Meet Will Klos
 Analyst, Quannah Partners

 LinkedIn Profile | Company Website

 Years in CRE: 1

What motivated you to get involved in the CRE Industry? Growing up, my mother managed a Section 8 apartment complex in the suburbs of Minneapolis. I often joined her on visits to help with the property’s upkeep, whether collecting coins from the laundry machines or digging trenches to repair the sprinkler system. Through those experiences, I developed an appreciation for the demanding, hands-on nature of the business.

When I began my freshman year at the University of Wisconsin, I initially considered architecture, as I had always been fascinated by the built environment. Ultimately, I decided real estate would be a more logical and unique path, one that tied back to those early experiences with my mom. That decision was validated in my first course, The Real Estate Process, where I realized just how many different ways I could make an impact in the industry.

What is your proudest achievement thus far? During my time as a Capital Markets Analyst with Newmark’s Denver team, I had the opportunity to underwrite and transact the 9th & Colorado mixed-use development. From the outset, I knew the deal would be complex. It included office, retail, and land components, with a residential portion sold off prior to our team’s engagement. The process demanded late nights and countless hours working through tangled CAM structures, while also developing conviction around a project with both office and theater space that was not fully leased.

This experience taught me that real estate is rarely a binary business, there are no absolute right answers. Each transaction requires creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to navigate ambiguity. It also reinforced that, while much of the work happens behind spreadsheets, real estate is ultimately a people-driven business. Some of my greatest learning opportunities came not from the numbers, but from the conversations and relationships built with clients throughout the process.

What are one or two professional aspirations or goals you have for the next 5 years? Five years from now, I aim to be firmly established in the Denver real estate market, supported by a strong network of brokers, investors, and professionals with whom I have built lasting trust and rapport. I want to point to a track record of successful transactions that reflect both my real estate aptitude and my ability to create value.

Looking further ahead, I aspire to implement a sustainability initiative across my portfolio, setting measurable carbon-reduction goals for future acquisitions. The built environment accounts for roughly 40% of global emissions, and while real estate has historically been slow to adopt innovative practices, I believe a sustainable portfolio will not only reduce operating costs and enhance returns, but also prove more attractive to investors. Only time will tell, but I am confident this belief will be borne out.

Which NAIOP Colorado/Corporate committees or forums have you been involved with? As a new NAIOP member of just under two months, my involvement so far has been with the Programs Committee, led by Margaux Askeland. Beginning in early 2026, I will also be joining the Public Policy Committee. In addition, I am a Developing Leader and look forward to participating in upcoming events and the mentorship program this year.

If there are other areas where members could use additional support, or where it would be valuable for a new member to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

What career advice would you like to share that you wish you had learned sooner? Reach out to friends, colleagues, parents’ friends, alumni—anyone who can help you expand your network. While “networking” may feel like an overused term in our industry, real estate is ultimately a people-first business. It’s easy to sit behind a desk and “plug and chug” through models, but relationships are essential. They offer wisdom to those new to the industry, provide guidance on different career pathways, and give you a broader, more holistic perspective that makes you a more educated professional. 

Share a fun/interesting fact about yourself: At my last job, I won first place in the Chili Verde category of our office chili cookoff...though candidly, there were only three entries. Message me for the recipe.

I also grew up speaking French and still enjoy attending a French club on Thursday nights. Est-ce qu’il y a des francophones ici?