William J. Lussow Jr. is a dynamic real estate executive, entrepreneur, and advisor with over 26 years of experience in commercial real estate, property strategy, and business leadership. As Principal of Bespoke Commercial Real Estate, LLC, Bill has transformed how privately held companies approach their real estate decisions—advocating not just as a broker, but as a strategic partner with deep operational and financial understanding. His career is defined by a commitment to helping businesses grow, not only by negotiating space but by aligning real estate solutions with larger business goals.
Bill’s real estate journey began in 1999 with Brian Properties, Inc., where he quickly earned recognition as a Leasing and Investment Specialist with a natural aptitude for deal structuring and client service. His early years exposed him to a broad range of asset classes and sharpened his understanding of the nuanced dynamics of tenant and landlord relationships. Those formative experiences would lay the foundation for his entrepreneurial leap just three years later, launching his first firm at the age of 26.
In 2002, Bill co-founded Chicagoland Commercial, Inc., a full-service commercial real estate firm specializing in leasing, sales, property management, and construction oversight. As Corporate Vice President and Principal, he led the operational management of a growing team, building not just a firm but a high-performance culture grounded in integrity, accountability, and results. Under his leadership, the firm amassed a 500,000-square-foot office portfolio, for which he oversaw leasing, construction management, and financial auditing—demonstrating a rare ability to wear both strategic and tactical hats.
After over a decade of success, Bill transitioned to a new chapter with the founding of Bespoke Commercial Real Estate in 2014. Recognizing a market need for more client-aligned advocacy, he set out to build a firm that would prioritize the long-term success of business owners over transaction volume. At Bespoke, Bill and his team serve the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The firm works with companies across industries—logistics, manufacturing, medical, professional services, and beyond—developing tailored real estate strategies that empower clients to scale with confidence.
Bill’s reputation as a trusted advisor stems not only from his technical knowledge but from his ability to think like a CEO. Having built and led his own firms, he understands the pressures that come with growth, operational efficiency, and financial performance. His clients benefit from his holistic mindset—one that integrates financial modeling, market analytics, negotiation, and long-term planning into every recommendation. Whether securing an optimal lease or advising on acquisition strategy, Bill brings a deep sense of ownership and accountability to every relationship.
His influence in the industry is reflected in his leadership roles and professional affiliations. He currently serves as Vice President of the Chicago Chapter of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), a prestigious network representing the top tier of commercial real estate professionals globally. Bill earned his CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) coursework completion and designation candidacy in 2007, further underscoring his commitment to excellence in real estate investment analysis and ethics.
Education has also played a pivotal role in Bill’s journey. A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics. While there, he honed his competitive spirit as a member of the Illini Hockey team and developed leadership values as part of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Those early lessons in discipline, teamwork, and resilience continue to inform his leadership style today.
Despite his professional focus, Bill maintains a grounded and people-centered approach. He believes that business success is inseparable from personal values—and his relationships with clients, colleagues, and team members are marked by transparency, mutual respect, and authenticity. A lifelong hockey player and avid golfer, he brings the same level of discipline, strategic thinking, and competitiveness from the rink and course to the boardroom.
What truly distinguishes Bill is his belief in helping others succeed. Whether guiding a startup through its first facility lease or advising a seasoned CEO on a long-term expansion plan, he sees real estate not as a transaction—but as a means to unlock business potential. This mission-driven mindset has made him a sought-after advisor for growth-oriented companies, and now propels his desire to serve on boards where his insights and experience can drive broader strategic value.
Bill is actively seeking board and advisory roles where his expertise in real estate strategy, financial planning, and entrepreneurial leadership can contribute to high-impact decision-making. His career reflects not only deep experience, but a consistent track record of driving growth, creating value, and mentoring others toward success.
Character:
Bill exemplifies integrity, reliability, and commitment in every professional interaction. He is deeply invested in helping others grow, and his leadership is marked by empathy, respect, and authenticity. His clients and colleagues trust him because he consistently puts their needs ahead of his own interests.
Knowledge:
With more than two decades of commercial real estate experience, Bill has developed a highly sophisticated understanding of market dynamics, investment structures, and business operations. He integrates financial expertise, deal strategy, and operational awareness into actionable insights. His ability to see both the granular details and big-picture trends makes him an invaluable strategic partner.
Strategic:
Bill approaches every challenge through a long-term lens, carefully aligning real estate decisions with the broader trajectory of each client’s business. His entrepreneurial mindset enables him to identify opportunities others miss, and his structured approach ensures clarity in execution. Whether working with a local business or advising a board, he focuses on sustainable value creation.
Communication:
Known for his transparency and clarity, Bill communicates with confidence, precision, and approachability. He excels in building consensus, articulating complex strategies, and fostering trust across diverse stakeholders. His ability to listen deeply and speak honestly makes him a respected voice in any room.
