As the year comes to a close, Chicago-based companies are announcing new hires and plans to launch additional lines of business.
The promotions and business strategy changes come on the heels of a flurry of new hires Chicago-based real estate firms made in November.
Among the latest moves, one of Chicago’s most prominent general contractors, Skender, announced new additions to its leadership team, including a new chief operating officer.
Brian Bukowski, who has been with Skender since 2007, was promoted from senior vice president to COO, according to a press release. He previously led Skender’s Interiors group and a group of leaders known as the company’s “Mission Critical” team.
Bukowski worked closely with Andy Halik, who was promoted to president from senior vice president, the release shows. He has been with Skender since 2011.
The company also named a new president of its Indiana operations, Brian Simmons. Simmons joined Skender in 2007 and has been working on its expansion in the Indianapolis area since 2020.
The Interiors group at Skender gained a new vice president, Ashley Pforr, according to the release. Pforr previously served as the Interior group’s project executive. She has led construction teams at Skender since 2010.
Rosemont-based commercial brokerage Lee & Associates has been on a hiring and promoting spree the past few months, and announced it would launch a new health care real estate division.
To establish the new team, Lee & Associates brought on three new brokers. Principals Peter Cangialosi and Doug Pauly, and associate Austin York joined Lee & Associates from Oak Brook-based brokerage Joseph Ross & Associates, according to a press release.
Cangialosi joins with 20 years of experience, including 10 years dedicated solely to health care real estate. Pauly also brings 20 years of experience to the position, and has completed more than $100 million in deals, the release shows. York joins with about 10 years of experience, including with the National Association of Realtors, Redfin and Second Century Ventures.Austin-based brokerageRelive Realty plans to expand to Chicago in 2026, according to the firm’s spokesperson. The firm previously expanded to Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. The company employs brokers for both renters and homebuyers. It is actively recruiting agents in Chicago, a spokesperson said.