GAIL STURM
Founder & Designated Managing Broker
Leader in Corporate Realty for over 40 years. In 2018, Bisnow Chicago awarded her for her leadership as a “Chicago Power Woman”.
A letter from Gail
Every organization has a story. Every leader has a vision. Every real estate decision should support both.
When I founded Sturm Realty, I wasn't trying to build another brokerage firm. I wanted to create an advisory practice where clients would know that every recommendation was made with one objective in mind: protecting their interests.
Throughout my career I have found that the best outcomes rarely begin with a property tour. They begin with a conversation. I want to understand your organization, where you're headed, what challenges you face, and what success will look like five or ten years from now. Only then can real estate become a strategic advantage.
My clients have taught me that trust is earned through preparation, transparency, and consistently placing their interests ahead of everything else. Many of those relationships have continued for decades. That is the greatest compliment I have ever received.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my practice. I would welcome the opportunity to learn about yours.
Gail Sturm
Founder & Designated Managing Broker
“Listen first. Understand completely. Advise thoughtfully. Negotiate relentlessly. Build relationships that endure.”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Clients don’t hire Gail Sturm because they need office space. They hire her because they need clarity.
Gail specializes in professional portfolio advisory services, build-to-suit, brokerage, consulting and representation for real estate needs of corporate clients. As a commercial and industrial real estate professional with more than $3.5 billion in sales and leases completed during her 40 + year career, Gail explores new ways to increase productivity driving profitability for her clients. She co-authored “Seeing the Light,” an article illustrating the impact of new lighting opportunities on lowering energy costs to tenants. She was a featured speaker at the Annual CREW Network Convention in San Francisco, “Energy & Real Estate-Adding Value in Changing Market Place.” Gail served as the moderator of a panel discussion on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design regarding neighborhood development (LEED-ND). Bisnow 2018 Chicago named her as Chicago Power Woman Leadership Recipient.
Previously, Gail was President of a National Real Estate firm. While there, she was instrumental in shaping the company’s structure and developing its philosophies.
Gail served as the first woman President of The Chicago Office Leasing Brokers Association, COLBA, and was a Founder of Chicago Real Estate Executive Women, CREW, where she served as Vice President.
Gail currently serves as Chair of Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, Chair of The Way of the Rain, LLC, and Chair Fenix Family Health Services. She is the Former Board Chairman of the Luster Learning Institute NFP, Former Vice Chairman of Lake Forest Symphony, Advisory Board Member of Arzu, Resource Board Member of the Metropolitan Planning Council of Chicago, Board Member of Fenix Family Health Center and Former Chairman of the Transportation Management Association of Lake Cook. In addition, Gail is actively involved with the Economic Club of Chicago.
Gail holds a BBA in Marketing/Management from St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame.
AWARDS
Bisnow 2018 Chicago Power Woman Leadership Recipient
Baird & Warner Commercial Top Producer Award
First Woman President of Chicago Office Leasing Brokers Association, COLBA
Co-founder of Chicago Real Estate Women, CREW
Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International