Andrew Balzer Email & Phone Number

Plainfield, Il, Us

Greater Chicago Area

I led the successful redevelopment of over 300,000 square feet of commercial space, overseeing the deployment of $80M+ in capital and driving double-digit incremental returns. My role included negotiating and securing $40M+ in municipal incentives, directly supporting the successful execution of these redevelopment projects.As the key visionary behind Block 59 (a premier restaurant and entertainment district in Naperville, IL), I spearheaded the development of over 100,000 square feet of polished casual dining space, with openings projected in 2025. Featured brands include The Cheesecake Factory, Yard House, Ruth's Chris, Shake Shack, Piccolo Bucco, First Watch, Stan's Donuts, and more to be announced.

Greater Chicago Area

Greater Chicago Area

Led national real estate group of up to 14 direct reports and national brokerage network to support the opening of 65 new stores and 100 remodels per year. Developed and maintained market and site analytics that formed the company’s growth strategy. • Introduced new strategic direction supported by proprietary best-in-class analytics, resulting in 50% increase in new store activity.• Served as member of company's core strategy team, tasked with drafting and implementing new ten-year strategic vision and with presentation responsibilities to the board of directors for approval.• Built a national tenant rep brokerage network.• Speaker at Canada’s Environics Analytics User Conference on the subject of integrating customer segmentation analysis with new store strategies. • Recognized as three-time President Award recipient for driving record new store growth, creation and implementation of new proprietary analytics, and special distinction for contributions to company's new strategic plan.

Led and motivated professional staff of up to 20 direct reports comprising development directors and managers, architects, engineers, designers, and marketing staff overseeing identification, entitlement, acquisition, development, construction, and disposition of retail, office, medical office, and industrial assets. Developed national retail services platform serving as strategic partner and preferred developer for national retail clients.• Produced a total of $30,000,000 of development value across industrial, office, medical office, and retail properties.• Managed real estate portfolio of more than 300,000 square feet.• Lead turn-key site selection and build-to-suit development for national retail clients including Dollar General, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware and Advance Auto Parts netting more than $15,000,000 in development value.• Assembled a 10-acre development, anchored by Aldi, Tractor Supply Co., Peoples Bank and a 10,000 square foot (Starbuck’s anchored) multi-tenant building in St John, Indiana.• Recognized as company’s top revenue producer in 2006 and 2007.

Oversaw site selection, zoning, and entitlement for new grocery store and convenience store development. Negotiated contracts and lease agreements, led capital improvements, and served as asset manager for 5,200,000 square feet. Decreased annual real estate operating expenses by 47% and percentage rent payments by 46% by conducting full compliance lease audit, recovering $650,000 of improper payments. Served as member of Division Development Committee that established investment strategies for $50,000,000 capital budget.

Directed all facets of store operations, including merchandising, inventory control, and staffing for stores averaging annual sales from $30,000,000 to $50,000,000 and having staff of 150 to 225 employees.

Bsba, Marketing, Management

Activities and Societies: Member of the Xavier Musketeer Baseball Team and Marketing Club

Master Of Business Administration - Mba