Vernon Knarr - Sage Deal Architect (#39) - a podcast by Coe Enterprises

Vernon Knarr, Executive Managing Director, Savills, USA



Bio



Vernon is a trusted expert in the Washington metropolitan area, especially within the regional sales and development markets. Since joining Savills in 1994, Vernon has excelled in advising clients on a wide range of investment sales, development land sales, joint ventures and ground leases. He has also represented both owners and users of headquarters space throughout the acquisition and disposition processes, leading strategic planning and managing the transaction from marketing through closing. Vernon is highly sought-after for his market insight, financial knowledge and creative approach to deals.



Prior to joining Savills, Vernon was the co-owner of his own firm, Vector Realty Group, from 1985 to 1994. As co-owner, Vernon held the highest responsibilities of business development and advisory oversight. Before that, Vernon was with Coldwell Banker for six years.



Vernon’s client-first mentality, well-honed negotiation skills and extensive experience in the industry have made him the go-to broker for some of the region’s most complex transactions.



Show Notes



42 years since he began as a Commercial Real Estate Broker (5:40)Land business not what it used to be (5:55)Owner/User market has been his focus, except in COVID issues (6:10)Savills is primarily a tenant representation firm, but Vernon and his team varies from that theme (7:15)Has 37,000 professionals internationallyCurrent listing- Former BET building in NE DC for Viacom (8:05)Freddie Mac buildings (8:30)



Origins & Education



Grew up in Reading, PA (8:50)Musician since 7 yrs. old (9:15)Letter from US Army- Drafted at 18 yrs. old (1966) (9:40)Upbringing rough with abusive stepfather (9:55)Learned guitar at 7 yrs. old, eventually played in bands and continues to this day (10:20)Enlisted in the US Air Force (11:45)Assigned to Andrews AFB entire serviceTook college courses at Univ. of MD University College while in service (12:15)Finished his degree at University of Maryland (12:45)Commuted there as he was married at the timeAlmost went to work for Sears (13:30)



Career



Xerox



Recruited by Xerox Corporation and was hired in 1972 (13:45)Stayed there 7 yrs. Went to training in Ft. LauderdaleSold copiers (14:30)Friend of James Brown and worked there with him (14:30)Met Hal Boles there who left in 1977 to Coldwell Banker (15:00)



Coldwell Banker



Hal convinced him to join Coldwell Banker because he showed up in fancy cars and he joined in 1979 (15:50)Reference to Ray Ritchey, Cab Grayson and

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