01.23.20
RE Journals: CRE Future Leaders Danny Logarakis
Danny Logarakis, a broker with Kiser Group, has facilitated $50 million in multifamily transactions throughout his career. Since joining the firm in 2016, he has specialized in the analysis and disposition of value-add properties throughout Chicago.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up, where did you go to school?
I grew up living in a West Rogers Park apartment building where, coincidentally, I would end up brokering many transactions years later. When I was six, we moved to Lake Forest. I later went back to my city roots when I started college at DePaul University and majored in real estate finance.
When you were young, what did you aspire to be?
I always wanted to be a professional soccer player in Europe. My father—having played semi-pro in Greece—got me involved with soccer at a young age. Working toward that aspiration provided me with a foundation of competitive drive and unbeatable work ethic that I still utilize in every part of my life.
How did you get your start in the industry?
My first job out of college was in property management, where I managed a 300-unit portfolio. Two years later, when part of the portfolio was for sale, I got my first taste of the multifamily industry. I realized how my experience and personality could be applied to something much greater. I ended up getting my broker’s license to sell buildings like the ones I managed. For a couple of years, I worked for a local firm until I joined Kiser Group in 2016.
Did you have a mentor who helped you get on your feet, or is there someone you turn to now for support?
Upon joining Kiser Group, I started from scratch, developing my own business plan and finding my niche. Lee Kiser’s training on cold calls, underwriting and goal setting helped me get on my feet. To this day, Lee’s active role in coaching each broker and encouraging our collaboration has tremendously helped me grow and develop my business.
What does a day in the life of Danny Logarakis look like?
I start my day with a cup of coffee at 7 a.m. Before I get into the office, I use this time to check my emails and plan out my agenda for the day. Once I’m in the office at 9 a.m., I have my game plan ready and begin managing the most crucial items. I follow up on deals, talking with attorneys, lenders, investors or prospecting new leads. The afternoon is dedicated to the phones. I spend this time cold calling and following up with previous contacts. Personally, I prefer to call in the afternoon because I believe it is more respectful to people’s schedules. When I’m between building tours and meetings, I’m always working from my phone. Once my workday is complete, I like to end my day with a nice workout at East Bank or a hot yoga session at CorePower.
What do you like most about your job?
My favorite part is building relationships with new clients and creating investment opportunities for them. I enjoy the thrill of converting first time sellers into clients, especially those who are notorious for being unreachable. I’m very outgoing so I find my personality very fitting for this job’s challenges.
Looking to the future, what do you hope to achieve/work on that you haven’t already?
I look forward to having more repeat business from the clients that I’ve been cultivating over the last few years and building stronger relationships with management companies. This year, I’m excited to expand my business in more neighborhoods of Chicago as well as my team.
How do you spend your time away from the office?
When I am not working, I enjoy trying new restaurants and traveling to different destinations. I spend a lot of time with my friends and family, especially my newborn nephew. As an associate board member of A Safe Haven Foundation, I meet with fellow real estate professionals to plan fundraising activities and events.
What is your favorite place that you have traveled to?
My favorite destination so far is Costa Rica. The weather is perfect and the beaches are surreal. The landscape offers numerous activities, from hiking to fishing. Being able to explore and travel around in a golf cart was pretty awesome.
