Each year, Midwest Real Estate News names a new class to its Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. This year was no exception. And this new class included several CRE professionals working in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Real Estate Journal will run profiles of these new Hall of Fame members throughout this year.
Our first? Andrew Hess, Principal and Head of the Investment Division for Founders 3 Real Estate in Milwaukee.
For more than 25 years, Andrew Hess has established himself as a leading figure in Milwaukee’s commercial real estate market. With nearly a quarter-century of experience spanning most major U.S. real estate markets and multiple property types, Hess’s career reflects a dynamic combination of expertise and innovation.
Hess’s professional portfolio is vast, encompassing investment sales, tenant representation, acquisitions, dispositions, asset and portfolio management, financing, investment recapitalizations, debt restructuring, loan sales and distressed real estate. His versatility and deep understanding of the industry have made him a trusted advisor and a sought-after leader in his field.
Before joining Founders 3 Real Estate Services, Hess co-founded Creekwood Real Estate and Resilire Real Estate Partners, where he played pivotal roles in shaping the firms’ growth and strategy. Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures, he spent 12 years as Senior Vice President at Transwestern Investment Company, a prominent principal investment firm specializing in commercial real estate. In this role, Hess honed his skills in managing complex transactions and investments, laying the groundwork for his future successes.
Throughout his distinguished career, Hess has achieved numerous milestones and accolades. In 2021, he earned the prestigious CARW Investment Deal of the Year award for orchestrating the $100 million sale of the Leonardo DRS Portfolio. His accomplishments include directing property sales exceeding $1 billion in gross sales price, with over 800 properties transacted in Wisconsin alone. Additionally, he managed a $250 million OREO portfolio for a major Wisconsin bank, leading all disposition activities and setting strategic directions for both portfolio and individual assets.
Hess’s impact extends beyond sales. He has been involved in acquiring more than 120 individual assets totaling $2.6 billion in gross investment. He has also advised on loan restructurings and investment recapitalizations exceeding $300 million. His expertise in asset management is equally impressive, having overseen a commercial property portfolio valued at over $1 billion.
Outside the boardroom, Hess has made meaningful contributions to his community. A dedicated father, he has served as head coach for more than a dozen youth sports teams, mentoring young athletes and fostering teamwork and sportsmanship. This commitment to giving back mirrors his approach to real estate—strategic, passionate, and focused on creating lasting value.
Hess’s enduring success and leadership in commercial real estate underscore his reputation as a visionary in the industry. His ability to navigate complex markets and deliver exceptional results continues to set him apart as a Hall of Fame-worthy professional.
