Michael Thanasouras
Managing Director
SVN Chicago Commercial
Chicago
Since the founding of SVN Chicago Commercial in 2008, Michael Thanasouras has been the steady force guiding what has become one of the most respected offices within the SVN International platform.
Serving as managing director, chief financial officer and chief operating officer, Thanasouras has helped build SVN Chicago Commercial into what is widely regarded as the brand’s flagship office, one defined by disciplined growth, collaborative culture and consistent top-tier performance.
Under Thanasouras’ leadership, SVN Chicago Commercial has expanded to more than 60 brokers and staff and has closed nearly $4 billion in transactions. That growth has not come at the expense of stability. Instead, it reflects a carefully managed approach that balances entrepreneurial ambition with operational rigor, a hallmark of Thanasouras’ leadership style.
The firm’s performance metrics tell part of the story. Since 2013, SVN Chicago Commercial has ranked among the top three producing SVN offices globally every year. It has earned the No. 1 office distinction three times and has been named SVN “Firm of the Year” on three occasions.
Thanasouras’ personal contributions have been recognized with multiple honors, including the SVN “Entrepreneur of the Year,” “Team Player,” and “Collaborator of the Year” awards. In 2022, he was named SVN’s “Managing Director of the Year,” a recognition that underscored his impact not only within his own office but across the broader organization.
That influence extends beyond Chicago. Thanasouras has served on SVN International’s Board of Advisors since 2014, a role that reflects the trust and respect he has earned throughout the network. He has also been a featured speaker at multiple SVN National Conferences, sharing insight and perspective with attendees from more than 200 offices worldwide.
At the core of Thanasouras’ leadership philosophy is a belief that people drive results.
“The aspect I value most in my role as an owner and manager of a commercial real estate company is the opportunity to work collaboratively with people to solve problems,” he said. “Whether engaging with internal staff, real estate advisors, or clients, people remain at the center of everything we do.”
Much of Thanasouras’ impact happens behind the scenes. While he is a visible leader within the firm and the industry, he is equally focused on the financial, strategic and operational details that keep a brokerage resilient through changing market cycles. From managing complex financial decisions to guiding long-term strategy and overseeing daily operations, Thanasouras provides the steady hand that keeps the firm on course.
“Success is ultimately a matter of perspective,” he said. “Regardless of our daily responsibilities, I have always believed that our foremost objective should be to act with integrity and do what is right.”
Beyond performance and accolades, Thanasouras has built a culture rooted in collaboration, ambition and mutual respect. He leads training sessions for new-to-business brokers, helping them establish a strong foundation and clear trajectory within the firm. That commitment to mentorship has helped cultivate an environment where professionals thrive and success is shared.
Outside the office, Thanasouras enjoys traveling with his family, cycling and golf. He also enjoys building things of all kinds — “from beer to food to a pizza oven or a table” — a fitting hobby for someone who has spent his career thoughtfully building an enduring organization.
