Essex Realty Group Commemorates 35 Years Serving Chicago’s Multifamily Investment Community

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Chicago-based multifamily brokerage firm Essex Realty Group, LLC is celebrating 35 years as a trusted leader in the city’s mid-market multifamily sector – marking decades of steady growth, deeply rooted relationships, and a client-first philosophy that has guided the firm since its earliest days.

Firm History and Growth

Founded in 1990 by Principal Doug Imber from a garden apartment in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, Essex has grown from a one-person boutique office into a leading name in the Chicago multifamily sector, now supported by a team of 35 professionals. Despite this growth, Essex has remained committed to a culture built on integrity, collaboration, and long-term relationships.

Growth, Leadership, and Market Presence

One of the defining characteristics of Essex’s success is the depth of experience amongst its brokerage team, with an average tenure of more than 10 years with the company. This continuity has played a central role in the firm’s long-term stability and presence in the marketplace.

Across the organization, leadership reflects this same dedication to disciplined execution and relationships. The firm’s partners include Doug Imber, Brian Kochendorfer, Jim Darrow, Steve Livaditis, Jordan Gottlieb, Kate Varde, Brian Karmowski, and Matt Feo.

Expanded Services and Platform Evolution

As client needs have expanded, so has Essex’s service capabilities. In 2023, the company launched Essex Capital Markets and Essex Three-Twelve to support the full multifamily investment lifecycle.

Since inception, Essex has completed more than $4 billion in multifamily sales, representing nearly 50,000 units across the Chicagoland area.

Beyond industry recognition, Essex is committed to community impact, supporting local organizations and initiatives that help strengthen neighborhoods across the Chicago region. Giving back remains a core value and a meaningful part of the firm’s identity.

Looking Ahead

“We’re incredibly grateful to our clients for the trust they’ve placed in Essex for the last 35 years. We’re excited about expanding our platform while maintaining our core values,” said President Brian Kochendorfer.

As Essex marks this milestone, the company looks forward with both confidence and humility. With a reputation built on trust and a client-first approach that has endured for 35 years, Essex remains dedicated to supporting Chicago’s multifamily investment community and the continued growth of the market it proudly serves.