TENANT-ONLY SINCE 2004
FOUNDING PARTNERS
Tom and Dave each spent nearly twenty years at CBRE—one of the largest commercial real estate firms in the world. They were good at it. But they kept seeing the same thing: tenants at the table with a broker who also represented their landlord. The conflict wasn’t theoretical. It showed up in renewals that weren’t pushed hard enough, alternatives that weren’t surfaced, and concessions that were left on the table. In 2004 they left and formed Tenant Advisors, Inc.—a firm with one rule. They haven’t represented a landlord since.
Tenant Advisors, Inc. is a member of ITRA Global, an international association of real estate professionals specializing in representing tenants and occupiers of commercial space.
“We kept watching tenants sit across from a broker who also worked for their landlord. In 2004 we decided to only sit on one side of the table.”
Tom Koelzer & Dave Ven Horst · Co-Founders
CO-FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER
In Chicago office leasing since 1986. Spent nearly two decades at CBRE, rising to First Vice President and learning how landlords negotiate, then co-founded Tenant Advisors with Dave Ven Horst in 2004 to use that knowledge for tenants only. Focuses on lease renewals, relocations, and restructurings across the Northwest Suburbs (including Schaumburg), O’Hare/Rosemont, and the East-West Corridor. Never represents landlords.
University of Michigan · Licensed Illinois Real Estate Broker · In commercial real estate since 1986
CO-FOUNDER & MANAGING BROKER
In Chicago office leasing since 1985. A CPA who spent nearly two decades at CBRE, rising to First Vice President, before co-founding Tenant Advisors with Tom Koelzer in 2004. Specializes in complex lease restructures, financial analysis, and long-term occupancy strategy, so clients see the true cost of every option before they commit. Never represents landlords.
University of Illinois (Accountancy) · CPA · Licensed Illinois Real Estate Broker · In commercial real estate since 1985
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
In commercial real estate since 2009, exclusively on the tenant side. Focuses on lease renewals, restructures, and lease analysis across the North Suburbs and Chicago CBD, with particular depth in medical and dental tenant representation. Clients bring him their most complex situations. Never represents landlords.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
In commercial real estate since 2010, advising office tenants on site selection, market evaluation, and deal structure across the North Suburbs and Chicago CBD. Known for moving complicated transactions to close without losing ground on terms. Never represents landlords.
COMMON QUESTIONS
The landlord pays our fee as part of the lease transaction. There is no cost to tenants for our representation.
No. Since 2004, Tenant Advisors has represented office tenants only. We never represent landlords, so there is no conflict of interest in any negotiation.
A co-founder or an Executive Vice President leads the work.
Five Chicago-area office submarkets: the Northwest Suburbs, O’Hare/Rosemont, the East-West Corridor, the North Suburbs, and the Chicago CBD.
Most of our clients lease between 3,000 and 50,000 square feet, from professional firms and medical practices to regional headquarters.
