Newmark Grubb Knight Frank‘s Senior Managing Director, Corey Chase shares his personal thoughts and memories with real estate and what he expects for the market for the rest of 2015. Chase explained to Chicago Industrial Properties that the most rewarding part of his job is helping his clients find a functional space that allows them to grow and be more successful in their business and admits that his biggest accomplishment outside of work is his family.
Chicago Industrial Properties: As the senior managing director, what are your daily responsibilities?
Corey Chase: As most of my work is tenant representation, I spend the majority of my time assisting my clients and helping them restructure their leases or help them find new office or warehouse space. In addition I help them find the right building to purchase if they want to go that route. I also assist my clients with obtaining municipal incentives in whatever state or municipality they are looking to move to.
CIP: How did you get your start in real estate?
CC: When I was in college I used to work at my father’s law firm. I met an attorney that practiced real estate, and I got hooked. The rest is history as I am celebrating my 30th year in the business this month.
CIP: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
CC: Helping my clients find a functional space that allows them to grow and be more successful in their business. Whether it’s a ma and pop operation or a large publicly traded company, it’s very rewarding that I can help positively change the working dynamics and operation of someone’s business.
CIP: What is your most memorable project/deal?
CC: I found a piece of dirt for a developer that was looking to build a large office building. That building was eventually constructed, and it changed the landscape of the entire community which happened to be my home town.
CIP: What sets your company apart from the rest?
CC: NGKF offers an entrepreneurial culture that I was drawn to. It’s incredible how nimble and entrepreneurial the firm is and how deep their resources are.
CIP: What has been the reason as to why you’ve remained in the industry?
CC: Every day is different. I love the variety. One day I can be on a roof with a contractor, and the next I can be in a board meeting with a President of a company. There is never a dull moment.
CIP: What are your expectations for the market for the rest of 2015?
CC: The first quarter of 2015 has been very strong. More and more companies are growing, adding new jobs, and taking more space to keep up with the job growth. I expect the market to remain strong for the next 2-3 years.
CIP: What’s your greatest accomplishment outside of the industry?
CC: My wife and my two boys. My job allows me to be flexible with my time. I am thankful that I have been able to coach my kids in sports and their activities over the years while growing up and be with them for all of the special events in their lives.
CIP: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
CC: I enjoy working out, fishing and golfing.
CIP: Best advice ever received?
CC: My first boss told me that our business is like a big funnel. You need to put as many leads and clients on top of the funnel and if you are patient and (lucky), slowly but surely deals will come out of the bottom one by one….
