Brian Oen’s journey in Gainesville’s commercial real estate scene has been shaped by meaningful connections, new opportunities, and a commitment to his craft. When he earned his real estate license in 2017, he wasn’t entirely certain where it would lead him. However, a chance meeting his wife had with Tiffany Thomas, co-owner of the Thomas Group, opened a promising door. Soon after, Brian joined the Thomas Group, where he worked closely with Tiffany and Matt Thomas, whom he describes as “two of the best brokers in the business.” Over the next seven years, Brian not only developed his skills but also played a key role in building the Thomas Group’s commercial division, helping to establish their presence in Gainesville’s commercial market.
As he advanced in his career, Brian began looking for a place where he could focus exclusively on commercial real estate. His friend Dan Drotos, a respected commercial broker, saw Brian’s potential and introduced him to Collier’s. Specializing in commercial real estate, Collier’s provided Brian with the opportunity he had been seeking. “It felt like hitting the easy button,” Brian reflects, describing the transition to a firm equipped with extensive tools and support resources. Unlike smaller brokerages that often face limitations in accessing high-level platforms, Collier’s offers a full range of support, from researchers to client service coordinators, which allows Brian to dedicate more time and attention to his clients.
The move to Collier’s also aligned with Brian’s belief in the value of specialization. In Gainesville, where many brokers handle a variety of property types, Brian sees a real benefit in focusing on specific areas. Investment sales, in particular, resonates with him as it is both “analytically satisfying and strategically complex.” With the support of other specialists at Collier’s, Brian can concentrate on investment properties while knowing his clients are well-supported in every aspect of commercial real estate.
Looking forward, Brian is enthusiastic about what he and the team at Collier’s can achieve in Gainesville’s growing commercial real estate market. His path has been shaped by strong partnerships, robust resources, and a commitment to continuous growth. The shift from the Thomas Group to Collier’s marks an exciting new chapter, one that allows him to bring a personal touch and specialized expertise to his clients in Gainesville.