The NAR National Commercial Awards program honors members who received an award or recognition for their exceptional service and contributions to their local/state REALTOR® association, one of NAR’s affiliated Institutes, Societies or Councils, the commercial real estate industry or their community.
Nominated By: Charlotte Region Commercial Board of REALTORS® (CRCBR) in North Carolina
Katie Corrie, a vice president and broker at First & Early Partners in Charlotte, N.C., a boutique full-service real estate advisory firm, received CRCBR’s The President’s Award, honoring extraordinary contributions from individuals who exemplify leadership, service and a deep commitment to the organization. Specifically noted were Corrie’s energy, vision and ability to connect with people and convey the big-picture benefits of the REALTOR® organization.
Corrie has a degree in business with a concentration in marketing from Winthrop University in South Carolina.
Q: What drew you to commercial real estate?
Actually, commercial real estate found me. I’ve always been a people person and knew I wanted to pursue a career in sales. Directly out of college, I did a short stint with a financial firm and a corporate bank as I was trying to figure out what type of career I wanted to pursue. Those opportunities taught me that they were not the right fit. In 2016, a staffing company contacted me about a position that introduced me to commercial real estate. I worked at a large full-service commercial real estate firm for three years while earning my broker’s license before joining another full-service firm, where I was the head leasing broker for about 1 million square feet of office, medical and flex space.
Q: What attracted you to First & Early?
I liked the idea of growing with a small firm and the opportunities to learn from two highly respected Charlotte brokers. First & Early is client-driven and client-focused. We represent buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants across all asset classes. The wide range of services has exposed me to other sectors, including industrial, land and retail.
Q: What do you consider to be your niche?
I would definitely say the office sector. When I started in 2016, I was the office tenant rep brokerage’s assistant, so that’s where I got my feet wet. Today, I mostly handle office deals, whether representing buyers or sellers, landlords or tenants.
Q: Women have a strong presence within your firm, holding all professional positions other than the two founders. Is that by design?
I think it’s mostly just how it’s worked out. When I first got into the industry a decade ago, it was heavily male-dominated. More recently, women are making moves into the industry and looking for advancement opportunities. As the Charlotte market has continued to grow, there have been many opportunities for newcomers, and more companies are recruiting and promoting women. There are also many business networking opportunities for women to develop new skill sets.
Q: Talk more about the networking opportunities.
The CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Charlotte chapter is strong and hosts monthly networking events. Other local groups such as CRCBR (Charlotte Region Commercial Board of REALTORS®) center around social activities, such as golf and sporting clays, that bring women developers, brokers and vendors together to get to know one another and learn how we can help each other—whether that’s moving up or changing careers. CREW Charlotte also supports women through mentorship programs. I believe young professionals who participate in mentorship programs can advance faster in the industry than those who don’t.
Q: Have you served as a mentor?
I have not, but it’s something I would like to do in the future. Commercial real estate is highly dependent on relationships. I’ve been lucky to have great mentors who have guided me over the course of my career.
Q: What has been your leadership involvement with CRCBR?
I have been involved in the organization for several years, first as a member. Then, I got involved in the Programming Committee and the Alliance Sponsorship Committee, which I chaired for a few years. Through my constant advocacy, I helped us exceed our fundraising goals—at the time, raising the most funds the Alliance Sponsorship group had ever received. I continue to serve on the board of directors as the treasurer and advocate for CRCBR.
Q: What advice would you offer someone new to the industry?
Get involved in commercial real estate organizations and pursue professional development opportunities that will take your career to the next level.
