Ethan Conrad, CEO of Ethan Conrad Properties, Inc., has built one of Northern California’s most respected and successful integrated commercial real estate companies. As the sole owner, he oversees a portfolio of over 200± commercial properties valued at more than $1.7 billion. Comprising 9% Industrial, 29% Office, and 62% Retail spaces, his company owns and manages over 11 million square feet, has over 2,000 tenants, and employs more than 200 people.

Ethan’s entrepreneurial journey began with an interest in entrepreneurship and sales, which involved seeking opportunities. While studying business at Sacramento State University, he gained valuable experience interning at commercial real estate brokerages, including Bishop Hawk. Ethan participated in the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy at Sac State in his senior year and was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year. After graduating in 1989, he excelled in sales, a career that taught him the importance of understanding customer needs—a skill that would become fundamental to his real estate success.

“Sales taught me the value of listening first and offering solutions that truly fit people’s needs,” Ethan reflects. “That principle has guided much of what we do at Ethan Conrad Properties.”

Ethan views sales as a valuable starting point because it helps develop an understanding of people’s thought processes. He quickly learned the importance of applying basic sales skills and prioritizing an understanding of others’ needs in different areas of life.

In 1995, Ethan purchased his first building, 3123 Fite Circle in Sacramento, at $23.50 per square foot. He secured a foreclosure through strategic negotiations, including a short sale and financing for him to purchase the building. This deal sparked Ethan’s passion for real estate, recognizing it as both a creative and financially fulfilling venture. Twenty-five years later, he sold the building for $135 per square foot.

“I’ve always seen real estate as a puzzle,” Ethan says. “Each deal is a chance to solve problems and create something better for the community and the people involved.”

Ethan launched Ethan Conrad Properties, Inc. two years later, starting with just four employees and 15 buildings. During this time, he won various awards, including the “Industrial Broker of the Year Award” for being the top Industrial Broker in the Greater Sacramento Area by ACRE.

By 2005, his portfolio had grown to 22 properties. His company embraced a vertically integrated model, offering brokerage, construction, property management, and facilities management, creating a seamless process for clients and tenants alike.

Ethan’s eye for opportunity led to notable acquisitions, such as the Yuba Sutter Marketplace in 2016 and the Chico Marketplace in 2018. Both malls were revitalized through anchor redevelopments and the addition of popular tenants, significantly boosting sales and foot traffic while creating jobs and supporting local economies.

Ethan has the ability to see potential where others see obstacles. He transforms properties not just for financial gain but for the benefit of entire communities.

“Ethan Conrad Properties takes pride in remodeling properties that typically have deferred maintenance and low occupancy and leasing space to high-quality tenants that benefit the communities in which they are located,” Ethan explains. “This is particularly important for retail communities, as it adds significant value to the properties.”

Ethan’s business model, emphasizing value creation through hands-on management and exceptional customer service, has attracted top national tenants such as Hobby Lobby, Burlington, HomeGoods, and Raising Cane. His ability to innovate and deliver results has made his company a regional economic force, earning widespread community appreciation.

In 2018, Ethan Conrad was honored by the Sacramento Business Journal as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in Commercial Real Estate in the Nation.”

In 2022, Ethan acquired former Sears anchor and auto buildings at major malls like Sunrise Mall, Florin Towne Centre, and Northridge Mall. That year, the company also prioritized sustainability, partnering with King Energy to convert unused rooftops into clean energy sources, reducing its carbon footprint.

Ethan’s rapid expansion continued into 2023 with the purchase of 15 office and retail buildings and additional land. Based on his business model, Ethan has received considerable positive community recognition and appreciation, particularly for prominent properties such as Yuba Sutter Marketplace and Chico Marketplace.

In 2024, Ethan marked a significant milestone, surpassing 11 million square feet, with the acquisition of another mall, Merced Marketplace, and three downtown Sacramento properties, including the iconic high-rise Renaissance Tower. He attributes these achievements to his team’s dedication and hard work, “This is a reflection of the incredible people I’m fortunate to work with every day.”

Ethan and Ethan Conrad Properties have consistently been recognized for their success, making the Sacramento Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Companies list for 15 years. In 2024, the Sacramento Business Journal honored Ethan Conrad as the Most Admired CEO and Journal Power 100.

With a clear vision for the future, Ethan Conrad continues to redefine commercial real estate, building communities and creating lasting value across Northern California.

To read more about Ethan and Ethan Conrad Properties, Inc., visit Ethan Conrad Properties, Inc.

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