Luke Schammel is a senior associate in the Chicago office of Cushman & Wakefield. He’s also one of the Chicago-area’s rising commercial real estate stars. We recently asked Schammel about his career, what he enjoys about commercial real estate and what plans he has for his future in this business.
Here is what he had to say:
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?
Luke Schammel: I grew up in Eagan, Minnesota (home of the Vikings), which I think shaped a lot of how I approach work and relationships—straightforward, competitive, and relationship-driven. I went to college at UW-Madison, where I developed an early interest in real estate through the University’s RE Program, which happened to be one of the best in the country. I had a background in sales (Cutco Knives) and liked how RE brokerage combined sales with focused, long-term strategic decisions. That foundation ultimately pulled me toward commercial real estate.
How did you get your start in the industry?
Schammel: I got my start by jumping headfirst into the brokerage side post graduating college in December of 2020. I got my first role through selling Cutco. During my two summers working there, I would always ask people what they did for work and if they liked it. One customer was a CRE broker and convinced me to switch my major to real estate at Wisconsin and I never looked back. I loved my CRE classes and brokerage was a natural fit given my sales background.
I was drawn to the performance-based nature of the business and the opportunity to build something entrepreneurial inside a larger platform. Early on, I focused heavily on prospecting through cold calls (and still do), learning market fundamentals, and understanding how occupiers think about real estate—not just transactions but how facilities fit into broader business strategy. The best experience came during the deal execution phase which taught me how to solve problems at an advanced level and learn on the go.
Did you have a mentor who helped you get started, or is there someone you turn to now for support?
I’ve been fortunate to work alongside brokers who were generous with their time and candid with feedback. Early mentors helped me understand the discipline required to succeed long-term, especially around consistency, process, and reputation. Today at Cushman & Wakefield, I still learn lessons from and lean on experienced teammates like Adam McCostlin, who I consider a great friend, mentor, and business partner, and Chris Wood, both of whom are among the best at what they do in the country. I also respect and admire the fact that we go toe to toe as peers to pressure-test ideas, deals, and strategies, and regularly have meetings to debate client solutions and spitball best practices whether it’s to finalize a transaction or develop new business opportunities.
What does an average day at work look like?
No two days are exactly the same, but most start early and are very intentional. A large part of my day is spent on outbound business development to high priority prospects, client conversations, and executing transactions. I also spend time analyzing portfolios, tracking market trends, and coordinating with teammates on active assignments. It’s a balance of proactive prospecting and active deal execution.
What do you like most about your job?
I like that the business rewards effort, persistence, and long-term/creative thinking. You’re constantly solving different problems for different clients, and every deal teaches you something new. There are also no handouts in the business, and I enjoy that success isn’t instant—it’s built over time through trust, consistency, and performance.
What do you hope to work on/achieve that you haven’t already?
My goal is to continue building a scalable, durable business with long-term client relationships. I want to be known not just as a transaction broker, but as a valued business partner who helps clients think strategically about how real estate supports their business across their national footprint. Longer term, that means expanding responsibility, mentoring younger brokers, and contributing at a higher leadership level.
How do you spend your time away from the office?
Outside of work, my wife and I enjoy traveling and she frequently tags along when I travel for business (I think I took 40 flights last year). I stay active—golf, fitness, and getting outdoors—as much as possible. I also enjoy hunting with my black lab Winnie, spending time with family and friends, and working on personal projects that keep me creative and competitive. These outlets help me reset and bring better energy back to work although it never really ends. I pride myself on being responsive and available as much as possible to my clients and colleagues.
