Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheryl Vickers.
Hi Sheryl, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Sheryl Vickers, CCIM — Founder, Select Sites LLC & WIRED: Building Wealth and Community Through Commercial Real Estate
When I founded Select Sites LLC in 2005, I was one of the few women operating independently in Kansas City’s commercial real estate world. Back then, I was focused on helping clients find sites for restaurants, retail, and small businesses. What began as a boutique brokerage has since evolved into something much larger—a movement toward inclusive ownership and community-driven development.
Over the past two decades, I’ve become deeply focused on redeveloping small-scale, infill properties—the overlooked buildings and forgotten corners that anchor neighborhoods. These projects have a heartbeat. They’re where people gather, start businesses, and change communities. My approach has always been about more than transactions; it’s about transformation.
Through this work, I began to notice a larger problem: most commercial real estate is still owned and controlled by the same small demographic—men with generational wealth and established networks. That realization led me to create WIRED (Women in Real Estate Development)—a grassroots collective of women brokers, investors, and developers who are breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. WIRED connects women to the tools, relationships, and capital pathways needed to take ownership—literally—of their futures.
Today, I balance my role as a broker, developer, and women’s wealth advocate, leading redevelopment projects like the Curated Health and Wellness Hub in Prairie Village and the transformation of the historic 6330 Lamar property into a collaborative campus for small businesses. Each project reflects a belief that commercial real estate should serve people and create access, not exclusion.
My mission has evolved from simply closing deals to teaching others how to build equity and legacy through ownership—especially those outside the “old boys club.” By mentoring new investors and demystifying the development process, I’m helping shift the landscape toward equity, opportunity, and representation.
At this point in my journey, success looks like watching other women and first-time investors close their first deal, raise capital, or redevelop a property they once thought was out of reach. That’s what “selecting sites” really means to me—helping others find their place, their power, and their future in this industry.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Early on, I simply wasn’t invited to play ball in the big leagues—or even considered part of the group that belonged at the table. Commercial real estate has long been an insider’s game, and breaking into it without generational wealth, corporate backing, or connections is an uphill climb.
I decided to change that narrative by putting myself into the kinds of transactions that build true ownership. I started assembling property on the east side of Kansas City—areas where vacant land is often treated as a dumping ground rather than an opportunity. These were not easy investments. Many parcels came with title issues, liens, environmental challenges, and complicated city planning hurdles. Even something as basic as lining up a demolition permit could trigger unexpected code violations or bureaucratic roadblocks.
It took years of persistence, financial risk, and creative problem-solving before I developed my first property that generated positive cash flow. But those early challenges shaped everything I’ve done since. They taught me how to see value where others saw blight, to keep moving even when systems are designed to slow you down, and to build not just projects—but pathways—for others who are ready to do the same. The good news is that I learned to assemble property, work with the city and neighborhoods, and began a journey of wanting to see communities have their own stock of CRE developers who can building their own neighborhoods, rather than outsiders coming in to do it “for” them.
As you know, we’re big fans of Select Sites LLC and WIRED . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My company, Select Sites LLC, is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and development firm that I launched in 2005. We are currently an all woman firm based in Kansas City. We specialize in National and local retail, restaurant, and small-scale infill development—the types of projects that bring life back to underutilized spaces and neighborhood corridors.
Select Sites was built on the belief that small business owners and local entrepreneurs deserve the same strategic site selection and investment guidance that national brands get. We’ve become known for creative site strategy, community-driven redevelopment, and deal advocacy that levels the playing field for local owners and investors.
Over the years, our team has completed hundreds of retail, office, industrial, restaurant and a handful of redevelopment transactions across the metro area, including adaptive reuse projects that have turned aging buildings into vibrant destinations. We’re proud to be recognized as one of Kansas City’s top retail brokerages and a trusted advisor for both landlords and tenants looking to invest in long-term value, not just short-term profit.
What truly sets Select Sites apart, though, is our mission: we don’t just broker deals—we love to build pathways to ownership. That philosophy gave life to a local group, WIRED (Women in Real Estate Development), a grassroots organization I co-founded to help women gain visibility, confidence, and access in a field historically dominated by men.
WIRED is a support and investment network for women in commercial real estate—brokers, investors, developers, and aspiring owners—focused on collaboration, financial literacy, and equity. Our members share resources, mentor each other, and form partnerships to take on projects together. The group meets twice monthly and has already inspired women to buy property, raise capital, and enter deals they once thought were out of reach.
Together, Select Sites and WIRED represent two sides of the same mission: building wealth through ownership and community through collaboration. Brand-wise, I’m most proud that both are known for being authentic, accessible, and mission-driven. We don’t just talk about empowering people to invest—we show them how to do it, invite others and stand beside them through the process.
At the end of the day, what I want readers to know is this: commercial real estate isn’t just for the elite or the connected. It’s for anyone ready to take control of their financial story and create lasting impact in their community.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m an avid learner, so my phone and car are basically my classroom. I have an extensive Audible library and use an app called Headway, which gives you concise, 15-minute summaries of almost any book. It’s a perfect way to keep up with new ideas and perspectives through micro-learning when time is limited.
I listen to a wide range of podcasts on leadership, organization, time management, commercial real estate, and investing—anything that helps me think more strategically or run my business more efficiently. Of course, one of my favorites is our own WIRED podcast, which features incredible women in commercial real estate sharing their journeys and lessons learned.
I also do a lot of self-directed research online, exploring new trends, tools, and ideas. I regularly brainstorm and test business strategies with my AI strategy partner, and I love diving into YouTube, TikTok, and Reels to hear from experts in different fields. Learning from others’ real-world experience—especially through short, practical video content—has become one of my favorite ways to stay inspired and informed.
When it comes to thought leaders, Simon Sinek is a consistent favorite. His approach to leadership and purpose-driven work resonates deeply with how I run both Select Sites and WIRED. I’m drawn to any podcast or conversation where I can dig into the “why” behind leadership, strategy, and human behavior.
Recently, I also hired a coach in my network, Mandy Shoemaker, who owns The Purpose Built Life. She helped me uncover my Enneagram report, which gave me powerful insights into how my personality shows up in the groups I’m part of and the teams I lead.
Another coach I value deeply is Erin Joy, who focuses on women-owned businesses. I love strategizing and working with her to refine goals, expand vision, and strengthen leadership systems.
And finally, Alana Muller, founder of Coffee Lunch Coffee, is another inspiring force. Her books and blogs on networking and relationship-building are brilliant, and she’s also available for personal coaching and group speaking engagements.
Pricing:
- 6% commission on transactions
- $350 per hour consulting fee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.selectsitesllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selectsitesllc/
- Facebook: @retailstorefronts
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selectsitesllc/
