Samual Cicero, Sr., founded Cicero’s Development Corporation in 1970 and worked through various stages of real estate like new build, residential, and commercial before committing to specializing in commercial renovation projects.
In a recent interview with IREJ, Cicero opens up about his 45 years in the industry—surviving the downturn, adapting to change, listening to top entertainers at a gala, and what it is about the firm that amazes him. Cicero also shares what he’s been up to since his move to Florida, and reflects on his days of racing in the local NASCAR circuit in the late 50s.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: What are your current responsibilities at the firm?
Cicero: I assist our team in marketing and new business development, speak on various panels regarding “team approach” and successful procedures regarding large, complicated commercial renovation projects locally and across the U S.
IREJ: You’ve been a part of the industry for quite a while. What is it about the business that continues to interest you?
Cicero: This is a constant learning process that changes through time. As the client’s needs change, so do materials and procedures change as well. We need to constantly keep changing and adapting and that’s a good thing. My formal education is only through the 9th grade so everything has been learned, step by step, in life’s “Real Time.” I am now 73 years old and still love what I do!
IREJ: Has there been a specific experience that you’ll never forget?
Cicero: There certainly have been many over my 45 years in this industry! I think one of the most “unforgettable” is how we survived this last LOOONG downturn in business! This took a lot of adapting and team work by the key people on our team! If there is ever a lesson to learn by this it is to “never give up,” find out the ever changing needs of your clients and either change to adapt to them or change your clients or even sometimes both, but keep changing and adapting!!
IREJ: What about a specific project or deal?
Cicero: Again there have been quite a few over our 45 year history but a good one is when we completed a major renovation of the Wyndham, Lisle-Naperville in Naperville IL., which is now a Sheraton Hotel. In 2006, this was one of our largest projects, in the $4 to $5 Million range. Upon the successful project completion, to celebrate we held a Gala Party for high end clients and key company representatives of the Wyndham Hotel, Thayer Lodging, the hotel ownership and Cicero Developments’ key clients. At that party we had quite a few top entertainers, The Supremes, Freda Payne (her famous 60’s song, Band of Gold) along with two other oldies groups entertained us that evening. We had escorted tours for clients, through the different areas of our renovation. Very, very memorable!
IREJ: What’s the most rewarding part of working at your firm?
Cicero: I am always amazed at how well we, collectively work through complicated projects and are able to maintain our clients expectations of tight time frames and budgets. I am very proud of our whole team!
IREJ: Do you have a piece of advice for those new to the industry?
Cicero: You need to have very strong work ethics, work hard and work as long as it takes. Be willing to work to become a solution driven person and work with every client to fulfill their needs. If you have strong discipline and a “never give up attitude,” trust in God to guide you, you will always be successful!
IREJ: On a more personal note, what do you like to do when you’re not working?
Cicero: Since my wife Kathy and I recently moved to Florida and I work mainly from home, I love the ocean and water in general. I try to swim in the Gulf 2 or 3 times a week and in the pool everyday, if possible. I also love auto racing, between 1959 thru 63 I raced stock cars, in the local NASCAR circuit, in the Chicagoland area and loved it.
IREJ: Any upcoming plans that you’re looking forward to?
Cicero: Now at 73, I look forward to each day and thank the Lord for each one. Three years ago, my son Sam Jr. became the President of Cicero’s Development and handles the day to day operations. The company that I started back in 1970, is now successfully completing commercial renovation projects across the U S. I am so proud of our team and their accomplishments. We still have a lot of loyal employees with our company, one 32 years, one 26 years 2 at 24 years each, 2 at 10 years and in this industry, that’s amazing! As long as they all keep that “Never Give Up” attitude and adapting to the changing needs of our clients, Cicero’s Development will keep growing.
