Chris Korjenek, NAIOP Wisconsin (again); Lanser Public Affairs, Senior Project Manager; Semi-retired for the past three years but work keeps getting in the way! Who can say no to Jim? LOL!

Briefly tell us what you do and how long you have been in the Commercial Real Estate industry: I have been in the industry for over 30 years starting my career at Northwestern Mutual in their real estate department.  Shortly after transferring to their real estate office in Chicago I went to work for a family-owned real estate company there (Draper and Kramer) and worked for their advisory group.  I returned to Milwaukee six years later with Inland Companies, now Colliers.  This experience prepared me well to take on the Executive Director role for NAIOP from 2007-2015. Since then I was the Associate Director for the Marquette University Center for Real Estate (MUCRE) and now work for Lanser Public Affairs doing community outreach for development projects.

Which project or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? This one is easy.  While with NAIOP I was asked to administer the Associates in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) program.  Connecting the students with professionals in the industry and now watching their careers grow has been incredibly gratifying.  I am so proud of the students who went through the program and of the professionals who were so willing to assist in making our industry more inclusive.  In addition, while working with college students in the MUCRE, I had a finance student come to my office looking for career advice.  I convinced him to take the real estate Case Competition course.  He is still grateful for the introduction into the real estate industry and landing his first job with CBRE.

How would like to be more involved in NAIOP Wisconsin? HA! This is my third time returning to help Jim.  I think my level of involvement is just fine!! LOL!

Tell us about your family: Happily married for 14 years with two sassy Irish Terriers, Ruby (14) and Murphy (2).

What is your favorite restaurant?  Why? Tenuta’s in Bayview.  The food, atmosphere and service is always spectacular.  Bacchus is high on my list too.  We had our wedding there and it never disappoints.

What music are you listening to and what was the first concert and last concert you attended? Had tickets to Santana and Earth Wind and Fire but it got cancelled.  Before that, Queen Nation at a trailer park in Mesa, AZ with several grade school friends.  One of whom was the president of the Queen fan club when we were growing up.  So much fun!

Favorite series you binge-watched? On the recommendation of one of my ACRE students, Game of Thrones.  The series on the surface didn’t seem to be something that would appeal to me.  I was wrong! 

What’s something about you most people would not know? I am an Ambassador for USA Pickleball.  I took up the sport three years ago and absolutely fell in love.  Contrary to popular belief, it is not a sport JUST for old people! 

How do you find a moment of peace to calm or center yourself? Walks in the woods/parks with my dogs.  Our favorite spots are Highland Woods and the Mequon Nature Preserve, especially in the fall when the trees turn vibrant colors.

Brie