Kelly Disser
Executive Vice President
NAI Hiffman
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
Over the course of his 23 years in the Chicago commercial real estate industry, NAI Hiffman‘s Kelly Disser has completed more than 650 sale and lease transactions valued at over $3 billion.
With a focus on the I-90, Central DuPage, and I-88 markets and experience across the United States, Disser has a track record of success with a range of asset types and sizes and can handle every aspect of industrial real estate.
“I have been blessed,” Disser said. “Early on I was fortunate to ‘know’ what I wanted to do.”
While home on spring break from Butler University as a freshman, Disser had the opportunity to shadow a mentor and family friend at one of his development projects in Fort Wayne, Indiana. That helped ignite Disser’s passion for real estate.
During his junior and senior years at college, Disser completed a formal internship with Duke Realty within the company’s industrial development group in Indianapolis. Duke hired Disser full time upon his graduation in 2003.
And ever since? Disser has thrived in the commercial real estate industry.
The numbers tell the story of Disser’s success. In addition to the sale and lease transactions he has completed, Disser has also spearheaded 10 development projects totaling 1.9 million square feet.
And since becoming a partner at NAI Hiffman in 2015, Disser has built one of the most successful industrial brokerage teams in Chicago, his transaction activity consistently ranking among the most prolific in the Midwest.
“The foundation of my business is to make my clients money, or save my clients money, as it relates to their real estate situation,” Disser said. “I have a career and professional purpose because I can make their lives easier.”
Disser has been recognized as a Top Producer in the NAI Global network every year since 2021. In 2021 he was the #4 Top Producer. He has been ranked among NAI Hiffman’s Top Producers each year since 2015.
What is behind Disser’s success? He points to his willingness to log long hours and study his market.
“Without a doubt, work ethic is key,” he said. “There is a direct correlation to the hours invested, and long-term success in our business. There are other factors and functions certainly that are important and do contribute to success: background, experience, talent, relationships. Many brokers possess one or two of these and may get a deal done here or there or have periods of success due to one of those functions. The best of the best never rest.”
Disser also believes in challenging himself.
“While always searching for the most efficient means to achieve, I am also looking for the hardest and most difficult challenges to take, because no one else will do that,” Disser said. “It is human nature to take the path of least resistance. I seek the path of most resistance. That is the difference between good and great.”
When not working, you can find Disser spending time with his family and friends. Disser and his wife Audra have three children. Disser says that he enjoys coaching his children’s sports teams, taking walks with his wife and their dog, Romeo, and taking family trips. Disser also makes it a point to talk with his own parents nearly every day.
“Time is the only resource on Earth that cannot be bought or manipulated,” Disser said. “I enjoy and appreciate being thoughtful with the time I have.”
