Landing your first commercial deal is a big deal. At least Gerardo Tapia-Quiroz, a member of Baird & Warner’s Lewis Group, thinks so. He calls helping a client find a retail space in the Chicago suburbs his biggest professional accomplishment of the past year.

“This client goes back to my early days in the business,” Tapia-Quiroz explains. “I’ve helped him buy and sell properties throughout the years, and a couple of months ago, he reached out … Thanks to the help of another colleague, we were able to get him to the right place.”

Tapia-Quiroz considers himself an empath who metaphorically puts himself in other people’s shoes and considers their situations as if they were his own. “I believe clients can relate to that,” he says. “Regardless, I always strive to do what’s best for our clients.” He values honesty and has had to engage in many candid conversations with clients regarding what to expect when it comes to high-demand areas, low inventory and a fluctuating market. Tapia-Quiroz considers his style a mix of business and fun and easy. “You have to adapt to clients,” he continues. “Some people require a more process-driven approach, while others prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride.”

He has worked with Danny Lewis for a couple of years, and he considers Lewis a mentor and is grateful for the opportunities he’s provided. Since the start of the business relationship, Tapia-Quiroz says, “I’ve been able to solidify more connections with other top agents in the city. When you know agents well, it’s easier to collaborate and close deals.” Most recently, the two colleagues have been doing professional video shoots for listings.

When not working, Tapia-Quiroz can be found collaborating with his best friend, who’s a published author, on a side project.