Essex Three-Twelve recently hired Keller Williams ONEChicago co-founder Niko Apostal as a managing broker. 

Apostal, who has over 20 years of brokerage experience in Chicago real estate, is also the former founder and principal broker of Niko Collaborative, founder and primary investor in ONETitle Company and founder and operating principal of Owl Property Management, which he sold in 2019 after managing over 800 rental apartments for nearly nine years. 

In his new role at Essex Three-Twelve, Apostal will guide the firm’s operational growth and strategic expansion in Chicago’s multifamily investment market. 

The firm is seeking to expand its market presence, strengthen its investor relationships and increase transaction volume through targeted marketing, enhanced client services and the use of proprietary technology.  

“There’s tremendous unrealized potential to take the knowledge and experience of Chicago’s top multifamily brokers and make it accessible to the first-timer or local neighbor who wants to participate in the market but doesn’t know how to approach it with confidence,” Apostal said. “We have an opportunity to be the bridge between those two sides.”  

Apostal has also served on the boards of directors for the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and Illinois REALTORS® Association.  

“Niko’s deep experience, professionalism and commitment to client success make him an ideal fit for our team,” Essex Three-Twelve Principal Brian Kochendorfer said. “His leadership, combined with the robust internal database systems he has built and refined, will help us grow our reach, improve efficiency and provide even greater value to multifamily investors across Chicago. With his experience, we’re well-positioned to execute our vision for the coming year and take the company to the next level.” 

Marketing/Administrative Coordinator Laura Stef is also joining Essex Three-Twelve, which in September added associate brokers Jack Doyle and Quinn Evans.