Darwin Realty & Development Corporation‘s Adam Haefner, director of brokerage services, discusses his most memorable project, the real estate market and even the reason as to what it is about real estate that keeps him in the industry. Haefner also told Illinois Real Estate Journal that he enjoys being outdoors and said that family is a top priority.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: What are your daily responsibilities as the director of brokerage services?
Adam Haefner: I spend the majority of my time helping landlords, tenants, sellers, buyers and investors solve their industrial real estate problems. In addition, my responsibilities as Director of Brokerage Services include recruiting new brokers, training our existing brokers and driving sales for the company.
IREJ: How did you get your start in real estate?
AH: I had offers for other sales positions in the insurance and financial services industries, but a friend that worked at Darwin encouraged me to look into industrial real estate brokerage. I was impressed by George Cibula and the rest of the Darwin team, and I accepted their offer when they extended it.
IREJ: What’s the best part of working at Darwin Realty?
AH: I love being a part of the overall success of my clients, our brokers and our firm.
IREJ: Do you have any memorable projects that stuck out?
AH: My most memorable recent project included two leases that filled the 362,500 square foot building located at 3501 Mt Prospect in Franklin Park. Rick Daly and I were able to help our client, TA Associates, reposition a challenging asset. The end result was a dramatic increase in the value of the building.
IREJ: How does Darwin Realty differentiate from the other firms?
AH: Whether we are working for an entrepreneurial manufacturing company or a large institutional investor, the interests of our clients always come first. The training that we have received and that we give to our incoming brokers is second to none in the industry. This training allows us to handle any type of transaction, and solve any type of problem that our clients face. We meet as a company on a weekly basis to discuss the market, talk about our prospects and build comradery.
IREJ: What is it about real estate that keeps you in the industry?
AH: Every transaction is different, and every client is different. There is constant excitement and new challenges if you are active in our industry.
IREJ: What are your expectations for the market for the rest of 2015?
AH: I expect the industrial real estate market and the economy to continue on a positive trajectory for another 12-18 months. We should see overall vacancy decline, and I expect there to be moderate growth in sale prices and lease rates for user transactions. Investor sale prices may continue to escalate, but it will be based off of rent growth and not cap rate compression.
IREJ: What’s your greatest accomplishment?
AH: Without a doubt, my marriage and my two sons.
IREJ: Favorites hobbies outside of work?
AH: Family time is the top priority. Individually, I enjoy skiing, outdoors activities, mma, golfing, reading and cooking.
IREJ: If you could do one thing that you’ve never done, what would it be?
AH: I would love to take a trip to Patagonia.
