Last year, Midwest Real Estate News profiled 60 of the most important commercial real estate pros in the magazine’s first Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame issue. Since then, we’ve been running these profiles online. Here is a look at one of our Hall of Fame inductees, David Kahnweiler from Colliers International.
David Kahnweiler Position: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Company: Colliers International Location: Rosemont, Ill.
You don’t get to be chairman and chief executive officer of one of the industry’s most important commercial real estate firms by accident. It takes hard work, market knowledge and skill.
David Kahnweiler, who holds those lofty positions with Colliers International, has all these qualities and more. Those who nominated him pointed to Kahnweiler’s extensive knowledge of how commercial real estate works. But they also cited his leadership and work ethic.
In short, nominators said, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who is more devoted to the commercial real estate business.
“David knows everything there is to know about succeeding in this business,” said one nominator. “His knowledge base is absolutely incredible. That’s why he’s been able to adapt to any market and to any situation.”
Kahnweiler has worked in the commercial industry for more than three decades. During this time, he’s specialized in office, industrial and investment brokerage and industrial development.
Kahnweiler’s peers say that he is consistently one of the Midwest’s top producers. He’s especially active representing corporations that have disposition and relocation needs. He advises these clients, too, in the best way to maximize their assets.
The clients that rely on Kahnweiler’s services aren’t shy about the impact he’s had on their businesses. Kahnweiler has helped clients across the Midwest acquire, develop and redevelop industrial properties, leading many a company to financial success.
“David knows what makes a good deal,” said one nominator. “He just has a feel for these things. He simply knows this business inside and out.”
Kahnweiler has made a significant impact on the fortunes of Colliers International, too. In the last five years alone, the company’s Development Group, led by Kahnweiler, has acquired more than 25 million square feet of real estate and has developed an additional 2 million square feet of new product. This has had a positive effect on the company.
The rest of the industry has definitely noticed Kahnweiler’s accomplishments. He’s earned the Commercial Real Estate Industrial Broker of the Year award in 1996, 1997 and 2006. He was a finalist for the honor in 1995 and 1998. Also in 1998, Kahnweiler nabbed the NAIOP Industrial Transaction of the Year award for his work on the Goose Island Industrial Campus in Chicago. These honors aren’t surprising; Kahnweiler, after all, has earned a reputation as one of the clear leaders in the Midwest’s commercial real estate business.
“David has done a terrific job both in representing his clients and representing the industry,” said a nominator. “He definitely deserves his place in the Hall of Fame.”
