Wilson Ding is an associate for affordable housing with Chicago’s Related Midwest. He’s also a rising star in the city’s multifamily sector. And coming to the United States from China and jumping into a career in real estate? That was a challenge, yes, but it’s one that Ding has overcome while steadily notching successes in an industry that he now loves.
We asked Ding about his career, the factors that led him to commercial real estate and his goals for the future.
Here is what he had to say.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?
Wilson Ding: I grew up in Qingdao, a vibrant coastal city in China known for hosting the sailing events during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and for its renowned brewery, Tsingtao Beer. Tsingtao, one of the largest breweries in China, is famous worldwide and accounts for more than half of the country’s beer exports. I spent my childhood surrounded by Qingdao’s scenic coastline and rich culture before finishing high school.
In high school, I was an active member of the student association, where I helped organize various events that enriched our learning and fostered community spirit. One of my favorite activities was participating in Model United Nations, where we simulated global diplomatic discussions. It was not only a fun way to delve into history, but also a fascinating introduction to the vital role of the United Nations in facilitating international communication and resolving conflicts. Another highlight was organizing cultural festivals, where students showcased traditions from around the world, creating opportunities to explore and appreciate global diversity.
Beyond school initiatives, I participated in volunteer efforts to improve our city and support our community. I led teams to clean seaweed from Qingdao’s beautiful seafront, ensuring its beaches remained welcoming for everyone. I also volunteered at local orphanages, teaching sports and English, and spearheaded fundraising campaigns in collaboration with local businesses, such as restaurants and bubble tea shops, to support both school and community projects. These experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for teamwork, leadership and the value of giving back to the community.
How did you get your start in the CRE industry?
Ding: During the summer between high school and college, I interned at PricewaterhouseCoopers on its managerial consulting and assurance team. My work focused on optimizing the new development and construction of Qingdao’s Jiaodong International Airport and creating standardized processes for internal management and auditing.
I was fascinated by the tangible impact infrastructure and real estate development could have on local communities and inspired by the teamwork involved in tackling complex challenges to deliver impactful projects. This experience ignited my interest in real estate and my eagerness to explore how diverse capital resources could be directed to foster transformative developments in cities and regions.
During my time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I was further motivated by the strong culture of promoting the “Wisconsin Idea” through real estate—emphasizing meaningful social impact. This inspired me to deepen my knowledge of real estate by studying legal regulations, finance and development practices in a graduate program at MIT.
Throughout my academic journey, I pursued internships across banking and financial institutions as well as real estate development firms. These roles, which spanned multiple disciplines, offered me a well-rounded initial perspective on the industry, fueling my desire to pursue a career in real estate investment and development.
Did you have a mentor who helped you get on your feet, or is there someone you turn to now for support?
Ding: As a young real estate professional originally from another country, entering the real estate industry in the U.S. was neither typical nor easy. Many people in the field were born and raised here, which often provided them with built-in networks and opportunities that I had to work hard to cultivate. However, I have been incredibly fortunate to have meaningful mentors and sponsors who have been patient and willing to support my academic and career pursuits.
The first person who comes to mind is my first boss in the real estate industry, Josh Jeffers. Hiring an international individual into a highly localized field like real estate involves a lot of trust and faith. I was lucky to have his support as I developed my analytical skills while working as an acquisition analyst for his investment team. Under his guidance, I learned everything from the fundamentals of financial modeling and underwriting to strategic thinking and leadership skills.
I am also deeply indebted to Professor Jacques Gordon for his invaluable guidance and mentorship during my time at MIT and beyond. His wisdom and extensive experience in real estate investment have profoundly shaped my career and broadened my perspectives. It was a tremendous honor to have him as my graduate thesis advisor. He remains a career mentor who graciously took the time to explain foundational real estate concepts that, while basic for someone of his stature, were instrumental to my growth.
