Dara Elizabeth Rennert, Keller Williams Commercial

Name: Dara Elizabeth Rennert

Title: Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Company Name: Keller Williams Commercial

Email: [email protected]

Years in real estate industry: 6

Telephone: 585-764-3272 (cell)

How did you get your start in real estate?

I actually started in property management and got licensed once I learned it was required to run a legal property management company.

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

I am associated with NYSCAR (New York state commercial association of realtors)and am a current Board of Director, CCIM (certified commercial investment member) candidate

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

I am definitely proudest of my largest transaction, which included 100 residential units and 6 retail spots and 4 offices. Honestly, while size does matter, I am very passionate about helping my clients go from concept inception all the way through opening. I recently had this experience helping a fire fighter achieve his life dream of opening his own running store and I was able to advise him every step of the way.

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

I received an award from NYSCAR in November, 2014 for Deal of the Year. It was for my largest transaction, which had many complications along the way.

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

I am in a primarily residential brokerage. For a long time, I was learning the ropes of Commercial real estate myself. I was blessed to have connected with another agent in Beverly Hills who is my sounding board and my advisor. Gary has always made time for me and I have learned so much for his many years of experience. I have translated that into my professional life and I actively teach classes in my office as well as a guest lecturer at our local licensing board. I always try to emulate Gary and offer people my time and my help.

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

My 5 kids have been the strongest influence in my career. During the last 6 years, they have watched me transition from a full time mother to a full time professional and they have cheered me on the entire ride! I feel like I owe them the lifestyle they deserve and I push past my own mental limits to reach my goals. Last week, I overheard my 14 year old discussing retail leasing rates and common area charges with her friends at the mall! I heard all of my telephone conversations with clients come to life with a group of teenage girls. 

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

The best advice I received professionally was from my Mother. After interviewing at another brokerage, I was very discouraged about the direction I could go as an agent. You see, I wanted to be a commercial realtor, but the broker said that he would only take me as a residential agent because for some reason, a reason he didn’t agree with, women don’t succeed in commercial real estate. If I wanted to go there, it would have to be residential. My mother told me to go after my dreams and not let others dictate my life.

When you launched your business what were some challenges that you experienced?

Typically, Commercial real estate is a male dominated business. It was hard to overcome the mindset that women aren’t strong enough in business and can’t calculate numbers accurately. The other hurdle I had was my age. I was much younger than nearly all other commercial agents and I had to really work hard to build trust and prove myself. Also, there were many events and seminars that I was not able to attend because I had young children.

How did you overcome them?

I overcame other peoples’ mindset by smiling and having positive charisma. The warmer I was, the more receptive they were to doing a deal with me. I used being a woman to my advantage and built a reputation for being honest. I accepted that there were certain things that I could not overcome, but I used my wit to not follow a path but rather create my own.

What was a significant milestone or achievement for your company?

I won the first ever award in upstate NY for commercial real estate. In addition, I was the youngest recipient ever of that award.

What advice would you give to a woman who is planning to launch her own business?

My advice would have to originate with my Mothers...Do what is best for you and don’t let others discourage you. People have a tendency to be negative or judgmental and it can hurt. Block that hurt and know that those around you want you to be happy. If they can’t see your vision, that’s fine. They will see your success! Constantly work on yourself and continuously learn. Those are the seeds for success

How do you empower other women in your workplace?

As an office, we cheer each other on. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by strong and smart women in real estate. We often have roundtable discussions on our success and brainstorm for other ideas. I always try to help women, especially women with small children, because I understand how hard it can be to juggle a business and family. I truly see potential and strong attributes in all of my female coworkers and I am always verbalizing it because I believe it is so important to have positive reinforcement.