Lee Kiser is Principal and Managing Broker of Kiser Group, which he co-founded in 2005 with his partner, Estella Kiser (General Counsel, Kiser Group). Lee has assembled the team that has led Kiser Group from a small start-up firm to the company it is today. Prior to establishing Kiser Group, Lee was the top producing apartment broker in Chicago at a large, national commercial brokerage company, and ranked in the top 10 brokers nationally with that company. Today, Lee remains an active broker in addition to running Kiser Group, and has a personal career transaction volume greater than $3 Billion.

Lee holds a BS in business from the Kenan Flagler Business School at The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Lee is a member of the Forbes Real Estate Council and an active contributing writer to Forbes.com. Lee is also actively involved in various commercial real estate organizations, including the Leadership Council of The Preservation Compact (a MacArthur Foundation mission to preserve affordable housing in Chicago), the Lincoln Park Builders of Chicago, The Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University (mentor program), and The Eisenberg Foundation (mentor program). Personally, Lee enjoys working out, traveling and performing with his band.

Stella began Kiser Group, along with her husband Lee, after recognizing the need for a cohesive and experienced set of brokers that could expertly serve the commercial real estate community throughout Chicagoland. After years of facilitating multi-family transactions, being in charge of marketing and operations, and overseeing the firm and its agents as its managing broker, Stella currently focuses her efforts at Kiser Group on serving as the firm’s General Counsel. Stella has a commercial litigation background, having worked for two prominent Chicago law firms. During her career in commercial real estate, Stella has been named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International and recognized as of one of Bisnow’s “Chicago Power Women,” REJournal’s “Successful Women in Commercial Real Estate,” as well as Crain’s “Top 40 under 40.” Stella has also been active in the local real estate community, having served as one of the founders and directors for the Neighborhood Building Owner’s Alliance (NBOA) and on the Leadership Committee for The Preservation Compact, led by Community Investment Corporation (CIC) and supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation aimed at preserving affordable multi-family rental housing in Cook County. Stella has also been a director of the Rogers Park Builders Group where she served as Chair of Government Relations and has been a member of CREW (the Chicago Chapter of Commercial Real Estate Executive Women).

Outside of real estate, Stella trains and teaches Shorin ryu karate, where she holds a third degree black belt. She has also trained in Wing Tsun, a Chinese martial art. Stella is an avid cook and enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and sons. She has also volunteered with the Moran Center of Youth Advocacy, representing troubled youth in the juvenile justice system.

Stella earned her B.S. in Business Administration as well as her J.D. with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she served as Managing Editor of the North Carolina Law Review. In addition, Stella has earned her AM in clinical social work from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration.

Aaron assists investors, developers, and property owners on the acquisition and disposition of South Side multifamily properties. He has established himself as a multifamily market leader throughout the south side of Chicago including South Shore, Jackson Park and Chatham. Since 2015, Sklar has successfully completed transactions in excess of $165 million on behalf of his clients encompassing 123 properties and more than 2,900 units. Sklar has been named a CRE Future Leader by RE Journals, named One To Watch by Bisnow and is regularly mentioned and quoted by an assortment of news and media outlets. In 2017 and 2019, Sklar earned Kiser Group’s Top Closer award. Additionally, Sklar earned two 2019 CommercialForum Top Producer awards by the Chicago Association of REALTORS including Platinum for Multifamily Transactions and Gold for Multifamily Sales Volume.

Aaron graduated from the University of Michigan amongst the top of his class with a degree in Economics. He is a member of the South Side Community Investment Association. Aaron lives in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, and outside of real estate, he enjoys traveling, playing tennis, and spending time with his family.

As Director at Kiser Group, Matt helps his clients achieve their investment goals and has become a trusted consultant to many. He specializes in the analysis and disposition of multifamily properties throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs since joining the firm in 2015.

Before joining Kiser Group, Matt worked in a variety of roles within the real estate industry and has a diverse background in engineering, construction, and consulting. He received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Marquette University and his M.B.A. from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.

Matt grew up on the north side of Chicago and currently resides in Oak Park with his wife, three children and dog.

As an Advisor at Kiser Group, Marco Cesario brings a full spectrum of real estate expertise having brokered over $100 million of multifamily, residential, mixed-use, land deals as well as retail and office leasing for his clients. Marco joins Kiser Group from a large national firm where he specialized in multifamily and mixed-use properties throughout Chicagoland. At Kiser Group, Marco focuses on deals throughout Chicago’s west side. Marco’s clients benefit from his deep understanding of multifamily from experience managing his family’s properties. With brokerage expertise in both residential and commercial real estate, he delivers the highest level of analysis and market knowledge. Marco has a “client first” approach to brokerage and considers relationship and trust as the foundations.

