What drew you to the commercial real estate industry and what do you find most rewarding about your work?

After graduating from the Business School at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I held a couple of jobs right out of school that were great learning opportunities and I quickly learned what aspects of those roles I most enjoyed. I loved interacting with people, was able to multi-task and operate in a fast-paced environment, and valued the chance to directly impact clients’ success.

I had a few friends that were really enjoying their infancy in commercial real estate and unsure about my current career path, I decided to take a leap of faith and start interviewing at several different commercial real estate firms before finding my first fit.

I love how every day is different, you really get what you put into it, and the sky is the limit in terms of how much success you can have in this industry. Having been in real estate in Chicago for close to 18 years now, I’m proud of what I’ve been able to date, but also realize that you’re only as good as your next deal, and it still provides an opportunity where you can work hard and hustle and reap the fruits of your labor or as the saying goes, “eat what you kill!”

What brought you to Interra Realty and when did you join?

I was working at a competing commercial real estate firm where I had broken into the industry and was able to learn quite a bit from the mentor I had. The market was challenging back in 2008 with the financial crisis that was going on and there was a time when it was hard to get a showing, let alone put together a deal. Banks weren’t lending and the market was temporarily paralyzed. In 2010, David and Jon formed Interra Realty, and a couple of years after the inception of the firm, I joined their team. Almost twelve years later, I haven’t looked back.

What do you think are the most important skills for a successful commercial real estate broker?

It’s incredibly important to know the market where you’re operating in, and being a true expert, not a generalist. At the end of the day, we sell apartment buildings, but there is so much that goes into it and the skillset is fairly involved. We’re in the relationship business—so cultivating those relationships are integral, and at the same time, keeping a pulse on what buildings sold, who owns what, what rents are, and what trends are in/out.

What do you like to do outside of work and how do you balance your work and personal life?

I love spending time with my family: my wife Carrie and our kids Jonah (born in 2021) and Sophie (born in 2023), and Teddy, our Cavapoo.

I’m an avid golfer and traveler (favorites include Colorado and California), love to go to sporting events and concerts, and enjoy cooking and grilling.

Can you share a personal accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?

After playing golf since I was about 10 years old, I hit my first hole-in-one in 2021 at Wasatch Golf Course in Utah. It was on a 320-yard par 4. My brother-in-law and one of my best friends were both witnesses, which made it even more special.

What’s something that most people don’t know about you?

I’ve shaken hands with two Presidents—President Carter when I was 4 or 5 years old back at King Richard’s fair. Unfortunately, the Polaroid my Grandmother used to take the picture wasn’t HD quality like you get now. And more recently President George W. Bush at the Union League Club about 9 or so years ago.