Keri Scott did not initially plan to enter the real estate industry, but once she started, she quickly realized how much she enjoyed its dynamic nature. She has always been drawn to problem-solving and building relationships, and real estate provided the perfect platform for both. The combination of strategy, negotiation, and tangible results made it a great fit for her. Over time, she developed a particular passion for the industrial leasing sector, where she works closely with clients to find the best solutions for their business needs. At EliteX, we are proud to have Keri Scott as part of the edition: Prominent Women in Real Estate, 2025.
Keri Scott | Senior Vice President of Real Estate | Colliers
Once Keri started in the commercial real estate industry, she discovered how much she thrived in the fast-paced environment. The ability to navigate complex deals, interact with a wide range of people, and see the direct impact of her work made her career incredibly fulfilling. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Keri faced challenges, especially in the early stages of her career. She had to prove herself more than her male counterparts, but she overcame these obstacles by building expertise, confidence, and consistently delivering results. Over time, she earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike. These challenges also helped her develop stronger communication skills and the ability to navigate complex situations with empathy, which ultimately benefited both her clients and her team.
“Confidence, resilience, and strong communication are essential for success in real estate.”
She believes that a great real estate professional is knowledgeable, adaptable, proactive, and client-focused. Staying current with market trends and understanding the details of each deal is crucial, but what sets top professionals apart is their ability to build and maintain strong relationships. Integrity is key—being transparent, honest, and reliable is essential for long-term success in the industry. Balancing a demanding career with personal life is not easy, especially as a wife and mother of three. However, Keri has learned to set clear boundaries, prioritize her time, and stay organized. She dedicates her work hours to her clients and ensures quality time with her family at home. Time-blocking helps her manage both professional and personal commitments, and she prioritizes self-care to stay at her best for both her clients and family. Adaptability, asking for help when needed, and maintaining a structured approach are essential in managing her responsibilities effectively.
One of her biggest achievements in real estate has been helping young professionals succeed by teaching them the right way to approach the industry. She strongly believes that knowledge and ethical practices lead to long-term triumphs. She encourages young professionals to be good humans, emphasizing that greed can ruin a reputation and that real estate is a long-term game rather than a quick win.
For young women entering real estate, Keri advises them to be confident, embrace challenges, and build a strong knowledge base. Since it is a competitive and often male-dominated field, determination and a strong work ethic are essential for success. She encourages women to take the time to understand the market, seek out mentors, and trust their instincts while developing their own style. When she started, there were fewer women in leadership roles and even fewer female brokers, especially in industrial real estate. However, the industry has evolved, with increasing recognition of the value of diversity. Today, more women are taking on leadership positions and carving out successful careers across all areas of real estate.
Looking ahead to 2025, Keri sees key trends emerging in industrial real estate. Beyond traditional warehouses, properties such as data centers, cold storage facilities, EV battery plants, and quantum computing campuses are gaining attention. These properties present unique opportunities but also come with challenges like high development costs and regulatory hurdles. Despite these obstacles, their potential economic benefits are attracting investors and local communities.
“Real estate is a long game—not a quick win.”
Technology plays a significant role in her work today. She relies on data analytics platforms to track market trends, property values, and economic conditions, which helps her make informed recommendations to clients. Digital mapping software allows her to effectively visualize properties, especially for out-of-town clients. Additionally, video conferencing platforms enable her to conduct virtual tours and meetings, enhancing communication and convenience for clients across different locations. Tough negotiations and difficult clients are part of the job, but Keri views them as opportunities to strengthen relationships and find creative solutions. In negotiations, she focuses on staying calm, listening carefully, and understanding both sides to find common ground. When dealing with challenging clients, she remains professional, empathetic, and proactive in addressing their concerns and setting clear expectations. By fostering open communication and focusing on solutions, she helps reduce misunderstandings and maintain trust, ensuring positive outcomes for all parties involved.
For women in real estate, Keri believes that confidence, communication, resilience, and networking are the most important skills. Confidence allows women to assert their expertise, even when faced with challenges. Strong communication skills foster trust and rapport with clients, while resilience helps in overcoming setbacks in a competitive industry. Building a strong network, particularly one that supports women, is also crucial for career growth and accessing new opportunities. These skills have played a significant role in her own success and continued growth in the field.
Throughout her career, she has been fortunate to have mentors who influenced her journey. Two individuals who played a crucial role in her professional development were Jim Keeley and Rob Martensen. Jim, who has sadly passed, and Rob provided invaluable support and guidance. They led by example, always doing things the right way—never greedy, always willing to share information, and being some of the best individuals she had the privilege of working with. Keri has ambitious goals for her future in real estate. She aims to expand her expertise in industrial leasing, take on more leadership roles, and mentor the next generation of professionals, particularly women. She is also passionate about advocating for sustainable practices and green developments within the industry. Her long-term vision is to leave a lasting impact by helping clients find spaces that drive their success while promoting diversity and inclusion within real estate.
Her journey in real estate has been shaped by resilience, a commitment to ethical practices, and a passion for helping others succeed. As the industry continues to evolve, she remains dedicated to making a meaningful difference, both for her clients and for future professionals who are carving their own paths in real estate.
“Integrity—being transparent, honest, and reliable—is key to long-term success in the industry.”