Marco graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in finance.  Outside of the office, Marco lives in the West Loop, enjoys playing soccer, golfing and has been involved with Tutoring Chicago since 2010. Marco is a licensed broker in Illinois.

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As an Advisor at Kiser Group, Michael’s clients benefit from his extensive knowledge of rehabilitation and maintenance of multifamily properties coupled with his analytical nature. Since he can remember, Michael has helped his family maintain and operate their portfolio. His energy and determination aides to smooth transactions. Michael focuses on Chicago’s west side, specifically Lawndale, East Garfield, and Austin neighborhoods.

Prior to joining Kiser Group, Michael was a business analyst at a top fortune 500 automotive company. He is a licensed Broker in the State of Illinois and has a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN) from the University of Michigan. Outside of the office, Michael can be found volunteering in the West Side communities.

Danny has brokered $60 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. With an emphasis on north side neighborhoods, he has brokered numerous properties throughout West Ridge, Rogers Park and Ravenswood. Danny is known for his drive, persistence and strong list-to-close ratio.

Prior to joining Kiser Group, Danny had experience in asset management and brokering multifamily, retail and industrial deals. He graduated from DePaul University with a bachelor’s degree in Real Estate Finance. 

Danny is a member of Rogers Park Builders Group and an Associate Board Member of A Safe Haven Foundation. He lives in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, and speaks fluent Greek. When he is not working, he enjoys new restaurants and traveling.

Danny brings a strong analytical background to Kiser Group aiming to help clients meet their real estate investment objectives. He specializes in analyzing multifamily assets in Evanston and throughout Lake County. Throughout his brokerage career, Danny has closed over $70 million in multifamily transactions.

Prior to joining Kiser Group, Danny worked as a commercial credit analyst for a local bank where his primary job function was to underwrite and qualify commercial real estate loan requests. In addition to understanding the economics of real estate, Danny also has experience in the day-to-day management of rental property.

Danny graduated from Carthage College with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and business administration and holds a Masters of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. Danny is involved with the DePaul Real Estate Alumni Alliance, REIA and various Armenian non-profit organizations. Danny lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with his wife, daughter and dog.

As an advisor with Kiser Group, Rick specializes in the sale of multifamily investment properties on Chicago’s North Side. Since joining Kiser Group, Rick has brokered over $90 million in multifamily real estate sales. Rick’s ability to empathize with clients allows him to truly understand their business goals and strategize efficient pathways to maximizing the value of their investments.

Prior to joining Kiser Group in 2016, Rick enjoyed a successful career teaching U.S. History and Mathematics in the northern suburbs and north side of Chicago. Rick earned his B.S. in psychology and graduated with distinction from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before earning his M.A.T. from National-Louis University.

Rick is an active member of the Edgewater Uptown Builders Association (EUBA) and Rogers Park Builders Group (RPBG). Rick spends the bulk of his free time with his wife Jenny and their two young children…and on the golf course whenever possible.

As an Advisor at Kiser Group, Jake combines his passion for sales and experience in real estate investment management to deliver results for his clients. Jake represents clients on the acquisition and disposition of multifamily and mixed-use properties throughout Chicago’s near north side neighborhoods including Albany Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Old Town, and River North. Since joining Kiser Group in 2016 as an analyst, Jake was promoted to broker and has successfully closed over $40 million in multifamily transactions.

Jake’s entrepreneurial spirit started early. Outside of commercial real estate, he developed and launched a successful online electronics recommerce business which has seen year-over-year growth over the past six years. Jake graduated with honors from Michigan State University’s School of Hospitality Business within the Eli Broad College of Business where he majored in Hospitality Business and minored in Real Estate Investment Management. While at Michigan State, he was a member of the Real Estate Investment Club and Sigma Pi fraternity.

Jake lives in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood and enjoys bike rides along the lakefront, watching Michigan State sports and dining at the city’s vast supply of restaurants. He is a member of the Northwest Side Building Coalition (NSBC) and the Young Real Estate Professionals of Chicago (YREP).

As an Advisor, Jack specializes in the sale of multifamily investment properties on the west side of Chicago, with a focus on Austin, Garfield Park and Humboldt Park. Jack first joined Kiser Group as an analyst for the firm’s top-producing brokers, Noah Birk and Aaron Sklar and was promoted to increase the team’s market share on the west side of the city.

