Ken Ashley
@kenashley
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ATL-based tenant rep broker with over $3.6 billion in lease volume represented. I help corporations make excellent leasing decisions. Founder @creisummit
Atlanta, y'all
Joined March 2009
Before I go to a business dinner, I pull up the menu and make my selections in advance. At the meal, I stare at the menu like everyone else, but I am thinking about the conversation. not the food. Head in the game.
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How it started:. An industrial broker, valeting cars at night, with a pregnant wife. Super stress. I couldn't sleep at night. How it's going: . 29 years @CushWake and very happy with my platform. Now office and industrial. I'm ambidextrous :) . My oldest son is now married, a
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When you make the sale, leave. Walk out of the meeting, leave the video call or hang up the phone. Be friendly about it, of course, but everything you say after "yes" can lead to an eventual "no.". When they agree, don't give them any reason to disagree going forward.
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I told my wife I accepted a commission only commercial real estate job. Then she told me she was pregnant with our first. I became a stress monkey and busted it! 25 year later my wonderful son is graduated college and working in. commercial real estate.
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I have a confession. I've been in commercial real estate for 3 decades. Put 4 kids through school and fed my family. And I don't play golf.
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I work as an office broker. I'm having the best year of my career. How's that for a counter-narrative?.
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If you are under 30 and you’re in the commercial real estate brokerage business know that the cycle will turn. The hard work you’re putting in today will absolutely pay off as soon as things improve. Hang in there, my young friends.
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Young people in commercial real estate. and in commission heavy or commission only comp. It's OK to get a second job. Do not be afraid if "they" see you waiting tables or parking cars etc. Do you what you need to do to make it happen. I was terrified of this (being.
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Young people. Senior brokers will meet with you. But do not:. 1) Ask to "pick our brains." (ugh).2) Email on Sunday morning. (ugh).3) Propose a meeting time 24 hours out. (what?). You mean well, but know that your meeting is a "net give" resulting in zero revenue for the.
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I wake up unemployed every morning - and I have each and every business day for decades. I work as a commercial real estate tenant rep. My boss is myself and the boss has a strong drive to succeed and serve clients. But you have to get hired before you can help clients!. I have.
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Nick thanks for having me to your awesome tailgate! Great to see your crew! . Go Dogs!. @sweatystartup
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I have been a commission only tenant rep for 28 years. I still wake up unemployed every morning. The fire is in my belly to make it happen every day.
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Pardon the interruption. Aren't we supposed to be in a recession now?. Stores - full.Restaurants - slammed.Roads - jammed. Just wondering.
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In commercial real estate I believe your success is directly correlated to your ability to handle failure and rejection. It takes me 24 hours to process a major loss (say from a pitch) then I move on with a smile. Live to fight another day.
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I was young in my career and as I was leaving a voice mail for a prospect a senior broker walked by and stopped to listen to me. After I hung up, I looked his way and he was shaking his head. "What?" I said. "If you want your call returned, speak slowly, clearly and leave.
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Just had a really cool experience. On my recent @delta flight, I bumped into Martin Luther King III and his wife Arndrea Waters King. Martin told me they were working on plans for his dad‘s hundredth birthday in five years. They’re also working on a major new peace initiative.
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I married Karen on a beautiful day 32 years ago today. She’s been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. We are partners in all things and I’m so happy I get to live life with her. We’ve raised four kids together and somehow navigated my commercial real estate career. I
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If you are under 30 and you’re in the commercial real estate brokerage business know that the cycle will turn. The hard work you’re putting in today will absolutely pay off as soon as things improve. Hang in there, my young friends.
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My son Noah gets married today near Athens, Ga. We are excited to welcome the beautiful and talented Priscilla to our family. Big day for me and @AshleyMusicMom !.
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I walked into an airport store today. Bought a water. I said hello to the clerk and made a small joke. She smiled a beautiful small and put her hand over her heart. She said “thank you for talking to me. I see many people but they don’t see me.” Just a small kindness got returned.
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Please. Put your cellphone number in your email address block. Thank you.
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I've been fully digital on business cards for almost 5 years now. But I'm thinking about going back to physical cards. Could help folks remember me when they pull them out later. What do you think?.
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If things are tough financially now and you are a real estate broker, there is no shame in getting a job. Drive Uber, park cars, do what it takes. You got this.
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Hey guys!!! My Daughter Anna made it to Carnegie Hall. Proud Dad!
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My Mom used to call me at work and ask for help with menial things like changing the light bulb in the basement. We are all busy. I would grit my teeth and make it happen. Mom's gone 7 years now. I would do anything to be able to change another light bulb for her.
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Social media is a waste of time. They said. Well, I'm trundling off to NYC to the X Gala hosted by @BobKnakal and @realEstateTrent . Attending a black tie with top thought leaders globally in digital marketing. I'll take it!. And #ReTwit rocks in SO many ways!. cc @creisummit.
