Deena Zimmerman is an award-winning broker with nearly twenty years of industry experience. Known as a star tenant rep, she is sought after by national brands, multi-unit franchisees, and even first-time entrepreneurs nationwide for site selection rollouts across both Chicagoland and the entire country.
She also specializes in the sale and leasing of retail, investment, and development properties. Deena is a trusted expert in Cannabis real estate, and she is regarded nationally for her business development efforts and her expertise in retail site selection and curation.
As Principal at Baum Realty Group, Deena’s role is centered on national business development as well as commercial redevelopment and adaptive reuse projects across the Country. Deena’s incredible network of relationships stems in large part from her involvement in several local and national organizations. She is the 2024 Commercial Liaison for the National Association of Realtors, and she is a member of ICSC, WIRL (Women in Retail Leasing), and has served as a Mentor and is a longtime supporter of the Goldie Wolfe Miller Women Leaders in Real Estate Initiative. In 2021 she was named one of the top 25 most influential women in Commercial Real Estate and has been named annually by CREi as a top social media influencer in commercial real estate. Deena is a recognized industry leader and public speaker, presenting at national conferences, and to industry groups and associations throughout the United States in addition to guest spots on national television, radio, and podcasts.
Lee leads Baum Realty’s Entertainment Practice, focusing on distinctive national real estate solutions for incomparable performing arts organizations, location-based experiential and entertainment concepts, hospitality professionals, musicians, magicians and other creative visionaries. She works to secure unique and well-suited spaces for this growing list of clients and then negotiates imaginative, mutually beneficial deals for both tenant and landlord. These clients’ needs are not always understandable to commercial brokers focusing on office, retail or industrial properties. Theirs is a particular language, and she speaks it fluently.
Notable representations include Lighthouse Immersive (Immersive Van Gogh & Disney Animation Immersive Experience), Starvox Exhibits (The Art of Banksy), Original X Productions (Harry Potter - Magic at Play & The Friends Experience), Chicago Magic Company & Goodman Theatre (Dennis Watkins' The Magic Parlour), Supply & Demand (Minecraft Experience by Microsoft), Shakespeare Theatre Company, TimeLine Theatre Company, Steep Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Writers Theatre, Albany Park Theater Project (Port of Entry), Collaboraction Theatre Company (Trial in the Delta & La Havana Madrid), Rhapsody Theatre (Physician Magician), Revel Global Events, The Paramount Group and Potter & Potter Auctions (that's entertainment, too, isn't it?).
Lee joined Baum Realty after a successful run at the helm of Dickson & Co., her commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in urban leasing and sales. She and her partners established The Retail Group, the first brokerage firm in Chicago to specialize in retail properties and tenant representation. Later, she joined forces with Friedman Properties to create three boutique shared office suite businesses that heralded today’s popular co-working spaces. As their Director of Retail, Lee marketed and leased the block called Tree Studios and Medinah Temple.
Mike joined Baum Realty in 2019 as a Managing Director in the firm's Tenant Representation division, bringing with him diversified experience in corporate operations, in-house development, land acquisition, project leasing, dispositions and tenant representation. Prior to joining Baum Realty, Mike formed his own company called The Meksto Group, Inc., a brokerage, consulting and development company.
In addition to his work with The Meksto Group, Mike has consulted with Megalytics, Inc., a firm that provides advanced data mining and analytical analysis to the Commercial Real Estate Industry. Megalytics clients include institutional investors, national commercial real estate firms, as well as corporations that benefit from advanced analytics in their decisions surrounding commercial real estate locations, valuations and business partnerships.
Prior to forming his own company, Mike was Senior Vice President / Managing Director Retail with NAI Hiffman headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. NAI Hiffman responsibilities included management of the Retail Brokerage Team, shopping center leasing, tenant representation as well as land acquisition for valued clients throughout the Wisconsin, Illinois and NW Indiana markets
Before association at NAI Hiffman, Mike was a Vice President of Development with Dalan / Jupiter Development based in Chicago, Illinois. He was responsible for land acquisition, project leasing and sales as well as lease and sale contract negotiations with tenant representation. Mike was involved with over 1,000,000 square feet of shopping center developments along the Randall Road corridor in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles, Illinois.
Prior to joining Dalan / Jupiter Development, Mike was a Vice President with the firm of Tanguay / Burke / Stratton. While at TBS, Mike was responsible for the Home Depot and Target site selection process and was the coordinator for the marketing and sale of the excess Target properties throughout the entire Chicago Metropolitan market.
Before Tanguay / Burke / Stratton Mike begin his Commercial Real Estate Career as a retail broker with CB commercial. Mike was a “Top Ten” regionally ranked producer as a retail specialist in the Oak Brook, Illinois Office. Mike spent seven years at CB Commercial concentrating on retail leasing, land sales / acquisitions and tenant representation.
Mike is a member of ICSC, a former Chairman of the NAI Global Retail Executive Committee, and an Illinois Retail Broker of the Year Finalist in 2013.
Mike attended Utah State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science. He is a member of the Alumni Association, Life Loyal Sig / Sigma Chi Fraternity and Football Letterman.
Kevin Gallagher specializes in retail site selection for national tenants and developers, and in the sale and leasing of retail properties. Since 2006, Kevin has represented tenants locally and regionally as they seek to expand or optimize their retail locations. Notably, Kevin has worked continually with JP Morgan Chase Bank for over 15 years to help execute the bank’s real estate needs. Kevin represented several restaurant groups including Buffalo Wild Wings, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Domino’s Pizza, and Ditka’s Restaurant Group. He has also represented medium to large box users including PGA Golf Superstore, Seafood City, and Floor and Décor (Lombard).
