In honor of Hanley Investment Group’s 20th anniversary, we are spotlighting the agents who have been instrumental to our success over the past two decades.
This month, we are proud to feature one of Hanley Investment Group’s “Founding Fathers,” Bill Asher. As Executive Vice President, Bill brings over 25 years of experience in commercial real estate. His transaction expertise, industry relationships, and unparalleled professionalism have contributed to more than $3 billion in sales during his career at Hanley Investment Group and over 800 sales in the last 10 years.
FROM ANALYST to INDUSTRY LEADER
HIG: What inspired you to pursue a career in commercial real estate?
Asher: After a brief stint working for a spirits and wine distributor post-college, a high school friend, Matt Perrigue, introduced me to the commercial real estate sector and helped me land my first job in the industry as an analyst at Cushman Realty in Los Angeles. From the moment I started, I truly enjoyed the work and knew the CRE industry was where I was meant to be.
HIG: How long have you been with Hanley Investment Group?
Asher: I’ve been with Hanley Investment Group for 20 years and have worked with Ed Hanley for 23 years. After relocating to Orange County, I joined Ed and his team at Marcus & Millichap. What I initially thought would be a temporary position turned into a rewarding career spanning the last two decades working alongside Ed, Jeremy McChesney, Kevin Fryman, and Eric Wohl.
HIG: How has your career grown or evolved since you joined the company?
Asher: I’ve held nearly every role at the company. I started in a research/marketing/transaction coordinator position, transitioned to a sales manager role, where I managed the office while doing part-time brokerage, and became a full-time broker in 2014. For the past seven years, I’ve been one of the top brokers at the company.
Bill, along with the HIG’s other “Founding Fathers” – Kevin Fryman, Eric Wohl, Jeremy McChesney, and Ed Hanley (2005)
REFLECTION ON THE COMPANY AND ITS LEGACY
HIG: What is one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned during your time here?
Asher: Never take any relationship for granted. You’re only as good as the last deal you’ve closed.
HIG: What does the company’s 20th anniversary mean to you?
Asher: It is a celebration of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to improvement that has helped build a highly successful retail investment sales brokerage firm. I’m incredibly proud of our accomplishments, reputation, and track record, which have positioned us for continued growth. I’m grateful for the long-lasting client relationships we’ve built and the strong bonds formed among our team members over the past 20 years – both professionally and personally. This company is more than just a workplace; it’s a close-knit family where we’ve created irreplaceable memories and lifelong friendships.
Bill & Ed Hanley at Ed’s 50th birthday party (2018)
HIG: What sets this company apart from others in the industry?
Asher: Relentless improvement, always adding value, never taking success for granted, and building long-lasting relationships.
HIG: Do you have a favorite memory or project that stands out during your time here?
Asher: Having the opportunity to sell a Trader Joe’s-anchored shopping center in my hometown.
HIG: How has working at this company impacted you personally or professionally?
Asher: It introduced me to a business I never expected to enjoy so much and has motivated me to work hard every day at something I like doing.
Bill and Jeff Lefko at the Champions Classic in Chicago (2017)
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE: CHANGES, BEST PRACTICES, & BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
HIG: What trends or changes in the commercial real estate industry have you witnessed over the years?
Asher: Over the past 25 years, technology has dramatically transformed the commercial real estate industry. When I started, smartphones were still evolving, and fax machines were commonly used to advertise listings. Today, with the rise of eMarketing and social media, Hanley Investment Group has remained at the forefront of innovation, leveraging new tools to better serve clients and stay ahead of industry trends. Beyond technological advancements, Hanley Investment Group has played a key role in shaping the way retail assets are bought and sold nationwide. For example, the HIG team helped pioneer break-up-sale strategies—allowing property owners to sell outparcels separately and achieve a better overall value with cap rate spreads of up to 50-100 basis points. HIG has also helped establish net-lease express car washes as a mainstream retail investment category, unlocking value for operators while creating an attractive new asset class for investors. Additionally, we’ve helped expand the single-tenant childcare and learning center investment market, providing retail investors with more diversified single-tenant net-leased opportunities.
Bill & Kevin Fryman at a Green Bay Packers Game (2024)
HIG: What advice would you give to someone just starting in commercial real estate?
Asher: Surround yourself with successful, like-minded people, find a great mentor, and take part in a high-quality training program. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself by hiring a business coach or someone who will hold you accountable and keep you focused on achieving your goals.
HIG: What do you think are the keys to building strong client relationships in this field?
Asher: Always adding value in every interaction, staying proactive throughout the transaction process, anticipating potential future challenges, and maintaining a consistent mindset of staying one step ahead are keys to building strong, lasting client relationships.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Legacy
HIG: How do you stay motivated and continue to grow after years in the industry?
Asher: Having the opportunity to mentor, grow, and partner with talented professionals like Jeff Lefko has been incredibly rewarding. Ten years ago, Jeff started with HIG, and having the opportunity to work with him reinvigorated my passion for the business, elevated my work ethic, and deepened my dedication to the company and our clients in ways I never imagined.
HIG: What excites you most about the future of the CRE industry?
Asher: The opportunity to enjoy and strengthen existing relationships while building new ones, and recognizing that new opportunities always exist, regardless of where we are in the economic cycle.
HIG: What’s a fun fact about you that your colleagues might not know?
Asher: I once hit a hole-in-one on the iconic hole #7 at Pebble Beach — and I have it on video!
HIG: What’s your favorite way to celebrate personal or professional milestones?
Asher: Personally, I enjoy traveling with my family and making memories at our favorite destinations, such as Pebble Beach and Hawaii. Professionally, I enjoy a nice closing dinner with clients and fellow company members, company bonding events, or a round of golf.
Bill celebrating his hole-in-one at Pebble Beach (2018)
Join the Hanley Investment Group Network
Hanley Investment Group continues to celebrate 20 years of excellence in retail property investments. Stay tuned for more Agent Spotlights featuring the industry’s top investment professionals.
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- Contact us today to discuss your investment goals: (949) 585-7610