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I recently spent time with two top producers in my industry who have to make $4 million a year to support their lifestyle. They reported the pressure is huge. You can outspend any income.
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Tenant reps- I firmly believe we need to read and advise our clients on leases. No, we cannot practice law. But I think we have a professional obligation to let our client (and their attorney) know what is market and what is not. Agree or disagree?.
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A few months back I got a DM here from someone (you know who you are). They asked for an evaluation on 2 very large land tracts. Listed one last week and it will sell soon. tons of activity. Listing the other one in January. Fees will be HUGE. Twitter does work! Thank you Mr.
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He’s a gentleman, a scholar, and a connoisseur of fine whisky ! Oh, and he holds the X Gala every year. And a huge celebrity @icsc - @realEstateTrent !
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Noah Ashley is married to Priscilla Clark! @AshleyMusicMom and I couldn’t be happier with the couple or the wedding! The ceremony was sacred and beautiful and the party was SO much fun! We are very happy and grateful parents today. Noah and Priscilla, what are you doing next
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I collect no's for a living. No, we can't make that deal. No, we already have a tenant rep. No, I hired my brother in law, the house agent instead. But, the yes's I get make me and my company ALOT of money. Push for the no. Then you fill find you only new a few yes's to rock!.
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You're a tenant rep doing business development. This is for you:. Two psychological “helps” when making calls. First, you have the privilege of having the best job in the world and you get to make calls and do deals for a living. You do not work in a salt mine. Secondly, I.
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I have a little secret to share. I’m in commercial real estate and I don’t play golf. Shhhhhh.
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I had a wonderful visit for the first time IRL with the amazing @gas_biz !. As I was on my way to our breakfast, I celebrated by pumping gas! . Chris, thanks for breakfast and for your wonderful hospitality. This will be the first of many!
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Social media is a waste and Twitter is a time waster. Social media is bad for you. They said. Welcome to social media friends IRL. #ReTwit Burge 2024. PULL!. Long live Twitter and the @creisummit community. Onwards!!
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My wife and I raised four (wonderful) kids. Many times we worked harder on the weekend with kids stuff than with work stuff during the week. If you are in this stage, love your spouse and hang in there. You're margin in life WILL improve when the kids get older.
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Please meet the newest #CREiMovement Twitter list makers! Congrats to all who made the list. If you know of someone who you think should be included, please nominate them! Thanks @MrsSarahMalcolm & @Nluczyszyn for helping create the list! @creisummit .
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If you are under 30 and you’re in the commercial real estate brokerage business know that the cycle will turn. The hard work you’re putting in today will absolutely pay off as soon as things improve. Hang in there, my young friends.
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For those in commercial real estate, how did you first find out about your current career?. I met a tenant rep named Brad Smith who was a friend of my father. Brad took me to breakfast and unpacked his world. That meal changed my life. I will be forever thankful to Brad.
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I mean, what's better than having your boy graduate college with a 3.91! Real Estate and Finance from @universityofga . Super proud and know the future is BRIGHT for Noah Ashley! Cc @AshleyMusicMom
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Honored to be asked to join and write for I've been a reader since I was 16 and this is a dream come true! #CRE
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From an analysis the @cushwake did of over 5 Billion square feet of office: The data shows conclusively that demand for office space is highly trifurcated:. The Top: Office buildings built in the past eight years that offer trophy building experiences have registered over 100.
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Look who made the top 10! Yahoo! @natalie_CRE10X @FlannCasey @mbalexan @CoyDavidsonCRE @Michael_MBA @ALSWharton @twilbert @dayharrison @MarkToro @andrewbermudez #CREi #CREfam.
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I met the CEO of one of the largest office REITS in the US. He was super positive on the Class A office market. He said, "In the past 24 hours, 2 customers in different cities have called. They where planning to cut their space by 50%. They now want ALL their space in a.
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Just saw mid 30s guy in the elevator wearing a tie. We chatted about it. He said he wore a tie because that’s what his bosses did. He also said he came in the office because that’s what his bosses did. I bet we’ll see a lot more of this.
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TWO Twitter rock stars IRL. How lucky am I! @skylarromines and @TeamHerrold !. @ICSC makes world collide!
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It's Christmas Eve. Well, not literally. But the first wave of travelers to @creisummit arrives tomorrow with everyone else coming in Wednesday. I'm very thankful to the 28 volunteers who leaned in and worked so hard to make this event happen. It will be epic!.
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When I first got into the CRE business, another young broker got hired on a nice, but highly competed tenant rep assignment. He was very excited and went to a cocktail party that night. He bragged about his big win to a girl he met there trying to impress her. She was the
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Rest in peace, Dikembe. The world is better because you walked through it. You were a gentle giant loved by all.
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I work as a leasing broker, and I don't get LOI's signed. They are not binding in the US. Instead, I go to lease and treat the LOI as a terms sheet. What's your approach?.
