Chelsea Austin
Scottsdale
Summary
Results-oriented and dynamic Real Estate Director with extensive experience in data-driven site selection, market analysis & complex negotiations. Skilled in leading teams, negotiating favorable terms, and conducting thorough market analyses to support franchise expansion initiatives across multiple states.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Real Estate
Primrose Schools
05.2025 - Current
- Developed & implemented strategic real estate plans to facilitate franchise growth in AZ, CA (SoCal), CO, NM, NV, TX & UT.
- Conducted market & demographic analyses to identify potential franchise locations aligned with company objectives.
- Managed relationships with external stakeholders, including brokers, developers & local governments, to facilitate project approvals.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline site selection processes and reduce lead times.
- Negotiated purchase contracts & lease agreements, ensuring favorable terms for franchise expansion initiatives.
Director of Real Estate
Super Star Car Wash
08.2023 - 05.2025
- Curating a robust pipeline of successful new locations for express car wash development.
- Focused in site selection, contract negotiation, market analysis and effectively managing internal and external systems, tools, & processes.
- Fostered exceptional working relationships with landlords/sellers, brokers, operating partners, and worked day-to-day with project managers, legal team and A&E consultants.
- Utilized financial metrics to evaluate and satisfy key stakeholders' investment objectives.
VP of Leasing
NexCore Group
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Led the pre-development leasing of new medical office facilities by developing and implementing targeted marketing initiatives and leasing plans.
- Spearheaded market research to stay informed of market conditions and competitive rental rates.
- Established strong relationships with healthcare providers, hospital administrators, and local brokers to drive leasing success.
VP | Occupier Services
Keyser
07.2015 - 07.2022
- Acted as an outsourced “Director of Real Estate” for clients with multiple sites in their real estate portfolio, transacting across the western US.
- Implemented progressive and process-oriented national real estate portfolio optimization strategies for retailers and healthcare organizations.
- Negotiated lease and purchase contracts & conducted executive team presentations.
- Collaborated with clients’ internal & outsourced team members (Legal, Developers, Project Managers, Analysts, Business Development, Contractors, Architects, Facilities Managers, etc.) to produce successful client outcomes.
Director | Healthcare Practice Group
Cushman & Wakefield
05.2010 - 07.2015
- Led strategic initiatives to optimize client engagement and satisfaction across healthcare property portfolios.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align operational goals with corporate objectives, driving overall performance improvements.
- Streamlined reporting processes using advanced data analytics tools, enhancing decision-making efficiency for stakeholders.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations & Strategic Media
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ05-2008
Skills
- Data-Driven Site Selection
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Franchisee Relations
- Complex Contract Negotiations
- Leading & Motivating Teams
- REC Presentations
- Multi-Market Portfolio Strategy
Affiliations
- International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
- ASU Alumni Association
Timeline
Director of Real Estate
Primrose Schools
05.2025 - Current
Director of Real Estate
Super Star Car Wash
08.2023 - 05.2025
VP of Leasing
NexCore Group
07.2022 - 06.2023
VP | Occupier Services
Keyser
07.2015 - 07.2022
Director | Healthcare Practice Group
Cushman & Wakefield
05.2010 - 07.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations & Strategic Media
Arizona State University
Systems
Kalibrate
Buxton
Placer.ai
ESRI
BuildCentral
CoStar & LoopNet
Microsoft 365