Isaiah Harf
Regional Managing Director
Northmarq
Chicago
Respect: That’s what Isaiah Harf has earned from his clients and colleagues during his career of more than 15 years.
This isn’t surprising. As Regional Managing Director in the Chicago Office of Northmarq, where he is responsible for the company’s Chicago, Cincinnati and Toledo commercial investment sales offices, Harf has proven invaluable to his company and industry.
At Northmarq, Harf nurtures client relationships and serves as a regional leader assisting with talent management and acquisition. Additionally, he manages office operations and identifies opportunities to promote and expand other Northmarq business lines.
At the same time, he’s been a top producer. Focusing on the sale of net lease assets, Harf has closed more than $3 billion in total transaction volume and has partnered with some of the nation’s most respected and trusted institutions, REITS, private equity managers and merchant developers.
“I really enjoy interacting with people, seeing people’s careers grow and knowing that I was able to help someone accomplish something that they never thought possible,” Harf said. “Our industry attracts all kinds of people, and I’ve learned that the most talented people are sometimes the most overlooked. Additionally, I’ve enjoyed getting to know our clients and their families and being part of something greater than a simple — or not so simple — transaction.”
As a lead business development and execution specialist for a team he co-runs with BJ Feller, Harf provides extensive knowledge to buyers and sellers across the nation. With a predominant focus on retail assets, Harf additionally runs multiple sale-leaseback programs for fast-food retailers and is a leader in the net-leased healthcare and cannabis-based sectors.
“Isaiah Harf is a perennial top net-lease producer and respected across the commercial real estate industry for his deep expertise and big personality,” said Jeff Cox, executive managing director of Commercial Investment Sales at Northmarq. “He is the perfect combination of expert advisor, fierce negotiator and quality human being. I count it a privilege to call him a colleague and friend.”
Since 2019, Harf has completed some of the net-lease sector’s larger transactions, with buildings occupied by tenants like Whole Foods and Stop & Shop.
“Self-motivated, disciplined, and focused, these words describe Isaiah Harf,” said Anna Sidimirova, lead marketing coordinator for Harf. “Through the years, Isaiah’s guidance and support have helped many individuals to accomplish their professional goals. The impact that he has made on the net lease industry is invaluable. It is my pleasure to work with Isaiah every day.”
Before joining Northmarq, Harf served as Regional Director and Partner at Stan Johnson Company, which he joined in 2011. Prior to Stan Johnson Company, Harf worked with a leading national receivership firm that handled commercial mortgage-backed securities servicers. Harf headed the disposition department with an emphasis on distressed asset optimization and strategy in secondary and tertiary markets. Harf’s previous clientele included prominent servicers, national banks and opportunistic funds.
What is the key to Harf’s success? Hard work. Market knowledge. A dedication to his clients. They all play a role.
“I have also had the benefit of having an instrumental business partner, BJ Feller, who has continued to push me and make me better,” Harf said.
Then there’s integrity, which Harf says is key.
“My success can be attributed to doing what I say I’m going to do,” he said. “I pride myself on always being available for clients and embrace the opportunity to put in the extra hours of work to meet the demands of the day. You may not always win, but you can’t win if you don’t give yourself the time.”
When not working, Harf enjoys live sporting events and spending time with his wife, Dana, and his children, Brody, Levi and Demi. He’s also a big fan of the sauna and steam room. “After 20 minutes in there, you can conquer anything,” Harf said.