Lastly, I must acknowledge my onboarding partner at Related, Michael Kaplan, who was also my hiring manager during my 2023 summer internship with the team. Michael’s unwavering support and trust—first during my 2023 summer internship and later as a full-time development associate—were pivotal to my experience at Related. Thanks to his guidance, I closed my first deal within six months of rejoining the team, managing critical tasks under tight deadlines with increasing independence. His belief in my abilities allowed me to grow rapidly and deliver key milestones with confidence.
The list of those who have supported me could go on and on. The person I am today reflects the collective generosity and wisdom of countless mentors. I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of learning from each of them and remain inspired to carry their lessons forward in my journey.
What does an average day at work look like?
Ding: There’s so much I love about my job, but at the top of the list is definitely the opportunity to meet and collaborate with a wide range of people. This includes not only the incredibly smart and hardworking individuals within Related Companies, but also those outside, such as consultants who bring unique expertise to our real estate projects, governmental institutions and urban planners who share insights into various neighborhood programs and missions, banks and investors with whom we align goals, and, most importantly, the end users of our properties, our residents and business partners!
Understanding our tenants’ needs helps us design, build and manage properties in ways that go beyond financial returns. It enables us to drive positive economic changes in the surrounding neighborhood, among other fiscal benefits.
What do you like most about your job?
Ding: I enjoy interacting with so many different people, from my coworkers to governmental agencies, investors and innovators in sustainability and technology. Their diverse perspectives help us understand how we can better design, build and manage our properties.
I also enjoy diving into our Related Midwest’s projects. On a recent tour of One Bennett Park, I gained a behind-the-scenes look at the development process, from acquiring the land and collaborating with the city to designing the building and creating a public park for the community. Hearing the stories behind the financing, leasing, and stabilization of such an iconic project deepened my appreciation for the dedication and ingenuity that goes into shaping Chicago’s skyline. The visit was an inspiring reminder of how thoughtful development can enhance urban living and create lasting community impact.
Looking to the future, what do you hope to work on/achieve that you haven’t already?
Ding: I am particularly interested in the renewable energy and sustainability aspects of real estate. Sustainability is no longer just a concept; it has become a crucial component across industries. I’m especially intrigued by complex tasks, such as improving the energy efficiency of residential properties built in the 1970s, identifying feasible ways to reduce carbon emissions and collaborating with local utility companies to integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind power into both existing and new developments.
In fact, considerations like these have become critical points in underwriting analyses and acquisition decisions with our team, demanding continuous innovation, strategic thinking and thorough due diligence to address the unique needs of each property—much like every task in real estate development!
I’m excited about the transformations and advancements that lie ahead and look forward to contributing to sustainability goals from a real estate perspective. I’m eager to be part of this revolution—developing innovative solutions, collaborating with brilliant minds and helping to lead these changes as a pioneer in this evolving industry.
How do you spend your time away from the office?
Ding: I’m a big fan of archery. I joined Madison’s archery club during my freshman year and have loved it ever since. While I’m not an expert, I enjoy every moment of the process—focusing on the target, concentrating with precision, making subtle adjustments to aim and releasing the arrow with steady control.
Recently, I’ve also picked up the piano again. I was initially admitted to Madison as a music major before transitioning into real estate and finance, but my passion for the piano has never waned. Going to concerts always rekindles my love for music and reminds me of its profound influence on my life.
What is your favorite place that you have traveled to? Where do you hope to go next?
Ding: Alaska. In fact, I received my first interview invitation at Related while hiking at the Matanuska Glacier. I was completely awestruck by the glaciers and deeply moved by the sheer magnificence of nature’s craftsmanship. It was a humbling experience, reminding me of humanity’s insignificance in the face of such grandeur and the urgent mission of advancing sustainable energy to safeguard our environment, including these majestic glaciers.
Hawaii is next on my list. I’m particularly interested in exploring how its unique housing and hospitality market influences local communities. And, of course, I also want to experience the beautiful coastline along the islands.
