Partner Broker Highlight: Kathy Gigac
Raleigh-Durham tenant rep broker Kathy Gigac on going from nursing student to leading one of the Carolinas' most respected tenant-rep teams, and why she tells new brokers not to pick a specialty on day one.
An accidental start, and the relationships that followed
Kathy didn't plan for a career in commercial real estate. She studied nursing, relocated to North Carolina with her husband, and landed a role with the board of realtors, eventually becoming executive officer for the commercial association across 14 counties.
"The cool part was, I got to know everyone in the business — and I've known them for a really long time."
Those early years gave her a deep understanding of how the industry worked and built a network of relationships that still shape her practice today.
From marketing to brokerage: figuring it out fast
After five years running the association, a firm owner invited Kathy to build his company's first marketing department from scratch, then write her own job description.
"Do I have a degree in marketing? Nope. But I figured it out fast."
While running marketing, she noticed a gap in the brokerage side of the office and quietly earned her real estate license. When several brokers left, the opportunity opened up, and she took it, balancing marketing responsibilities while building her pipeline from the ground up.
The turning point: committing to tenant representation
In 2010, a single conference session changed the direction of her career entirely.
"I was listening to brokers talk about their multi-city assignments across the country. I decided right then — that's what I want to do. I'm switching to tenant representation."
She phased out landlord work and focused entirely on occupier clients. Around that time, she built the small, tight-knit team she still works with today, going after companies with multiple locations as their core focus. That focus on multi-location occupiers has defined her team's positioning ever since.
Building client partnerships that last
Kathy's success is grounded in long-term partnership and process. Her team developed a cloud-based dashboard to manage leases, critical dates, and renewals. What started as an internal tool evolved into a client-facing platform that deepens trust and retention.
"We wanted to be a partner, not a replacement. That's how we win business. It's about trust, and that takes time — sometimes 12 to 18 months of conversations."
That same philosophy drives how she approaches TenantBase, using the platform to connect her team to real tenant opportunities faster and help newer brokers get active in the market sooner.
Mentorship and advice for new brokers
Kathy is actively mentoring several new brokers at Avison Young and is consistent in what she tells them: don't pick a specialty on day one. Spend time learning from different people, find what resonates, and build from there.
"If you're doing something you love and you're consistent about it, the money comes. But you have to show up, learn, and listen."
Her other piece of advice is disarmingly simple: listen more than you talk. It's how you understand what a client actually needs, and how you earn the trust to serve them long-term.
The insight she shares with newer brokers is a real look at the kind of leadership that makes a lasting impact, grounded in consistency, curiosity, and genuine care for the people she mentors.
▶ Watch on Instagram ▶ Watch on LinkedInThe Raleigh–Durham market as of late 2025
Speaking in November 2025, Kathy was optimistic about conditions across the Triangle. Industrial and retail were both performing well, and smaller office transactions were still moving, particularly in environments where employees genuinely want to be.
"Companies are willing to pay a little more to be in places where their people actually want to come to work — those live–work–play environments."
She was also tracking growth opportunities in life sciences and flex spaces as new manufacturing incentives take shape across the region. For tenants exploring office space in Raleigh–Durham, the market rewards preparation and local expertise in equal measure.
What it's like working with TenantBase
Kathy has used TenantBase strategically, not just to source new business but to accelerate her team's development. The platform connects newer brokers to real tenant opportunities faster, giving them deal experience they'd otherwise wait years to accumulate.
"I've used TenantBase to help our newer brokers get fed sooner. It's been a real benefit for our office — connecting our team to real tenant opportunities faster."
"We're lucky to do what we do. Helping companies grow and watching their success — that's the best part."
A continued partnership
Our thanks to Kathy Gigac at Avison Young for her continued partnership with TenantBase. From her accidental start to leading one of the Carolinas' most respected tenant-rep teams, Kathy's career is proof that consistency, creativity, and genuine partnership still win.
For more perspectives on tenant-focused brokerage, read our Partner Broker Highlight with Matthew Bustamante at Trilogy CRE in Phoenix, or with Angela Fontes at Adapt Commercial Real Estate in Las Vegas.
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Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or real estate advice. TenantBase is a technology platform, not a brokerage; partner brokers are independent licensed professionals. Market conditions described reflect the date of publication and change over time. Commercial lease transactions are complex and vary by market and circumstance. We strongly recommend consulting a licensed commercial real estate professional and a qualified attorney before executing any lease agreement.