Kathryn Sugrue is an investment analyst with Mid-America Real Estate’s shopping center investment sales group. She is responsible for preparing comprehensive investment sales offering materials, providing due diligence support, compiling property and investor research and generating financials.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up, where did you go to school?
I grew up on the northwest side of Chicago and attended Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois for high school. I received my bachelor of science degree in real estate and marketing from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
When you were young, what did you aspire to be?
I wanted to be a teacher and quickly learned my freshman year of college that education was not the right career path for me.
How did you get your start in the industry?
Throughout my time at Marquette I attended as many industry events as possible through Marquette’s real estate club. Prior to Eisenberg Career Day, real estate club participated in a walking tour of Michigan Avenue with Michelle Panovich at Mid-America. I enjoyed the tour and kept in touch with Michelle. Fast forward a year and I reached out to Michelle regarding an open assistant asset manager position at Mid-America. Shortly after I graduated, I began my career at Mid-America.
Did you have a mentor who helped you get on your feet, or is there someone you turn to now for support?
I am lucky to have two amazing mentors.Andy Hunt, Center for Real Estate director at Marquette University, and Michelle Panovich, principal at Mid-America, have both been extremely monumental throughout my career. Andy and Michelle have supported, mentored, encouraged and pushed me to always try my best, ask questions and learn from my experiences.
What does a day in the life of Kathryn Sugrue look like?
It’s hard to say what a day looks like, as each day is so different. I typically start each morning going over my to do list of items, which I would like to tackle that day. Once I know what is on the agenda, I like to get an early start at work whether it be writing OM text, working on a BOV, modeling financials in Argus or working through questions with clients. Each day is different and I’m always switching gears in order to reprioritize tasks throughout the day.
What do you like most about your job?
I love being able to work with a team of experienced brokers on a variety of retail shopping centers. No two deals are the same, which allows me to learn something new from every deal.
Looking to the future, what do you hope to achieve/work on that you haven’t already?
I hope to transition from my current role into an investment sales broker.
How do you spend your time away from the office?
I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and family, listening to audiobooks and serving on Marquette’s REALM (Real Estate Alumni Marquette) and Advisory boards.
What is your favorite place that you have traveled to? Where do you hope to go next?
It’s hard to pick just one favorite place. A few years ago, I spent several weeks in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, which was a trip of a lifetime! This year I have plans to travel to Hawaii and Costa Rica, COVID-19 permitting
Who would you like to see answer these questions?
Tyrell McGee (Newmark), Meg Murphy (Key Bank) and Charlie Hauser (BMO Harris).