Imagine driving past your favorite shopping center and saying, “I own part of that.”

This episode on Women, Wealth & What's Next Podcast I invited special guest Sheryl Vickers to join us, and explore how women are joining forces to buy property, create rental income, and help shape the communities we call home.

Sheryl brings 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, meaning property used for business, like the building that houses your favorite boutique, salon, or brunch spot. She’s the founder of Select Sites Commercial Real Estate and co-founder of WIRED, Women in Real Estate Development.

From the moment she shared her mission of helping women own 51% of commercial real estate, I wanted to know how I could participate. I recently joined WIRED, and I’m excited to bring this conversation to you!

Breaking Into Commercial Real Estate Investing with Sheryl Vickers - Episode 03

What We Talk About

• Why you don’t have to buy the whole building yourself. Sheryl explains how women combine their money and experience to pursue bigger projects together.

• How to assemble your expert “girl gang.” We discuss why the right property professional, attorney, architect, and construction team matter.

• What makes a property worth considering. Sheryl shares three questions she asks: Is the price right? Do people want the space? Will that need last?

• How to explain your vision to banks and potential partners. We explore what to include when showing others how a property could work.

• Where overlooked opportunities can hide. Sheryl shares how she spotted potential in an aging Prairie Village building and helped turn it into a health and wellness hub.

• Why ownership is about more than money. We talk about greater independence and responding to what our neighborhoods actually need.

Sheryl’s Three-Part Approach to Evaluating a Property

I asked Sheryl to walk us through the three things she considers when deciding whether a property makes sense.

1. Basis: What Will It Cost You?

“Basis” here means what you’ll have invested in the property, including buying and improving it. Think of finding a gorgeous vintage dress: the purchase price matters, but so does what you’ll spend on alterations.

Sheryl explains why buying at the right price leaves room for improvements and unexpected expenses.

2. Demand: Who Wants This Space?

Demand means whether people want what you’re offering. Think of opening a beautiful nail salon: you still need women nearby who want to book appointments.

We discuss how Sheryl looks at what businesses need, what’s happening in the neighborhood, and whether people are looking for the kind of space she can provide.

3. Durability: Will That Need Last?

Durability means how well the opportunity could hold up over time. Think of choosing a classic coat you’ll wear for years rather than an outfit that only works for one party.

I asked Sheryl how she considers a community’s future plans and whether a property can continue serving a real need.

The Moment That Stayed with Me

One of my favorite moments in this conversation was hearing Sheryl describe women driving past a property with their children and saying, “Mom owns that.”

They may own a small part of the building, but they’re participating in something tangible in their own neighborhood.

I also loved hearing that some projects brought together 20 or more women. To me, that means more women getting an opportunity to participate in ownership than if one person had bought the property alone.

That’s what excites me about this conversation: women sharing resources, learning together, and gaining a voice in what gets built around us.

Connect with Sheryl

If this conversation has you curious about buying, selling, or leasing property, or discussing your next step, here’s where you can connect with Sheryl:

• Explore Select Sites Commercial Real Estate

• Learn about consulting with Sheryl

• Email Sheryl

• Follow her preferred Facebook page, @Retailstorefronts

Come Explore WIRED

If you’d love to meet other women who are buying, developing, and learning about business properties, take a look at the community I recently joined:

• Learn about WIRED and its mission

• Explore WIRED membership

• Find upcoming events

WIRED hosts Coffee & Collaborations and Happy Hours where you can connect with other women and learn. Check its current calendar for dates and registration.

We mention events and opportunities available at the time of recording. Visit the links above for current information.

A Question I Want to Leave You With

The next time you walk into your favorite neighborhood café, salon, or boutique, look beyond the business.

Who owns the building?

And what would it take for you to become one of the women who does?

If this episode helped you, DM me on Instagram (@sarahnicolenadler) and let me know your biggest takeaway!