Ellen Mahoney: Leading Change in Commercial Real Estate

Ellen Mahoney is a trailblazer in commercial real estate, reshaping the landscape of a traditionally male-dominated industry. As the owner of RE/MAX Commercial Connection and RE/MAX Connection Detroit, located in Metro Detroit, Ellen has set a new standard for leadership and success. With a foundation built on determination and expertise, she began her journey as a commercial real estate paralegal at prominent Detroit law firms, acquiring invaluable insights into the field. Her career expanded as she managed brokerage and sales for a luxury resort developer, operated a thriving mortgage brokerage, and led a Birmingham title company, where she mastered short sale transactions before building a commercial division.

In 2016, Ellen took a bold leap in faith by establishing RE/MAX Commercial Connection, the first exclusive RE/MAX commercial brokerage in Southeastern Michigan. Her exposure to and understanding of real estate law laid the groundwork for a seamless transition into sales, culminating in her first major deal—an industrial property in Oak Park, MI—despite having no prior real estate sales experience. Demonstrating her visionary approach, she launched RE/MAX Connection-Detroit in 2022, a platform designed to empower agents with mentorship and training as they transition between residential and commercial real estate.

Ellen's boutique office specializes in an array of commercial sectors, including multifamily, retail, industrial, and office spaces, reflecting her versatility and market expertise. With a focus on redevelopment in Detroit and the Metro area, Ellen is committed to revitalizing communities and fostering economic growth. In her role as a thought leader, she created the “Real Estate Rap” podcast, which has evolved into a traveling vlog series. Through her traveling vlog series, Ellen provides a platform for underrepresented voices in commercial redevelopment, showcasing the perseverance and innovation shaping Detroit’s landscape.

Through this platform, Ellen amplifies the voices of minority men and women navigating the challenges and successes of redeveloping blighted properties and pursuing ground-up construction projects.

A steadfast advocate for professional growth and community impact, Ellen serves on the Board of Directors for the Commercial Board of Realtors (Michigan) and the Executive Board for the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce. She is a former Board member for Commercial Real Estate Women of Detroit, and was the Chair for Outreach and Professional Development, where she championed the advancement of women in the field. Her dedication extends to organizations such as Life Remodeled, a Detroit Non-Profit Advisory Board, the State Bar’s Real Property Section, and the Oakland County Bar.

Under Ellen’s leadership, her team continues to make significant strides—most recently, Vice President of Brokerage Services, Valerie Kemp, successfully represented CATL, one of the world’s largest EV battery manufacturers, in a landmark commercial lease deal.

Ellen exemplifies integrity, mentorship, and the profound influence of women leading the charge in this dynamic industry. Her passion for real estate and dedication to fostering the next generation of industry professionals establish her as a true thought leader, shaping the future of commercial real estate.