Success in commercial real estate isn’t just about numbers—it’s about vision, tenacity, and the courage to challenge the status quo. Karen Simon embodies all three. As President and Managing Partner of Emersons Commercial Real Estate, she doesn’t just oversee transactions; she shapes the landscape of Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond.
With over 30 years in the industry and a portfolio that includes more than 2,000 transactions spanning thousands of acres and six million square feet, Karen’s impact is undeniable. She leads the charge in office, retail, industrial, and land sectors, driving leasing and sales while spearheading marketing across multiple counties. Under her leadership, Emersons has expanded its reach, managing over seven million square feet in Dallas and 100 million nationwide, including all Kroger Real Estate holdings.
Karen’s career didn’t start with a bang—it started with an explosion. In 1982, she joined Henry S. Miller, the largest real estate company in Texas at the time. Within six years, she had shattered expectations, becoming the first female broker to be named the highest industrial producer in Dallas-Fort Worth. She didn’t just enter a male-dominated industry—she rewrote the playbook.
From establishing new offices for Bradford Company and TIG to launching Emersons Tarrant County in 2016, Karen has consistently broken barriers and built legacies. As the first female industrial realtor in Dallas and Tarrant Counties, she transformed challenges into stepping stones and continues to pioneer growth, leadership, and innovation in commercial real estate.
A Legacy in Commercial Real Estate
Founded in 2004 by Richard Webb and Matt Price, Emersons Commercial Real Estate has grown into a leading force in the industry. Karen joined their attention around 2016, and that same year, Emersons expanded by opening its Fort Worth/Tarrant County office to better serve the region.
In 2019, Emersons formed a strategic partnership with Priority Properties, a St. Louis-based company, leading to the creation of a dedicated management company. This entity operates as an offshoot of Emersons but focuses exclusively on property management, overseeing all Kroger real estate nationwide.
Beyond management, Emersons remains a full-service commercial real estate firm, specializing in brokerage, leasing, consulting, and property management. The company currently manages and leases approximately 7 million square feet, primarily in Texas.
As the Managing Partner for Emersons Fort Worth/Tarrant County, Karen focuses on leasing, sales, and consulting. While property management is a core function of the firm, Karen’s role is dedicated to real estate transactions and strategic advisory services, ensuring clients receive expert guidance in navigating the market.
Journey in Commercial Real Estate
With over eight years at Emersons Commercial Real Estate, Karen has played a pivotal role in the firm’s growth and success. As a seasoned leader in the industry, she has worked with and managed several commercial real estate firms, bringing extensive expertise to every role.
Before joining Emersons, Karen established and managed the Tarrant County office of The Bradford Company, a Dallas-based real estate firm, where she successfully led operations for 12 years. She also spent two years managing the offices of TIG before forming a partnership with Emersons—a company she describes as a growing, dynamic, and highly positive organization.
Karen’s career in real estate began with the Henry S. Miller Company, where she headed the Industrial and Land Division. At the time, Henry S. Miller was the fifth-largest real estate company in the U.S. and the largest in Texas.
Throughout her career, Karen has worked with and led multiple top-tier firms, leveraging her experience to drive business growth and real estate success across the industry.
Perspective on Success
For Karen, success is deeply rooted in satisfaction—both in the quality of work delivered and in meeting the needs of clients. “If you can enjoy what you’re doing, sustain yourself, and fulfill the commitments you’ve made to your clients, then you’ve been successful,” she shares.
She believes that true success is not just about closing deals but about building lasting relationships and delivering real value. A fulfilling career comes from doing meaningful work, staying committed to excellence, and finding joy in the process.
The CEO’s Role in Business Strategy
Karen believes that a CEO must be deeply engaged in business strategy to effectively guide their team and ensure both productivity and client success. “You have to lead the people you work with in a direction that is both productive for the company and beneficial for your clients,” she explains.
For her, strategic leadership isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about aligning vision, fostering collaboration, and making decisions that drive sustainable growth. A strong CEO doesn’t just oversee operations but actively shapes the path forward, ensuring long-term success for both the organization and its stakeholders.
Supporting Young Women Leaders & Building High-Performing Teams
Karen believes that empowering young women leaders starts with providing them a clear pathway to success on their own terms. While teamwork and collaboration are essential, she emphasizes the importance of allowing individuals to define and achieve their own goals—whether financial success, professional growth, or industry recognition.
“I think it’s important to give everyone the opportunity to carve out their own niche,” Karen explains. “They need to determine where they want to be in order to feel successful.”
Karen has seen firsthand how women thrive when they are encouraged to take ownership of their careers while also being part of a supportive and goal-driven team. During her leadership at Emersons Commercial Real Estate, she has actively mentored and guided professionals, ensuring they have the resources, networks, and opportunities to excel.
She also recognizes that high-performing teams are not just built on individual ambition but on cohesion, shared purpose, and strategic collaboration. A great team is one where each member brings unique strengths to the table while contributing to a collective vision.
From her experience in commercial real estate—opening and managing offices for multiple firms, including Emersons, Bradford, and TIG—Karen has learned that successful teams thrive when leaders set clear expectations, provide continuous learning opportunities, and foster an environment where ideas and contributions are valued.
“You have to give people the space to grow, take risks, and develop their expertise. But at the same time, they need to feel connected to a bigger mission—something beyond just their individual success.”
Message to Upcoming Women Leaders
Karen’s advice to aspiring women leaders is simple yet powerful: “To be successful, you must be knowledgeable. Learn your craft, master it, and always put your clients’ interests first. Success will follow.”
She emphasizes that expertise and dedication are the foundations of a strong career. By continuously developing their skills and focusing on delivering value, women can carve out their own paths in leadership.
Karen also sees the role of this magazine as a critical resource for young women striving for leadership roles.
“Your magazine can be a pathway for women to succeed by providing them with the right information and guidance on where to find the tools they need.” She encourages women to seek opportunities with companies that value their skill sets, helping them grow and thrive in their chosen fields. Finding the right environment—where their talents are nurtured and their ambitions supported—is essential for long-term success.
Advice to Women Leaders
Karen believes that women in leadership must make an extra effort to be knowledgeable in their field. Mastering their craft not only builds credibility but also ensures they are well-prepared to handle challenges effectively. However, she also emphasizes the importance of honesty and humility. Women should never be afraid to admit when they don’t have an answer. Instead, they can confidently say, “I don’t know, but I will find out and get back to you.” This approach fosters trust and reliability, two essential qualities for strong leadership.
Beyond knowledge, Karen highlights the value of going the extra mile. She believes that leaders who take the initiative to seek answers and provide solutions stand out in any profession. By demonstrating dedication and persistence, women can position themselves as invaluable assets in their industries. For aspiring women leaders, Karen’s message is clear: commit to continuous learning, embrace curiosity and adaptability, build trust through transparency, and always follow through on commitments. Success is not just about expertise—it’s about the willingness to put in the effort to grow and deliver results.