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I can tell a lot about your risk profile with one data point. Do you have a case on your phone or not?.
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In commercial real estate I believe your success is directly correlated to your ability to handle failure and rejection. It takes me 24 hours to process a major loss (say from a pitch) then I move on with a smile. Live to fight another day.
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I don't know who needs to hear this. But the sky is NOT falling. We will make it through the economic rapids and be fine on the other side.
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A Few Thoughts on Driving Tenant Rep Business Development Success in CRE. Select a market. This can be an area of a city (submarket), but it can also be a vertical like law firms. Less is more, more or less and focus will make you a lot more money than being a generalist. Become.
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I work at a big brokerage house. I say a thing or two in social media about CRE. My shop supports me and I support the shop's brand. I am very grateful for the support. Business is a two way street.
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I'm looking to create a "tech stack" for CRE professionals. Would be thankful for your recommendation of apps etc to include!. What rocks your world from a technology perspective?.
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We can text. We can email. But I would really prefer a phone conversation. Or better yet, meeting in person is always amazing.
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Checking at the famous Map Room. Bob is 15 for 15 on pitches in this room. Amazing
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Long time relationship real estate director called just now. Ken, can you help me with a 150,000 square foot office requirement in <city> in Europe?. Why yes, yes I can!. Remarkable to see the fruits of long terms BD come to harvest!. Let's GO!.
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It’s the hands you shake not the grades you make that will make you successful in life.
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My 4 children are all in their 20's now. Watching them succeed in their own way is one of the great joys in my life.
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What a terrific honor to visit the mensch @ShlomoChopp in his offices. He’s such an important part of the @creisummit community! Ladies and gents- from this seat BIG deal happen and markets are moved!
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One of my life rules. never pass a lemonade stand. no matter how much of a hurry I’m in I’ll always stop and support young entrepreneurs.
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When I was a young broker, all I wanted to do was sit in my senior broker's office and listen to him talk. I still remember (and use) the phrases he used.
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I have been a commission only tenant rep for 29 years. I still wake up unemployed every morning. The fire is in my belly to make it happen every day.
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This behavior in public drives me bonkers. If security lines and flight delays weren’t enough, there’s a new scourge facing holiday travelers: a surge of people who think it’s OK to have phone conversations on speaker.
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I saw the maintenance man in our building today. I asked him "how are things going?" He had the best answer I've heard so far… "Ken, we are one day closer to normal." #wisdom #staypositive.
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Three New York Real estate legends and me @CoryZelnik @BobKnakal @realEstateTrent . Hi y’all!. #realestateprom
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I'm very excited to announce a new list from #CREiMovement - (Commercial Real Estate Influencers). This list is special as it identifies 51 amazing women who are leading and changing our industry. Bravo to these women! @creisummit .
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People have been posting their impressions here on X. I'm at 4.5 million in the past 12 months which is unbelievable to me. But more important are the friends I've made and relationships grown IRL. This platform is wild, but the people in ReTwit are solid gold. I'm so.
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In commercial real estate I believe your success is directly correlated to your ability to handle failure and rejection. It takes me 24 hours to process a major loss (say from a pitch) then I move on with a smile. Live to fight another day.
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My biggest X post ever with over 380,000 engagements is not my writing, wit or wisdom. Nope. It's a picture of a projector from the 1980's. So, I've got that going for me. Which is nice.
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Young people in commercial real estate brokerage:. You are starting at the right time of the cycle. I'd rather you start at the bottom and ride things up. Than start at the top and ride them down. Get after it!.
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I work as an office broker. I am having a terrific year. How's that for a counter-narrative?.
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I believe in capitalism! I also believe reports of commercial real estate's demise are greatly exaggerated. Prepare for the phoenix-like rise of #CRE, as it reinvents itself in response to a new era. The future isn't all remote, it's flexible. Brace for the rebound, it's coming.
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If your commercial brokerage business is a little slow now, worry not. People are getting ready to go crazy in 2025!. Get ready to supercharge your success next year!.
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The office sector is like retail in 2017. The predictions of it's demise continue. But retail is alive and well. And so will office in the next several years. Watch.
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Super pumped about the #CREi list. Thanks to @TheWilbertGroup and @stevefennessy for all your help in making this a reality.
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Friend of mine in his early 60's sold almost all his possessions and moved with his wife to a houseboat in Florida. "No body want's your stuff," he said. "You gotta untangle your love affair with possession as soon as you can.". "Everything I own fits in 4 boxes and I feel.
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I enjoy X accounts that follow about as many people as follow them. We are all in this together. Following back is a great sign of respect.
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Lunch with the CFO of a major publicly traded company with many billions in revenue (you know who you are:)). First thing he says is that he enjoys my Twitter feed. Made my day and my entire week. Thank you, Mr. Big CFO!.
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