Meet a NAIOP Chicago Developing Leader | Kristen Allen
Name: Kristen Allen
Company: Cushman & Wakefield
Position: Senior Financial Analyst, Industrial Capital Markets
Education: University of Southern California – Real Estate Finance
Years in Real Estate: 5
What led you to work in the Real Estate industry? Describe your current responsibilities:
Like a lot of people in the industry, I followed in my parents’ footsteps. Both of my parents worked in real estate development — my dad on the residential and retail side and my mom in industrial. When I was in middle school, I would go into the office with my mom on the weekends and help file papers. Years later, I started my career in that same office, working on the development team covering Southern California and Nevada. Today, I work on the industrial capital markets side, focusing on investment sales across the Midwest.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career?
I’ve been lucky to have quite a few great mentors, but from the beginning, my biggest influences have definitely been my dad and brothers. They’ve always pushed me to work hard and they’re never afraid to give me honest feedback, even when it’s not what I want to hear.
How long have you been involved with NAIOP and what do you view as the benefits of your NAIOP Developing Leader membership?
I’ve been involved with NAIOP for about five years now. The Developing Leaders program has been a great way to connect with other young professionals in the industry and build genuine relationships in a more relaxed environment.
What are your future career goals?
My future career goals are to continue to continue expanding my experience across a wider range of transactions and clients, deepen my understanding of different markets and investment strategies, and continue building meaningful relationships throughout the industry.
What part of your job do you find most rewarding?
The relationships that come from it. Winning business and closing deals is obviously rewarding, but it’s even more meaningful when you’re working with clients who have become genuine friends over time.
What advice would you give someone earlier in their career wanting to break into the brokerage industry?
Always come prepared and be one step ahead. Learn the types of questions your team or managers are going to ask and come ready with the answers before they even have to ask. Being proactive goes a long way.
What’s been keeping you busy lately?
Trying to train my Claude bot to take over my job!
Outside of work, how do you enjoy spending your time?
Anything outdoors! Pickleball, swimming in the lake, golfing, hiking. My current hobby is attempting to grow a mini vegetable garden on my balcony (it’s not going well).
What’s your favorite restaurant in the city and your go to order?
Juno – the tako maguro roll might be the best sushi roll I’ve ever had!