Kevin has represented preferred developers First Equity Group and Millco Investments in their site selection efforts for CVS Pharmacy and Dollar General throughout Illinois and the greater Midwest region.
Kevin has successfully leased both existing and new retail centers throughout the Chicagoland market. He successfully procures national tenants and strong local operators for landlords. In addition, he helps owners with long-term strategy and planning for their real estate portfolios.
Additionally, Kevin is a member of ICSC and is in process of completing his qualifications as a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM).
In his spare time, Kevin is an avid climber and runner.
Kevin graduated from Indiana University in 2004 as a double major in English and Philosophy.
Charles Whitlock is a Senior Vice President at Baum Realty specializing in the sale and leasing of office, retail, and industrial property in the West Loop, River West, Wicker Park, River North, Goose Island, Lincoln Park, Andersonville, Roscoe Village, Downtown Chicago, the Greater Chicago market, as well as the Denver Metro.
Charles has a comprehensive real estate background, including experience in land use, zoning, financial modeling and real estate development. He has worked on complex projects involving regional lifestyle centers, transit oriented developments, retail pad sites, landlord representation and tenant representation.
A licensed real estate broker in Colorado and Illinois, Charles earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Denver. He attended the University of Economics in Prague, Czech Republic. He is actively involved with the Chicago Association of Realtors (CAR), and the University of Denver Alumni Organization.
Dan Molnar joined Baum Realty in 2012. He specializes in retail tenant and landlord representation with a focus on downtown Chicago and the surrounding suburban markets. As a member of Baum Realty’s Tenant Representation Group, Dan has secured hundreds of leases for tenants throughout Chicagoland. Representations include Starbucks, Cresco Labs, Naf Naf Grill, Jimmy John's, Dotty’s, Primrose Schools, Susie Cakes, Cold Stone Creamery, Akahoshi Ramen (aka Ramen Lord) and Zemsky's, in addition to numerous independent retailers, restaurants and landlords.
Prior to joining Baum Realty, Dan worked as a broker at Colliers International where he helped establish their Chicago retail division. During his time there, he exclusively represented accounts including Palm Beach Tan, European Wax Center, Granite City Food & Brewery and Ace Hardware.
Dan is an active member of ICSC, Young Real Estate Professionals and ICSC Next Generation. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Emory University where he was a member of the varsity baseball team. Dan is a licensed real estate broker in the state of Illinois.
Nicole Cardot joined Baum Realty in 2010. She provides both tenant and landlord representation services with a focus on downtown Chicago and the surrounding suburban markets. Nicole represents Chipotle, Starbucks, Silver Mirror, and Xponential Fitness Brands including Club Pilates, Yoga 6, Stretch Lab, Cycle Bar, Row House, BFT, Rumble, Lindora, and a variety of independent retailers and restaurants. She also represents numerous landlords including Campus Acquisitions, Akara Partners, Speedwagon Properties, GW Properties, Hines, and Newcastle Limited.
As a vital member of Baum Realty’s Tenant Representation Group, Nicole has secured high-profile lease and purchase opportunities on behalf of tenants, landlords, and sellers in Chicago’s most desirable downtown retail markets including the Gold Coast, Loop, River North, Bucktown / Wicker Park, and the West Loop.
Nicole graduated from Indiana University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Apparel Merchandising. Nicole is an active member of ICSC, ICSC Next Generation, Woman in Retail Leasing (WIRL), CREW, and Indiana Real Estate Alumni Association. Nicole is a licensed real estate broker in the state of Illinois.
Kira is a native Chicagoan and a licensed real estate broker in Illinois. She started her real estate career in 2021 at Baum Realty after graduating from the University of San Diego with a degree in Psychology and a double minor in Business Administration and French. At Baum Realty, Kira focuses on landlord and tenant representation in both downtown Chicago and suburban markets.
Kira takes a fresh and unique approach to brokerage. She adeptly utilizes social media to target potential tenants for landlords. This strategy allows her to connect with 'hard to reach' tenants quickly and effectively. Her work involves creating strategic plans for each property, including a target list, negotiating with tenants from letter of intent through lease execution, and advising landlords on deal structure.
Kira works directly with her tenant clients, advising them not only on location decisions but also how to negotiate the deal. She works tirelessly to expand and build on her extensive knowledge of Chicagoland’s city and suburban markets, constantly driving and walking markets making sure no opportunity is missed. Kira is always seeking out new experiences that help her form a deeper connection with the brands she represents. By trying their latest menu item, taking their most popular workout class or visiting their other locations, she becomes a passionate and knowledgeable brand ambassador for her clients. Key representations include Starbucks, Xponential Fitness, Centria Healthcare, Capriotti’s, and various independent and local retailers and service providers.
In her free time, Kira enjoys spending time with friends, traveling (taking advantage of her fluency in French) and making lifestyle vlogs on her YouTube channel.
Kerwin Alvero joined Baum Realty Group in 2024, bringing a blend of financial modeling expertise and advanced digital marketing strategies to the team. At Baum Realty, Kerwin is an integral team member whose entrepreneurial mindset and passion for technology align seamlessly with the company's innovative and client-focused culture. His contributions include seeking out new business opportunities and applying his unique skills to leasing, investment sales, and tenant representation assignments, helping to deliver successful outcomes for clients.
Raised in the Chicagoland area, Kerwin possesses a deep understanding of local market dynamics. His relationship-driven work ethic has quickly set him apart in the industry. Kerwin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Enterprise Leadership from the University of Iowa, where he continues to give back by mentoring alumni through the MIT Venture Program.
Beyond the office, Kerwin enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, and creating digital content.