Luke Ferzacca is an associate with Elmhurst, Illinois-based DarwinPW Realty|CORFAC International. He’s also a young leader at the company and in the commercial real estate industry.
Here is what Ferzacca had to say about his career, why he chose commercial real estate and his future goals.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?
Luke Ferzacca: I grew up in Elmhurst, about 10 minutes from the DarwinPW Realty/CORFAC International office. I went to the University of Colorado at Boulder and majored in real estate.
How did you get your start in the industry?
Ferzacca: I officially started in the industry in August 2022 when my now fiancée and I decided to leave Denver. We were both looking for career changes. Real estate is the family business, and I’ve always been around it. I remember touring buildings with my grandpa when I was a teenager. Our family dinner conversations frequently revolved around large development projects and deals he was working on.
Did you have a mentor who helped you get on your feet, or is there someone you turn to now for support?
Ferzacca: I’ve been lucky to work on deals with all of the principals at DarwinPW Realty. Each of them brings their own style and creativity, from which I have been able to learn. George Cibula has been a huge part of helping me get on my feet in this industry. When you see him in a business setting, you understand why he has been so successful over his 50-plus-year career. Two of the biggest things I have learned from him are the intensity this business requires and the creativity it takes to get deals done.
What does an average day at work look like?
Ferzacca: As most people in this industry have said, there is no average day. Some days are filled with market tours and client meetings, while others are spent in the office prospecting for new clients or pushing deals toward the finish line.
What do you like most about your job?
Ferzacca: I enjoy the people I interact with daily and the variety this job brings. As I mentioned above, no two days are the same.
Looking to the future, what do you hope to work on/achieve that you haven’t already?
Ferzacca: Like most brokers in the industry, I want to work on more complex projects and larger developments. However, something that isn’t quantified by monetary value but is incredibly important in this industry is reputation. Yes, I’d like to be known for working on big deals, but I also want to be known as a solid, reliable broker for clients of all sizes.
How do you spend your time away from the office?
Ferzacca: I enjoy doing anything active and pushing the boundaries for adventure. If you ask my fiancée, this is code for I have too many expensive hobbies. In the winter, I enjoy both downhill and backcountry skiing. During the summers, I dive fully into endurance sports with cycling, Ironman triathlons, and mountain bike racing. When it’s time to relax, I enjoy spending time at my family’s property in Michigan, where we hunt, shoot sporting clays, and hang out with family.
