Dylan Brown – Colliers

Real Estate Advisor

Colliers

I’m a dedicated individual who is driven by a genuine passion for people and the real estate industry. I graduated from the Wisconsin School of Business with a double major in Finance and Real Estate. There, I acquired a strong foundation and comprehensive understanding of the field. My education at Wisconsin, known for its outstanding Real Estate program, has provided me with invaluable knowledge and expertise to excel in my profession.

I joined Colliers in 2022 and am focused on selling and leasing industrial real estate in Milwaukee, serving my clients by using the Colliers’ regional and national platforms. With roots in Milwaukee, I possess an intimate knowledge of emerging developments and local market dynamics. My drive to grow with the city of Milwaukee fuels my determination to stay informed about the city’s ever-evolving real estate landscape.

Q) What do you enjoy the most about commercial real estate?
A) What I enjoy most about commercial real estate is forming relationships with others within the industry. From a professional perspective, these relationships open doors to new opportunities and provide insights from experienced individuals within different parts of the industry. Beyond the professional benefits, these relationships can turn into long-lasting friendships. Creating friendships with those you work with makes the work more enjoyable and enhances the overall success of the projects we undertake. The people-centric nature of commercial real estate is what makes the industry truly enjoyable for me.

Q) What is the best piece of advice you have received?
A) The two best pieces of advice that I have received both came from Ben Anderson at Colliers and they go hand-in-hand. The first piece of advice that he gave was that people like to do deals with their friends. The second thing he told me was to never say no. Want to grab drinks? Yes. Want to go to a Bucks game? Yes. Do you want to meet someone I have worked with in the past? Yes. The point is that you never know what doors these opportunities could open even if it is just forming a stronger relationship because like Ben said, “people like to do deals with their friends.”

Q) What is your favorite quote?
A) “One day or day one”
If there is ever something in your life that you want to accomplish instead of thinking about doing it one day, make today the first day in your journey to accomplishing that goal.

Q) Where did you grow up?
A) I grew up in Wauwatosa, WI. Then went to UW-Madison for college. I’m a Wisconsin guy through and through.

Q) What was cool when you were growing up but isn’t cool now?
A) Pulling an all-nighter. I used to think I was so cool for doing that back in the day. Now if that happens, I’d just suffer for the next 48 hours.

Q) What’s your favorite place to travel to?
A) My favorite place to travel to is hands down Italy. I was fortunate enough to travel there while I was a senior in high school. After that trip, I was set on traveling abroad in Italy. When it was time to travel abroad, I ended up choosing Rome. I got to live in Rome for about 6 months. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Q) Which projects are you involved in/most excited about?
A) As a young broker, many of the deals that I work on involve helping small businesses find a space to take their business to the next level. For many of them, obtaining that first space is a massive leap toward being a more solidified business, and seeing them take that step is very fulfilling. While these projects don’t pay the most or bring the most recognition, playing a part in the growth and success of these up-and-coming businesses is very rewarding.

Q) If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be?
A) Jay-Z, he is an incredible musician and businessman who I’m sure has some great stories.

Q) What made you choose Commercial Real Estate?
A) When choosing my career, the most important thing for me was being in an industry centered around relationship-building. My strongest asset is my ability to build and maintain strong relationships, a skill needed to succeed as a broker. So naturally, an industry centered around networking through various social functions was extremely attractive.

But, being in a relationship-based business can be provided by many jobs. What set being in commercial real estate above other career paths was the opportunity to contribute to an industry that has such a huge impact on the state and city in which I live. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit in on a CCIM event where Rick Barrett was speaking. He talked about what has gone into The Couture and the impact it will have on Milwaukee. Outside of being a beautiful new addition to the Milwaukee skyline, projects like The Couture will support the city by showing investors around the nation that Milwaukee is a city worth investing in. This business helps bring funding that will support our community.

On a personal level, commercial real estate lets me connect with members of the community in a way that few jobs can provide. The ability to grow with the community as I help fellow Wisconsinites navigate the real estate world and better their business is an opportunity that I cherish. I feel incredibly lucky to have a hand in shaping the economic scene in Wisconsin.

Q) What is a goal you would like to accomplish within your Commercial Real Estate career?
A) I want to be a part of the Everest Club at Colliers. This recognition is given to the top 10% of producers in Colliers.

Q) What do you hope to get out of your NextGen Experience?
A) Through the NextGen program, I hope to gain industry insights and an expanded network. By surrounding myself with professionals from the many sub-sectors of commercial real estate, I hope to better understand the “big picture” of commercial real estate. This will help me more effectively approach my career.

This 10-month experience will refine my skills, sharpen my knowledge, and broaden my horizons, but these benefits do not end after the 10 months are over. Strengthened connections, enhanced industry knowledge, and being a part of the NextGen family will yield ongoing opportunities beyond the program’s scope.

Q) Anything else you would like to share?
A) I’m a huge sports fan. I love the Packers, Bucks, and Badgers. If you get me talking about any of those I can go on for a long time. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone!