Shai gained his initial work experience at Merrill Lynch working on the Emerging Markets Fixed Income department focusing on trading strategies for both debt and credit derivatives. He later moved on to work as a Credit Risk Associate at TIAA-CREF analyzing debt, equities, and real estate portfolios for the $400+ billion retirement fund. In 2008, he left to form Shai Town Realty Group Inc, a full-service real estate brokerage and management firm that grew to over 40 agents. At the same time, he began developing single tenant assets and strip centers for national tenants across the Chicagoland area. He quickly realized that development was both his true passion and a better use of his skills and previous experiences. After working with Mitch Goltz on several projects, they recognized the tremendous synergies between the two of them and decided to join forces to create a boutique real estate firm that is now GW Properties.
Through deep rooted and diverse relationships in the commercial real estate industry, GW Properties has developed an expertise in retail and mixed-use properties. Over the past decade, GW principals have been involved in the brokerage, investment, and development of over 500 million of real estate in the Chicagoland area with a typical deal size ranging from $500,000 to $5 million. GW practices respectful development through its collaborative approach of uncovering opportunities, optimizing value, and enhancing communities. This process has yielded a track record of proven results.