Each year, Midwest Real Estate News inducts a new class into its Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. Here is a look at the career of one of our newest inductees, Steve Palec, chief marketing officer for Irgens in the Milwaukee area.
Jack-of-all-trades is how many would describe best-selling author, award-winning radio host—and Irgens Chief Marketing Officer Steve Palec.
Palec’s career in CRE began in 1986 at The Polacheck Company. During his first 10 years in the field, Palec completed numerous local and national transactions and liked to say that Monday through Friday was just one long day for him.
Becoming a partner in the well-respected firm was a highlight of his career and over the next 10 years, Palec was involved in many high-profile assignments, representing companies like Manpower, Northwestern Mutual, Kohls, Cramer-Krasselt, Baker Tilly and the Office of The Commissioner of Major League Baseball, as well as GE Healthcare in a 500,000-square-foot built-to-suit and the subsequent sale of the property, before moving on to work for CBRE, Cresa Milwaukee and Colliers.
Just three years ago, Palec pivoted once again to take on the challenge of his current position of CMO at Irgens, one of the premier firms in the Midwest. During his time as a broker he garnered much success by:
(1) Using the communication skills learned in broadcasting.
(2) Finding ways to say yes.
(3) Putting himself in clients’ shoes.
(4) Committing 100% to the craft.
(5) Painting a picture. He said, “More effort goes into selling a $1 bar of soap than a $100 million complex. The soap markets the feeling of refreshed. Many building ads are simply a photo.”
Challenges are expected, but much like playing sports, the greatest challenges bring the greatest awards. “But you’re only as good as your last deal,” Palec said. “You must always stay sharp.”
Palec’s favorite part of his position at Irgens is the ability to be involved in a variety of the company’s major decisions at the highest level, with insight into how they work, and contribute positively to their success.
When he’s not working for Irgens, Palec is likely dabbling in one of his other many hobbies. He recently wrote a bestselling book, In Awe—Beatles, Baseball & Bourbon…Appreciating Spectacular and Simple Stuff, and also finds pleasure in the simplicities of going to sporting events, spending time with his family (including his dog, Luke) and drinking bourbon.