Chicago-based Bradford Allen was founded by Jeffrey A. Bernstein and Laurence B. Elbaum, two veteran commercial real estate professionals who have a penchant for savvy deal making and a non-formulaic approach.

Bernstein and Elbaum initially joined forces in 1992 at the venerable Manhattan firm of Walter & Samuels where they ran the commercial leasing department and were two of the most active brokers in the Midtown South Market of New York City. In 1993, the duo was recruited by the Edward S. Gordon Company (which was then acquired by Insignia), where they quickly rose to the level of Senior Managing Directors. Representing both landlords and tenants with foresight, energy and a tireless work ethic, they completed more than seven million square feet of transactions and helped to shape the office landscape of Midtown South.

In 2003, Bernstein and Elbaum ventured out to create Bradford Allen, a Chicago-based real estate firm providing brokerage services and expert advice to private, public and not-for-profit organizations nationwide. In an effort to fill the void between the large national companies that often exhibit competing interests and the small “boutique” firms that lack resources and depth, Bradford Allen draws upon a proven track record for identifying, evaluating and securing opportunities for their clients regardless of the market conditions. Since its inception, Bradford Allen has successfully experienced rapid growth and earned a reputation for aggressively pursuing its clients’ interests and achieving superior results through creativity and integrity.