Each year, Midwest Real Estate News runs its annual Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame issue, highlighting the most successful men and women in CRE. This year, we are also running the profiles of our newest inductees online. Today, we look at the busy career of Jerry Lumpkins, Chicago commercial real estate lead for Bank Leumi USA in Chicago.
Jerry Lumpkins took a long path to the world of commercial banking. But the move to this career has paid off: Lumpkins, now the Chicago commercial real estate lead with the Chicago office of Bank Leumi USA, has worked in commercial banking for more than 25 years. He’s also built a reputation as one of the most trusted and prolific commercial lenders in the Chicago market.
Lumpkins didn’t initially study finance. Instead, he earned degrees in political science and history from Rockford University. He then returned to school to earn his MBA from the University of Phoenix-San Diego.
Before starting his commercial banking career? Lumpkins served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps for more than five years.
Lumpkins started his commercial banking career in Southern California. As the lead of the Chicago division for Bank Leumi USA, Lumpkins handles commercial investment real estate transactions including multifamily, retail, office and industrial properties throughout the Midwest.
“Finding my exact industry calling was a challenge,” Lumpkins said. “I’ve worked in commercial and industrial lending, entertainment finance and community banking. However, I never realized my full potential until I specialized and focused on commercial real estate. I will do this business until I can’t do it any longer.”
Since the beginning of his finance career, Lumpkins has been a trusted partner to real estate investors, working tirelessly to help them meet their commercial real estate goals. This commitment has led to plenty of repeat customers and a steadily growing book of business.
“I love this business. I’m passionate about CRE,” Lumpkins said. “I tell young people all the time, pursue your passion and you will never work a day in your life. I’m thankful to be doing just that. Regarding steps that I take to keep me sharp, I serve and lead many community development boards, I lead many real estate organizations, serve and moderate industry panels, regularly attend industry conferences and I’m constantly learning.”
He’s found time, too, to contribute to his community and profession. He is board president of the Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation, which provides affordable housing to residents in the Northwest side of Chicago, and board president of the Rockford Housing Development Corporation. In 2017, he was past president and board member emeritus of the Chicago Real Estate Council.
In addition, Lumpkins is a board member with Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago and the Rogers Park Builders Group and former president of Bridge Rockford Alliance, Inc., the non-profit development arm of the Rockford Housing Authority.
When he’s not working? Lumpkins is a jazz and gospel musician who has played in bands and recording studios for more than 40 years. He’s married to Flor Lumpkins, a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker. He and Flor share a combined family with nine children.
