Meet the Dallas 500: Sharon Morrison, Cresa
A fourth-generation graduate of Ursuline Academy, Sharon Morrison’s teen years included driving a cream-colored 1970s VW Bug around Dallas. “The battery was behind the back seat, and at times, the car would catch fire,” she says. “Still, it managed to survive for years, even after I started college.”
The daughter of a pilot, Morrison was overlooked for a flight attendant job with Delta Airlines and instead took a real estate job with KDC in Houston. She’s now thankful for the airline’s rejection.
Morrison went on to become A formidable broker, building a national industrial practice for The Staubach Co. before leaving in 2008 after the firm’s sale to JLL. She worked for Transwestern for five years, then co-founded what became esrp, a brokerage that specialized in occupier services. In 2022, it was merged another tenant rep advisory, Cresa. Today, Morrison serves as managing principal over Texas, overseeing Cresa’s growth and strategy for the Lone Star State.
Education: The University of Texas at Austin (BA)
Birthplace: Dallas
First Job: “At age 13, I worked at Boutique Deli at the local mall with my best friend. They trusted us to prepare food, clean up at night, count the money, and lock it in a safe before we left. Then, we would wait outside in the dark for our parents to pick us up. No cell phones at that time! I learned to have a strong work ethic and responsibility at a very young age.”
Best Advice: “There’s never been just one piece of advice that has impacted my career. Taking philosophies from team sports and applying the same principles to personal and professional life has been a constant for me. It’s incredibly important to have mentors and to surround yourself with great people. There are different mentors for different applications.”
Destinations of Choice: Newport Beach, California; the Southwest, Colorado; anywhere in Italy
I collect: “Good bourbon and barware. I have a bar in my house called ‘The Rabbit Hole.’”
Toughest Challenge: “The toughest business challenges have all come through changes in partnerships. It is hard to tell if you are equally yoked with people until you actually work with them. I’d argue change management has consistently been challenging throughout my career. ‘Change’ can refer to positive or negative situations. Even good change is tough and needs to be worked through. Whether it’s leaving a team or a firm, starting a business, or merging into another, change has proven time and time again to have its challenges. However, if you team with great people, stay positive, and maintain a strong culture, change can be navigated, and everyone grows and learns from it.”
Hobbies/Outlets: “I enjoy physical fitness and activities like pickleball, yoga, walking, and biking. For mental health, I am a believer in massages, hot baths, travel, being with friends, and going to concerts.”
Industry Change: “I’d like to see more minorities become active in commercial real estate. Diversity can build great teams and strengthen connections with clients. From women to people of color and beyond, I believe there is a talent pool available who can benefit from the opportunities this industry presents.”
Local Fare: “I like Renny’s at Preston Forest—it has local ownership, great food, and a cool speakeasy.”
Using AI: “Cresa has been leveraging AI in support of office design strategies, helping clients visualize workplaces easily and cost-effectively. These tools can help clients understand employee movement and interaction data to suggest layouts that will enhance collaboration, productivity, and employee well-being.
“Additionally, Cresa is implementing AI into its data analytics platform and site selection practices to assist with strategizing current situations and forecasting opportunities to optimize business and real estate solutions.
“We realize AI is incredibly powerful and rapidly evolving. With the right guardrails, guidance, and securities in place, Cresa is making advancements to unlock its full potential to support the business needs of commercial real estate occupiers.”
Fun Fact: “I am a fourth-generation graduate of Ursuline Academy. My great-grandmother graduated from the school in 1897, and my daughters represent the fifth generation to attend.”
TV Show: “It would have been an incredible experience to be on Family Feud with Richard Dawson.”
A Better DFW: “If I could make it less competitive for our industry, I would.”
Comfort Food: “This is a toss-up in between tortilla soup or pan-fried chicken and mashed potatoes.”
Karaoke Song: “‘The Gambler’ by Kenny Rogers”
My Legacy: “I’d like to be known professionally and personally as someone who made a difference in helping people and making their lives better.”
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