About
Professional Summary
As Executive Vice President for retail services with Colliers, Brian Woods specializes in leasing regional shopping centers and representing national retail tenants throughout Arizona. His knowledge of the Valley, coupled with his professionalism and ingrained ability to quickly understand a client’s needs, have translated to a formula for consistent success.
A Phoenix native, Brian is a third-generation commercial real estate broker, following grandfather Don Woods and father Tommy Woods.
Keeping integrity and character at the top of the priority list, his team has developed enduring relationships and established a strong reputation as industry leaders throughout the marketplace. By taking a personal interest in each and every client, Brian and Tom attempt to treat our clients’ investments as if they were their own. This approach of accountability has led to a proven track record of results.
Countless retail tenants have entrusted their team to handle their real estate requirements. Well-known developers and landlords frequently press them into service. Refer to their comprehensive client list below.
Prior to joining Colliers in 2003, Brian was an account executive for the Phoenix Coyotes Hockey Club, with responsibility for season ticket sales, luxury suite sales and account management.
Brian and his wife Anna are the parents of son Bo and daughter Maisy. They attend Highlands Church in Scottsdale and are ardent supporters of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), Compassion International, Hope & A Future, K-LOVE, and Brokers for Kids.
Accomplishments
- Top 10 Producer: 2021
- Nominated Best of NAIOP Retail Broker of the Year - 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017
- Promoted to Senior Vice President in 2016
- Promoted to Executive Vice President in 2022
- Successfully negotiated over 550 real estate transactions valued at approximately $750 million
- Successfully leased over 7.5 million square feet of retail and restaurant space
- Listed the first two Super-Target anchored power centers in the state of Arizona: Crossroads Towne Center and Gilbert Gateway Towne Center
- #1 Retail Broker: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021
- #1 Retail Team: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
- Top 5 Team: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013
- Top 15 Producer (Individual): 2008, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2021
- Top 10 Team (National): 2009
- RED Award Nominee: 2016
- CoStar Power Broker: 2010, 2020
- Woods team named Brokers of the Month by Commercial Executive Magazine in 2009
- 2007 Retail Forecast was published by The Phoenix Business Journal
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Baylor University: Marketing Major, Dean's List, National Honor Society
- Arizona School of Real Estate and Business, Arizona State Salesperson's License
Memberships & Involvements
- ICSC- International Council of Shopping Centers
- ICSC - Former Next Generation State Co-Chair
- Colliers Western Regional Retail Leasing Steering Committee
- Colliers | Arizona Leadership Council
- Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)
- Compassion International
- Hope & A Future
- K-LOVE
Clients
Tenant clients have included Longhorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Village Inn, Applebee’s, Tuesday Morning, Michaels, Pier 1 Imports, Famous Footwear, Payless Shoesource, Sleep America, Destination Maternity, BJ’s Brewery, Burger King, Yamaha Music School, LensCrafters, Villa Sport, Mor Furniture, TCF Bank, Vitamin Shoppe, Gentle Dental, YC's Mongolian BBQ, Rack Attack, Sushiholic, Pet Supplies Plus, Old Chicago Pizza, Anytime Fitness, Service First Automotive, Dunkin' Donuts, Forefront Dermatology, Goldfish Swim School, AZ MediQuip, Denver Mattress, and uBreakiFix.
Developer and landlord clients have included Vestar Development, Sunbelt Holdings, Sunbelt Investment Holdings, The Barclay Group, Vertical Holdings, Wolford Development, TradeCor, Circle G Development, FERRADO, Cross Development, REBKEE, Sphinx Real Estate, Myron Zimmerman Investments, Overland Group, and Nexus Development.
Testimonials
"The Woods team has track record of more than 40 years representing tenants and landlords in the Valley. Their professionalism, experience and reputation in the market are invaluable assets. Brian and Tom continue to outperform our service expectations and have our complete trust." - Brandon Ghiossi, Leasing Manager, Lewis Retail.
"The energy of Brian on any assignment gets immediate, positive results." - David Larcher, Vestar Development
Services
Skills
Service Lines
Property Type
My Team
My Team
As senior executive vice president for retail services with Colliers, Tom Woods specializes in leasing regional power centers, representing national retail tenants, and negotiating retail investment sales across Arizona.
He partners with his son Brian Woods. As a second generation commercial real estate broker, Tom previously partnered with his father Don Woods, who started in real estate in Phoenix in 1953. Landlords and tenants have entrusted Tom to handle their real estate needs for more than 45 years.
Keeping integrity and character at the top of the priority list, their team has developed enduring relationships and established a strong reputation as industry leaders throughout the marketplace. By taking a personal interest in each and every client, Tom and Brian attempt to treat their clients’ investments as if they were their own. This approach of accountability has led to a proven track record of results.
Countless retail tenants have entrusted them to meet their real estate requirements. Well-known developers and landlords frequently press their team into service. Refer to their comprehensive client list below.
Prior to joining Colliers in 1982, Tom was vice president of Don Woods & Associates Commercial Brokerage Company, specializing in neighborhood shopping center development and leasing and sales of investment income property.
He and his wife Debbie have three sons and attend Bethany Bible Church. Tom also organizes a men’s Bible study at DC Ranch. He and Debbie support the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SAARC).
Sheila Merrell is the senior client services specialist for retail services with Colliers in Arizona. She provides client services, marketing and administrative support for several brokers, who specialize in the sale and leasing of retail properties, representing landlords, tenants and investors.
Sheila manages marketing, administrative, listing, transaction and due diligence services on behalf of the brokers and their clients. Leveraging her industry experience and skillset, Sheila designs and executes best-in-class print and digital marketing collateral and campaigns tailored to each property and client. She prepares comprehensive tour books and coordinates special events, including open houses and receptions.
Working in partnership with the brokers, Sheila develops strategies, pitches and proposals to help win new business.
Her ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, coupled with strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, make her a valuable member of retail services. Sheila brings a high level of proficiency and skills in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign and Photoshop), digital marketing, Microsoft Office and CoStar research to her role.
Colleagues describe Sheila as patient, friendly and enthusiastic. She thrives in a team atmosphere, providing valuable input, both verbally and through actions, to help drive the success of her team.
Sheila is experienced in marketing and project and office management for commercial and residential real estate, as well as start-up companies.
Previously, Sheila was director of business operations for OneQor Technologies, Inc. She assisted in start-up operations to establish the office, define HR functions, oversee facilities, support the controller and maintain effective client communications. Focusing on cost savings and the needs of a start-up, Sheila researched and selected vendors for supplies and equipment. She assisted in onboarding new employees and developing an employee handbook.
Sheila served as project coordinator for capital markets and finance at JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle). She provided support to financial managers to ensure timely closings for property sales. She also managed and maintained multiple databases for the capital markets team.
As a senior marketing assistant at Cushman & Wakefield, Sheila coordinated marketing activities for more than 50 property listings. She worked on steps to improve the accuracy of property listings on CoStar and implemented processes to streamline and improve the team’s productivity and budgets.
Sheila previously served as a realtor and client relations manager for Myriad Real Estate Group. She supervised transactions, prepared and executed contracts, and facilitated communications among all parties during the contract and transaction process.