Elizabeth Mertes

What inspired you to pursue a career in commercial real estate?

I stumbled into commercial real estate by happenstance—starting as an intern while still in school. What began as an unexpected opportunity quickly turned into a passion. Over the past 15 years, I’ve stayed in this industry because it is endlessly engaging. No two days are the same, and the fast-paced, ever-evolving nature keeps me energized.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

The relationships I’ve built—with my team, our tenants, and our trusted vendors—have been the most rewarding aspect of my career. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about fostering strong partnerships and problem-solving together. On a tangible level, I love seeing visible results from my work—whether it’s a well-maintained space or a successful project completion

Have you faced any challenges as a woman in the industry, and how did you overcome them?

Absolutely. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to not take things too personally. In a fast-moving industry where tough decisions are made daily, it’s essential to check your ego at the door, stay confident, and focus on the bigger picture. Recognizing and celebrating successes—both big and small—has also helped me stay motivated and maintain perspective.

What’s one piece of career advice you wish you had received earlier?

When it comes to crisis management, focus on solutions—not blame. It’s easy to get caught up in what went wrong, but true leadership is about pivoting to solutions quickly and working as a team to move forward. Collaboration and problem-solving are far more productive than pointing fingers.

What inspired you to pursue a career in commercial real estate?

I stumbled into commercial real estate by happenstance—starting as an intern while still in school. What began as an unexpected opportunity quickly turned into a passion. Over the past 15 years, I’ve stayed in this industry because it is endlessly engaging. No two days are the same, and the fast-paced, ever-evolving nature keeps me energized.