Desiree Williams

As senior executive vice president with the Arizona Retail Services Team with Colliers International, I specialize in leasing regional power centers, representing national retail tenants, and negotiating retail investment sales across Arizona.

I partner with my son Brian Woods. As a second generation commercial real estate broker, I previously partnered with my father Don Woods, who started in real estate in Phoenix in 1953. Landlords and tenants have entrusted me to handle their real estate needs for more than 45 years.

Keeping integrity and character at the top of the priority list, our 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 I attempt to treat our clients’ investments as if they were our own. This approach of accountability has led to a proven track record of results.

Countless retail tenants have entrusted our team to meet their real estate requirements. Well-known developers and landlords frequently press our team into service. Refer to our comprehensive client list below.

Prior to joining Colliers International in 1982, I was vice president of Don Woods & Associates Commercial Brokerage Company, specializing in neighborhood shopping center development and leasing and sales of investment income property.

My wife Debbie and I have three sons and attend Bethany Bible Church. I organizes a men’s Bible study at DC Ranch. Debbie and I support the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SAARC).

As senior vice president with the Arizona Retail Services Team with Colliers International, I specialize in leasing regional power centers and representing national retail tenants throughout Arizona. My knowledge of the Valley, professionalism, and ingrained ability to quickly understand a client’s needs have translated to a formula for consistent success.

A Phoenix native, I am 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, our 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 I attempt to treat our clients’ investments as if they were our own. This approach of accountability has led to a proven track record of results.

Countless retail tenants have entrusted our team to handle their real estate requirements. Well-known developers and landlords frequently press our team into service. Refer to our comprehensive client list below.

Prior to joining Colliers in 2003, I was an account executive for the Phoenix Coyotes Hockey Club, with responsibility for season ticket sales, luxury suite sales and account management.

My wife Anna and I are the parents of son Bo and daughter Maisy. We 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.

I specialize in the sale, leasing and development of retail properties. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work developing power centers, neighborhood centers, lifestyle centers, as well as stand-alone retail buildings, and especially restaurant buildings. I also represent leading local, regional and national retail tenants.

On large projects, I partner with team members who specialize in specialty office and retail, as well as multifamily. I specialize in redevelopment of urban retail in downtown Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa 

I rejoined Colliers International in 2010, and was previously with Colliers from 1990 to 2006. Prior to rejoining Colliers, I was a senior vice president with Staubach Retail from 2006 to 2009, specializing in shopping center development, tenant and landlord representation, and dispositions.

From 1987 to 1990, I was with Arizona Retail Group/Chain Links, specializing in retail tenant representation. Previously, I was vice president of retail development for Trinity Development, where I developed two million square feet of neighborhood and specialty centers in Arizona and Colorado. Prior to that, I formed a partnership to syndicate large land parcels in west and northwest Phoenix from 1982 to 1986.

As a senior vice president with the Arizona Retail Services Team with Colliers International, I specialize in all aspects of retail brokerage. I have an established leadership background, with an executive tenure of more than 30 years.

My areas of expertise include brokerage, landlord and tenant representation, project leasing, development consulting, investment sales and services, commercial land acquisitions, and Hispanic retail markets. I have worked on multiple national, regional and local retail projects, with sizes well over 1 million square feet.

With extensive experience in retail markets, I have a unique ability to evaluate the needs of both landlords and tenants and develop strategies to ensure their business success. Applying my in-depth understanding of the real estate industry and strong business acumen, I am able to better understand today's diverse market and to identify my clients' retail business requirements and real estate search criteria.

As a former business owner, Arizona native and Latino, I possess distinctive knowledge of the retail real estate industry, deep-rooted connections in the community, and a desire to promote positive economic and community growth.

Before joining Colliers, I was president and partner of one of Arizona's largest retail brokerage firms. As president, I managed well over 200 retail listings. and aided in the execution of more than 3,000 lease transactions and more than 200 escrow closings.

As a vice president with the Arizona Retail Services Team with Colliers International, I specialize in the sale and leasing of retail properties, land acquisition and disposition, retail property disposition and retail development. I represent both landlords and tenants and place great value in establishing long-term relationships with my clients.

My platform of services includes property sales, lease negotiations, tenant representation, lease renewal and renegotiation, site evaluation and selection; demographic and market analysis, space planning, and negotiation of tenant improvement allowances. 

Working closely with landlords, I develop property leasing strategies that maximize operating income and minimize vacancies. To achieve my clients’ business and financial objectives, I carefully guide tenants through the process of identifying their requirements, site selection and lease negotiations.

As a skilled negotiator with in-depth knowledge of the marketplace, I am committed to helping clients make strategic real estate decisions for their businesses. Clients benefit from my 35 years of retail real estate experience.

I have specialized in retail properties since beginning my career in commercial real estate in 1983. My experience includes 14 years with Grubb & Ellis four years with Koll. In 1997, I joined Insignia/ESG, which was acquired by Colliers International in 2003.

As a vice president with the Arizona Retail Services Team with Colliers International, I specialize in the representation of national and regional retailers, specialty brands, restaurants and big box tenants in their expansion throughout the Southwest. I focus on developing and implementing real estate expansion strategies on behalf of our team’s clients.

