Jay Shidler, founder and managing partner of The Shidler Group, will receive the Innovator Award presented by the Wisconsin School of Business’ James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate and the UW Real Estate Club.
Shidler is the seventh recipient of the award, which recognizes individuals who have made a mark on the real estate industry. The award ceremony will include remarks from Michael Brennan, executive director of the Graaskamp Center, followed by a presentation by Shidler to students, alumni and board members.
“We are honored to present the Innovator Award to Jay Shidler. He’s been an innovative leader in the real estate industry for more than 40 years and he truly embodies the Wisconsin tradition in his spirit, imagination, and enthusiasm for making positive impact on the industry,” Brennan said.
Shidler founded The Shidler Group in 1971. The company has since become one of the nation’s most successful commercial real estate investment organizations. Shidler has also been the founding investor in more than 20 companies, including five that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Other noteworthy achievements include Shidler’s creation of Primus Guaranty, the first-ever stand-alone derivatives product company, as well as the patents he holds for a financial instrument pricing system related to credit risk transfer. Since its formation, his affiliated partnerships and corporations have acquired more than 2,000 properties in 40 states and in Canada.