'We don't sell chewing gum, so we are always having to create new opportunities'

Q: How do you describe your business?

A: We are an integrated commercial real estate and construction company.

Q: You recently expanded into a new headquarters. Tell us about that.

A: Our headquarters were (hard not to say are) in Skokie since 1972, in a building developed by my father and grandfather on Touhy Avenue, just west of I-94 (Edens Expressway).

We have talked about relocating for many years, but only when The Missner Group decided to redevelop the Skokie location into retail did our search for a new location become a requirement.

Q: What is the biggest obstacle you have faced?

A: The three-L's of real estate, location, location, location. The best place for a commercial real estate and contracting firm is in the O'Hare area due to its proximity to the interstates, which makes commuting to our projects easier. Additionally, many of the real estate service companies we do business with are also located by O'Hare, making us more visible to our clients.

For myself, my father Judd, and my brother Glen, we have increased our commutes from Chicago, but in our analysis we would have been the only ones benefiting from being closer to the city, not our employees nor the company.

The biggest obstacle we faced was the actual move. Like the story of the shoemakers kids that have shoes with holes, let's just say we did not execute our move with the precision you see The Missner Group execute a real estate development or construction project.

Q: Who has had the most influence in your life?

A: Until recently it would be my parents, but that pendulum is now swinging to my immediate family. I have been married for 11 years, and have 10 and 8-year-old kids. They are the most important and influential people in my life today.

Q: If you could put your company name on any sports venue which one would you choose?

A: Wow, would that be cool. The United Center.

I have been a Blackhawks fan for as long as I can remember, so I may as well name the home of my favorite team.

A close 2nd place would be the McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona, where the Arizona Wildcats play basketball. It's a team I still follow and I love returning to watch Steve Kerr back again.

Q: What was your first paying job?

A: Shining golf shoes at Glencoe Golf Club.

Q: What is one important tip you would give someone just starting a business today?

A: Surround yourself with talented people.

Q: As a local business, what has been your company's biggest obstacle during the recession?

A: Maintaining enough business to protect those who depend on The Missner Group for their jobs.

Real estate and construction were hit especially hard during this last recession, so we were not really focused on having big years.

Rather our focus was to preserve the talents of our employees, so when the economy did turn around, we were prepared to succeed.

Q: How has business been this past year?

A: We are happy with how 2015 closed out, but as the ever worrying leader, I am always thinking: "what's next?"

We don't sell chewing gum, so we are always having to create new opportunities.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

A: Golf, cycling, watching my daughter play lacrosse and building architectural Legos with my son. We just completed Falling Water by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Q: What are people in your industry talking about?

A: Construction pricing inflation and capital flows into commercial real estate.

Q: What is the key to your company's success?

A: The people we have on our team. They allow us to carry our name forward proudly, maybe for another 70 years! Who knows?!

Q: What book is on your nightstand?

A: "Truman," by David McCullough; however, the bookmark is not as far along as I would like.

Maybe I should convert to audio as I now have more time in the car.

- Kim Mikus