Each year, Midwest Real Estate News elects a new class into its Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. Here is a look at one of our newest members, Brad Ashley, managing director of property and facilities management at Kansas City, Missouri-based Newmark Zimmer.
Numbers can tell a compelling story. And for Brad Ashley, Managing Director of Property and Facilities Management at Kansas City’s Newmark Zimmer, the numbers are especially strong.
Consider 15 million. Ashley today leads a team at Newmark Zimmer that maintains more than 15 million square feet of office, industrial, retail, non-profit and corporate headquarters property in the greater Kansas City market.
Another impressive number? During the last four years, Ashley and his team have doubled the square footage under management at Newmark Zimmer.
When asked what he enjoys most about the commercial real estate business, Ashley says: “Building relationships with tenants and clients and solving complex real estate management challenges while delivering great outcomes for all stakeholders.”
Another reason for the team’s success can be traced to Ashley’s creative vision. During his career of more than 20 years, Ashley has developed into a top problem-solver. He’s willing to embrace innovative ideas, something that has led to the best possible outcomes for both property owners and the tenants who occupy these buildings.
The combination of Ashley’s background in asset management, construction, project supervision and budgeting and his creativity has helped Ashley and his team build a loyal roster of satisfied clients. All members of Ashley’s team focus on providing the best experiences for clients. That’s because Ashley takes time to mentor his team members. These members understand the importance of managing expenses proactively, which helps maximize the return on clients’ investments, and promptly responding to tenant concerns. Positive tenant-owner relationships are a priority for Ashley and his team.
“Earlier in my career, my abilities to organize, problem-solve and build relationships to correct property challenges was critical,” Ashley said. “Now my time is spent recruiting, developing and growing a strong property management team.”
Ashley is active in the local real estate industry. He volunteers with student outreach at the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, seeking to share his experience and develop individuals with an interest in commercial real estate management. He is a frequent presenter at industry conferences and has been recognized as Certified Property Manager (CPM) of the Year by IREM’s Kansas City chapter. He is a member of the Academy of Authors through IREM’s Journal of Property Management.
Last year, Ashley was a keynote speaker at the REALTOR’s C5 event in New York City, where he presented the “Making the Deal — How Owners, Brokers and Property Managers Can Collaborate for a Successful Lease Transaction” session. More than 400 participants attended this event.
In his spare time, Ashley enjoys being with his wife and two children, often coaching their sports teams. In the fall, he enjoys hunting wild birds in western Kansas. In the winter, you might find him in the mountains of the western United States skiing with friends.