in real estate. Joe Harbert, Colliers President of the Eastern Region, is also a strong influence to me, and has guided me in my career over the past 20 years. He hired me at ESG back in the early 90s and allowed me not only to run a department, but helped me to realize my managerial dreams and backed up every decision I’ve made. The trust that he has in my instincts has allowed me to rise up and has empowered me. 

What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you?

Everybody is the CEO of themselves and should have good time management. On Sundays, I sit with my laptop and look at my schedule for the week, evaluating priorities, how much time I have between meetings, what I should be working on, etc. Being a mother as well, I know my time is valuable and I make sure that I schedule the time to accomplish what I need to by taking that overall view on Sundays, and sticking to my goals throughout the week. 

What is the best advice you have received and who was it from? 

“Know what you are not, and push to be great at what you’re good at,” Edward Gordon, founder of ESG, used to say. He always pushed us to know where our strengths were and to ask for help and delegate when we needed to.