With a background in finance, Jack’s approach to market research is amplified by his strong work ethic and eagerness to learn. Jack previously worked at Northern Trust and graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Finance. When he is not working, Jack enjoys playing and watching sports and spending time in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin with his family and friends. He currently resides in Wrigleyville where you’ll often find him at a Cubs game or at the beach.

Ron’s clients benefit from his 14 years of real estate investment experience. With extensive value-add, turnkey and investment property expertise, Ron advises both buyers and sellers on the best acquisition and disposition strategies and capital markets advisory  for each asset, whether they are an institutional firm, a family office or a new real estate investor. Ron’s has extensive experience underwriting and marketing properties ranging from new developments to workforce housing in Chicago, the surrounding suburbs and in the Midwest region.

Before joining Kiser Group, he was the principal and operating partner of various real estate investment companies, where he was responsible for acquisitions, development, leasing, market analysis, raising capital, portfolio optimization, property management and disposition of hundreds of multifamily and single-family rental units. Prior to Ron’s real estate career, he spent over 20 years in technology and product development.

Ron has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, with an emphasis on finance and accounting. He lives in Naperville with his family, and while not working can be found traveling and enjoying new restaurants.

Kyle focuses on the analysis and disposition of apartment buildings located throughout Lake County and Porter County in Northwest Indiana. Kyle takes pride in helping clients establish and maintain their wealth through thoughtful analyses, real-time market research, and the best advisory services available. Kyle directs his real estate business on a client-centered perspective, focusing efforts on long-term relationships in the market and attention to the details of a deal.

Prior to joining Kiser Group, he worked as an Associate Broker at Marcus & Millichap. He attended Indiana University and graduated with a degree in Public Finance. Kyle currently resides in Valparaiso and looks forward to playing his part in revitalizing and reinvigorating the Northwest Indiana communities.

As Senior Associate, Justin works closely with the South Side team managing deal flow and analysts. His organization and leadership skills have been critical to the team’s growth and scalability. Justin is known for his work ethic, problem-solving mindset, and ability to listen to and serve his clients. Justin joined Kiser Group as an Analyst with previous experience as a real estate broker primarily focused on residential leasing.  

Justin currently lives in Lakeview and enjoys working out, eating at new restaurants, and spending time with his family.

As an Associate at Kiser Group, Austin focuses on the South Side market supporting the company’s top-producing brokers. With a background in sales, Austin’s approach to market research is amplified by his strong work ethic and eagerness to learn.

Austin previously worked at NAI Latter & Blum and graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in marketing.  When he is not working, Austin enjoys distance running on along the lakeshore and cheering on the LSU Tigers. He currently resides in Lakeview where you’ll often find him scoping out the Chicago food scene with friends.  

As an Associate at Kiser Group, Michael focuses on the South Side market supporting the Birk | Sklar team. With a background in finance, Michael uses strong analytical and communication skills to optimize results for clients. He has a deep appreciation for architecture and the value of a property’s history.

Michael graduated from Clemson University with a finance degree and emphasis in investment banking.  Outside of the office, Michael enjoys traveling, photography, and watching Clemson Tigers football.  

As Compliance Coordinator, Allison manages Kiser Group’s listings from escrow to closing. She spearheads the firm’s deal pipeline to ensure all listing and closing data is accurate and within the guidelines of the company and third-party listing provider policies. 

Allison previously assisted Kiser Group’s top-performing brokers with database management and procedure development before being promoted to the company’s Compliance Coordinator.

In her spare time, Allison practices yoga, enjoys being with her family and playing with her dog.

As the Director of Operations, Vanessa is focused on data management, overseeing company finances and human resources department and technical / back-office systems development.

She brings a background in corporate business administration and human resources. Vanessa is also fluent in Spanish.

In her spare time she spends time with her family and friends. She loves sports, traveling, outdoor activities and trying new restaurants.

As Marketing Associate, Lee is responsible for maintaining Kiser Group’s brand standards throughout all marketing efforts. He works with brokers and ownership to produce industry leading marketing pieces and implement the company’s overall marketing strategy.

Lee graduated from Augustana College with a double major in Marketing and Management with a minor in Graphic Design. He was also a member of the Lacrosse team at Augustana. In his spare time, he plays lacrosse, snowboards, and spends time with friends and family.

Kiser Group retains Sabrina Wottreng Public Relations for its public relations needs.

For all media inquiries, please reach contact Sabrina at sw@sabrinawottreng.com