Meet Tara Thompson

What is your role at Avison Young?

As a Marketing Director, I create marketing materials, custom and otherwise, along with providing project management for the Nashville office.

How did you get into commercial real estate?

I had just relocated to Nashville and was looking to further my career and find a new adventure. I applied for and interviewed with a local commercial real estate company that would later become Avison Young here in Nashville. Over the years, I have become fascinated with the industry and how it shapes our city and lives. I feel like I am on the frontlines of Nashville's growth.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life and why?

My former art department head, Matt Greenwell, graphic design teacher, Leslie Jensen-Inman, and art history teacher Dr. Gavin Townsend, have probably been the biggest influences in my life. At a time when I needed the most direction, they were there as a team to guide me. Dr. Townsend probably predicted my future in real estate by offering his architecture class at the time he did.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

There will always be someone ahead of you, but you'll always be ahead of someone else.

How has Avison Young supported you as a woman in business?

Avison Young treats us all as a family; we aren't just bodies in seats. Every woman I have met in the company, no matter what stage of their life or career they are in, is willing to support one another and share their experiences.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I wanted to be a mortician.