Business Details
2 Years
experience
Your Trusted Commercial Real Estate Partner
Somerstone is a principal-led commercial real estate firm specializing in investment transactions, development, brokerage, and property management. With over 80 years of combined experience, our team approaches every deal with precision, transparency, and a commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes. We differentiate ourselves through hands-on expertise, in-house capabilities spanning lease abstracting to DCF modeling, and a client-first philosophy that prioritizes accountability and proactive problem-solving. Our principals have operated across all facets of commercial real estateas brokers, developers, asset managers, and lendersenabling us to provide comprehensive solutions from both sides of the transaction table.We serve national retailers, local merchants, medical providers, and institutional investors while maintaining the agility of a boutique firm. Our focus on technological innovation, financial acumen, and relationship-driven service has established us as trusted advisors in markets across the Midwest. We believe that lasting success comes from simplifying complex processes, maintaining operational efficiency, and fostering transparent communication throughout every project lifecycle.
Services
Investment Real Estate
Property Development
Brokerage Services
Asset Management
1031 Exchange Solutions
Land Development
Leasing Representation
Equity Syndication
Details
- Year established: 2024
Highlights and features
- We offer 80+ combined years of commercial real estate expertise across all transaction types
- Our in-house capabilities eliminate reliance on third-party vendors for critical tasks
- We maintain direct control over property management, leasing, and syndication operations
- Our principal-led structure ensures decisions are made by experienced industry professionals
- We specialize in complex 1031 exchanges with proven tax-deferred investment strategies
Services
Investment Real Estate
Somerstone specializes in sourcing, analyzing, and acquiring commercial properties for investment syndication. Our team manages all aspects of property operations, tenant relations, and financial reporting while delivering attractive returns through strategic acquisitions and dispositions. We focus on value-add opportunities across retail, multi-family, and medical office sectors. Our expertise in market analysis and risk assessment ensures clients receive data-driven investment recommendations tailored to their financial goals.
1031 Exchange Solutions
We facilitate like-kind property exchanges under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our services include identifying replacement properties, structuring transactions to avoid capital gains taxes, and managing compliance with IRS timelines. With decades of experience in tax-deferred strategies, we help investors preserve wealth through strategic reinvestment while navigating complex exchange regulations and market challenges.
Property Development
Our development services encompass land acquisition, entitlements, budgeting, and construction management. We specialize in transforming underutilized sites into valuable assets through adaptive re-use and ground-up projects. From parcel splits to tax increment financing, our team provides comprehensive oversight to deliver multi-family, retail, and mixed-use developments that meet market demands while maximizing investor returns.
Brokerage Services
We represent clients in commercial property acquisitions, dispositions, and leasing transactions. Our brokerage team leverages market intelligence and digital marketing strategies to connect buyers with suitable properties while optimizing lease terms for landlords and tenants. Through detailed due diligence and comparative analysis, we ensure clients make informed decisions aligned with their investment objectives.
Asset Management
Our asset management services focus on maximizing property value through operational efficiency and proactive maintenance. We handle lease administration, vendor coordination, and capital planning while maintaining strong tenant relationships. By combining hands-on oversight with financial reporting expertise, we help owners achieve long-term value appreciation and consistent cash flow from their real estate investments.
People
John Thomsen
Principal
John leads property management, brokerage, and leasing operations. A licensed Wisconsin commercial real estate broker with decades of industry experience, he specializes in syndication and asset management while ensuring seamless transaction execution across the firm's investment portfolio.
John Hawkins
Principal
Hawk oversees investment underwriting, financial reporting, and compliance. As a former Indiana Certified General Appraiser, he brings deep analytical expertise to development projects and marketing strategies while maintaining operational oversight of the firm's accounting functions.
Jimmy Rosen
Principal
Jimmy directs all development activities including land acquisition, entitlements, and construction management. His expertise in government relations and budgeting ensures successful execution of complex redevelopment projects from initial concept through final delivery.
Charlie Koehler
Associate
Charlie manages day-to-day property operations, vendor relationships, and maintenance programs. He implements landscaping standards and oversees groundskeeping services to maintain asset value across the firm's managed properties.
Questions
What commercial real estate services does Somerstone offer?
We provide investment transactions, property development, brokerage, asset management, and 1031 exchange services across retail, multi-family, medical office, and mixed-use properties.
How does Somerstone's 1031 exchange process work?
We identify replacement properties, structure tax-deferred transactions, and ensure IRS compliance while helping clients reinvest proceeds from property sales without immediate capital gains tax liability.
What markets does Somerstone operate in?
Our primary focus areas include Milwaukee County, Waukesha County, and Indianapolis metropolitan regions with expertise in Wisconsin and Indiana commercial real estate markets.
What makes Somerstone different from other real estate firms?
We're a principal-led boutique firm with in-house capabilities across all transaction phases, eliminating third-party dependencies while maintaining agility and direct decision-making.
Can Somerstone help with commercial property development?
Yes, we handle land acquisition, entitlements, budgeting, and construction management for new developments and adaptive re-use projects across multiple property types.