I excel at executing a marketing or development strategy, leveraging relational experience and technology. I understand current leasing trends as well as the needs and requirements of retailers in the market. I bring a distinct skill set to the stabilization, value addition and sale of investment properties.

I partner with Nick Ault, vice president, who specializes in retail and restaurant real estate services, with a focus on tenant representation. Our team has a wealth of experience in retail site selection, development, redevelopment, disposition, leasing, investment sales and strategic planning.

Refer to the client list below for notable tenants represented.

I rejoined Colliers in 2010, and was previously with Colliers from 2003 to 2006. Prior to rejoining Colliers in 2010, I partnered with Larry Ortega in operating our own retail brokerage firm, ReUnion Partners, and also acted as designated broker. From 2006 to 2008, I was a senior associate with Staubach Retail, specializing in shopping center development, tenant and landlord representation, and dispositions.

I was raised in Arizona, attending Shadow Mountain High School and then Arizona State University.

As a vice president with the Arizona Retail Services Team with Colliers International, I specialize in retail and restaurant real estate services, with a focus on tenant representation. Working in partnership with Daniel Ortega, vice president, our team represents local, regional and national tenants, buyers and sellers in the leasing, acquisition and disposition of retail properties, including power centers, neighborhood centers, stand-alone retail buildings and restaurants.

With proven success representing national credit tenants, a thorough knowledge of the retail market, strong industry relationships and tenacity, I have excelled in the retail real estate market. I build trust and deliver results through a proactive partnership approach and by aggressively representing my clients’ best interests.

On every assignment, I work closely with clients to develop optimal market plans and deliver customized and innovative solutions that lead to successful and beneficial real estate transactions.

Our team leverages Colliers’ exceptional resources in the retail sector and its comprehensive platform of services to enhance and broaden service offerings to our clients and ensure clients are able to make profitable and informed real estate decisions.

Refer to the client list below for notable tenants represented.

Prior to joining Colliers, I was an integral member of Velocity Retail Group’s tenant services in Phoenix, where I focused on new market roll-outs for national credit restaurants, specialty retailers and big box tenants. I assisted with market strategies, site selection, lease administration, and transaction negotiations on behalf of my clients.

As associate vice president with the Arizona Retail Services Team with Colliers International, I specialize in the sale and leasing of retail properties, representing landlords, tenants and investors. I have completed transactions on behalf of tenants and landlords for retail shopping centers, neighborhood centers and standalone properties.

I have the proven ability to achieve results for clients through comprehensive market strategies, long-range planning, identifying opportunities to increase cash flow and developing solutions for excess vacancy. A consummate professional, I thoroughly analyze the financial details of each transaction to ensure my clients' economic and business objectives are met. I carefully craft leases to support growth, minimize risk and protect investments.

As an experienced leasing broker, I bring a dynamic and innovative prospecting style to the table. I target quality tenants that represent the least risk and complement the tenant mix of each property. I work diligently to match tenant requirements and available space to support location decisions. Through market research, demographics and traffic analysis, I help tenants make strategic decisions to support their long-term plans.

My experience spans 13 years as a commercial real estate agent in Greater Phoenix, focusing on retail properties. Prior to joining Colliers, I was an associate vice president with Velocity Retail Group in Phoenix, where I represented landlords and tenants in the leasing of retail properties and worked closely with development services to identify and sign tenants to new projects. Previously, I was a senior associate with Rein & Grossoehme Commercial Real Estate, specializing in landlord and tenant representation.

As the senior client services specialist for the Arizona Retail Services Team with Colliers International, I manage all aspects of marketing, project management, transaction and due diligence services. Our team specializes in the sale and leasing of retail properties, representing landlords, tenants and investors. In partnership with the team’s eight brokers and client services coordinator, I develop strategies, pitches and proposals to win new business.

Leveraging my extensive marketing, graphic design and industry experience, I design and execute best-in-class print and digital marketing collateral, and deliver creative marketing solutions tailored to each property and client. I create comprehensive property marketing campaigns, elevating exposure and increasing speed-to-market for the team’s listings. My careful attention to detail and ability to anticipate and resolve issues enables me to efficiently manage the team’s listings, prospects, proposals and transactions.

With exceptional skills in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop), Constant Contact email marketing and CoStar research, I enhance the team’s services in the marketplace. As a proactive partner, I stay at the forefront of marketing trends to provide leading-edge solutions.

I thoroughly enjoy the fast-paced nature of commercial real estate and the challenge of managing the team’s diverse requirements. I am committed to adding value and delivering results. Colleagues describe me as optimistic, adaptable and innovative, with an outgoing and friendly approach, who fosters their trust and respect.

My marketing career began when I established my own boutique creative studio, specializing in destination wedding photography and graphic design. I have leveraged my skills to serve as an in-house designer and project manager for various organizations. Prior to joining Colliers, I was a client services specialist with CBRE Phoenix, providing innovative marketing services for a highly successful retail investment sales team and retail leasing team..

Previously, I served as a client services manager for Grand Canyon University Athletics, directing multi-channel digital and traditional marketing campaigns. I also managed on-campus promotions, and worked with campus operations and programs to increase student attendance and improve the fan experience at athletic events.

When not in the office, I spend time traveling and attending local sporting events with my husband. I also enjoy cheering on the Denver Broncos. My other interests include photography, board games and, more recently, cooking.