Warren Smith

Meet Warren Smith

What is your role at Avison Young?

Managing Director.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

I learned about commercial real estate at the kitchen table and caught the real estate disease from my father.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

I have five very influential women in my life, and I draw upon their influence daily. My grandmother, Idelle, taught me to be silently humble and kind; my grandmother, Annie, led me to my faith and encouraged me to be competitive and driven; my mother, everything (hard to elaborate); my wife of 33 years, keeps me centered, perpetually supported and loved; my daughter, inspires me to continually learn and fight through roadblocks.

What advice would you give women starting out in real estate?

Real estate is a collaborative business which requires great listening skills especially when dealing with clients. In learning to be a better listener, find a mentor to emulate, find a team which fosters conversation and input from everyone, and always have confidence in your ability to contribute.

This year's IWD theme is Choose to Challenge. What do you choose to challenge or celebrate to help create more inclusion in your community?

I choose to be more intentional in celebrating individual successes with a particular highlight on the obstacles overcome in each success.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I was a fireman in college and acquired the fire engine which we used. The engine still works, but I have been reluctant to hook up to the Nashville fire hydrants!