About Karnie

Karnie Vertz is a Principal with Avison Young’s Edmonton Office Leasing and Sales Team. Karnie is one of the original team members of Edmonton’s strongest and most trusted real estate team as evidenced by their convincing market share.  With well established relationships within the landlord and tenant community, Karnie plays an integral role to the Edmonton Office Team.

Karnie grew up in Sherwood Park and has always been active in his community. After being drafted by the Mets, he attended Arkansas State University on a baseball scholarship where he obtained his Business Finance Degree. Upon returning to his hometown in 2004, Karnie utilized his competitive drive that provided him success in sports to transition to real estate.

Over the past fifteen years, Karnie has been instrumental in handling large real estate portfolios for some of the western Canada’s most significant landlords, including Triovest, LaSalle, Cameron, Kingsett, Melcor and Harvard.  Karnie’s  business  awareness  and  client focused approach allows  him  to  provide  solutions  for  clients which surpass their expectations  and  pro-formas.  On listing assignments he takes a strategic approach customized to each property. Ranging from large institutional projects to smaller entrepreneurial assignments, Karnie takes action.  From cold calling prospects, to presenting customized, tailored proposals, he rolls up his sleeves to get results fast.

Karnie has produced consistent results as a team leader on tenant portfolios throughout Alberta and Western Canada representing such prestigious clients as Intuit, Ledcor, Alberta Energy Regulators, URS Flint Energy, OPUS Stewart Weir, Ellis Don, ATCO, CUPE, RSA Johnson, SCM Insurance, State Farm Insurance, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team, RSC Equipment Rentals, CH2M Hill and Lafarge. These multi-market clients require an in-depth understanding of their corporate structure and how their needs differ in each geographical region. 

Karnie has established a reputation as a trustworthy advisor and market leader, demonstrating integrity and loyalty with expertise in executing lease negotiations, renewal negotiations, build-to-suit consultation and purchase and sale transactions.  Karnie brings a high level of energy and enthusiasm coupled with a unique understanding of the varied challenges that different organizations face when dealing with their real estate decisions. Karnie’s best qualities are his approachability and his calm and considered approach to each situation.

Outside of the office Karnie values his family and community and gives back through his involvement in the Sherwood Park Minor Baseball. He is a strong supporter of environmental considerations and holds a LEED® Green Associate designation. Karnie is an active member of the Sherwood Park Chamber of Commerce and a member of CoreNet. Karnie remains active in sports, playing baseball, hockey, golf, recently ran in the Edmonton Marathon and completed a triathlon in 2015.

Credentials

Professional Credentials

• Member of the Sherwood Park Chamber of Commerce
• Canada Green Building Council

Education and Designations

• Bachelor of Business Finance – Arkansas State University