If you began your real estate career on the residential side, breaking into the commercial markets after a couple years may feel intimidating. You may also be brand-new to real estate entirely and aren’t sure which direction you want to pursue first, residential or commercial.
On Thursday, March 13th, we hosted our CommercialForum Kickstarter event which focused on ways to expand your skill set and dive into Chicago’s evolving commercial real estate landscape. Below, we’ve highlighted key takeaways and tips from industry professionals who shared their insights.
Meet the Speakers from The Event
Chris pezza | Event EMCEE & PRESENTER
VP of Development, Corcoran Urban Real Estate
Adriann murawski | government affairs update
Government Affairs Director, Chicago Association of REALTORS®
Chris friis
Grand Ridge National Bank
Antje Gehrken
President, A.R.E. Partners
Sarah Ware
Principal & Designated Managing Broker, Ware Realty Group
Amy Hall
Chief Operating Officer, Caton Commercial Real Estate Group
Kris Keller
Senior Director, Keller Williams ONEChicago
#1: Find A Commercial Niche
The commercial real estate market covers a wide range of property types—multifamily, retail, office, industrial, hospitality and more. Trying to master them all at once can be overwhelming. That’s why zeroing in on a specific niche is often the best first step.
Amy Hall, CEO of Caton Commercial Real Estate Group, shared how she began her career focusing on retail properties. She studied the inventory, explored and toured listings, asked questions and became a retail property knowledgebase. Over time, her expertise grew to include retail, industrial, office and land assets. Still, it was that early focus that helped her build the foundation for her success.
Sarah Ware of Ware Realty Group echoed the importance of carving out a specialty. Through Ware Realty Group’s certification as a minority- and women-owned business by the City of Chicago, Sarah gained access to exclusive commercial projects— helping her get a foot in the door of the commercial market.
Both leaders agree that finding your niche—or your “foot in the door”—is one of the best ways to break into commercial real estate. Pick a specific asset class and dive in.
#2: Get Involved In the Industry
Commercial real estate thrives on collaboration. Transactions tend to go smoother when REALTORS® work together in the best interests of their clients. One of the best ways to build these relationships? Get involved.
Kris Keller of Keller Williams ONEChicago shared a recent success story where he was asked to represent a property type he wasn’t familiar with. Thanks to his connections on the CommercialForum Committee, he knew exactly who to call. A quick 30-minute conversation with another committee member gave him the insight he needed to move forward with confidence.
This is the power of peer connections—sometimes all it takes is one conversation to open a new opportunity. In addition to the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, go to events and classes hosted by the CCIM Institute and other commercial organizations.
Our association is currently accepting applications to get involved with our CommercialForum Committee for the 2025-2026 year (the deadline is the end of May 2025). Click here to explore our committees and submit an application.
#3: Find A Mentor
Amy Hall stressed the value of mentorship, particularly through formal programs like the Chicago REALTORS® ELITE Mentorship Program.
These structured programs connect professionals who are eager to share their knowledge with those looking to learn and advance their careers. A mentor’s support can accelerate your growth and open doors you might not find on your own.