This month, Midwest Real Estate News releases its third Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame issue, an issue that profiles 73 of the biggest names in the Midwest’s commercial real estate industry. Here is a look at one of the important CRE professionals featured in this special issue.
Andy Cates Executive vice president, brokerage services Colliers International Memphis
It’s an understatement to say that Andy Cates is busy. The executive vice president of brokerage services with the Memphis office of Colliers International, after all, has during his career completed more than 450 transactions involving more than 45 million square feet since joining Colliers International in 1998.
What is Cates’ secret to thriving in such a competitive industry? He works hard for his clients. He studies his market constantly, always searching for new trends. It helps, too, that he’s an expert negotiator and that he’s honest and ethical.
This might not be revolutionary. But it is a formula for success. And it’s worked for Cates. It’s helped him earn a reputation as one of the top industrial brokers in the Memphis region.
A quick look at Cates’ list of clients tells the tale. He’s served as a consultant for such large national owners as EastGroup Properties, Hillwood, Hollingsworth Capital Partners, Loeb Properties, Robert Pattillo Properties, ProLogis and Panattoni.
And why do these big names keep returning to Cates? They trust him. They trust, too, that he will provide them with the best possible customer service and close for them the best possible deals.
Cates’ official Colliers International bio says it well: “Cates’ comprehensive knowledge of the Memphis industrial market has provided him with solid relationships with local and national owners resulting in successful transactions for his clients.”
Cates’ talents have earned him some of the industry’s top awards. From 2004 through 2011, Cates has earned Pinnacle Awards — given to the area’s top commercial brokers — from the Memphis Association of Realtors. In 2010 and 2011, he earned the Industrial Leasing Tenant Elite Award. In 2006, Cates was selected to Memphis Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 section.
Cates is also active in his community, and has spearheaded the fund-raising efforts for a wide variety of non-profit organizations. Two notable examples include the National MS Society and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
