In this episode of Real Estate Chicago Style, host Joe Smazal sits down with two powerhouses: Adam Friedberg, CEO of Mavrek, and Matt Wilke, Managing Partner of LG Group.

Together, these two firms represent over $3.5 billion in real estate value and thousands of residential units.

Instead of the "old guard" secrets and cut-throat competition, Adam and Matt discuss a new era of transparency and collaboration.

They reveal exactly what is in their pipelines—from office-to-residential conversions on Wacker Drive to massive 700+ unit projects in Phoenix—and why diversification is the only way to survive a shifting market.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Market Predictions: Why "Build-to-Rent" (BTR) is the hottest asset class and the risks involved with 30-year exits.

The Chicago Advantage: Why Chicago’s concrete trades and union labor are significantly faster than those in Nashville or Columbus.

Affordability vs. Luxury: A candid look at why "luxury" housing is the only way to drive down overall rents in the city.

Diversification Strategy: How to balance high-rise development with boutique neighborhood projects and construction services.

Career Advice: Why "picking up the phone" is still the #1 competitive advantage for young professionals today.

In this episode of Real Estate Chicago Style, host Joe Smazal sits down with Chicago residential heavyweight Jeff Lowe of the Lowe Group at Compass, on location in a 3,000 sq ft authentic loft conversion in the West Loop. With nearly $5 billion in career sales volume, Jeff breaks down how he built one of the most productive residential practices in the city, why he still genuinely enjoys the grind, and what it really takes to stay at the top of the game for two decades.

Join host Joe Smazal for an insider's look at Chicago's high-end retail real estate with Elan Rasansky, partner at Canvas Real Estate. Discover how a boutique brokerage competes with national giants like CBRE and JLL while representing the world's top luxury brands and restaurant groups.

In this episode, Elan reveals:

• How Canvas built relationships with brands like Sweet Green, Louis Vuitton, and top restaurant groups
• The 11-year journey to bring Toca Madera to Chicago's Fulton Market
• Inside details on the massive $7 billion United Center development project (1901 Project)
• Why location isn't everything—it's service, service, service
• The art of curating neighborhoods and why the right tenant matters more than the highest rent
• How Fulton Market still has major growth ahead with 10,000+ residential units planned
• Career advice: "If you don't love it, get out now"

Elan also shares his favorite pizza spots (Pizza Michi, Vito Nick's, Zarella), why Chicago beats New York for food, and the importance of dropping your ego in deal-making.

Recent recognition: Crain's Chicago Business 40 Under 40

Perfect for real estate professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about Chicago's neighborhoods and dining scene.