Closing Out 2023

Navigating a post-pandemic world has not been easy. 2023 was a challenging year for everyone, but the determination and perseverance of our communities have helped facilitate a future that holds more promise than ever before.?

The hardworking people on our CRG team have proven countless times that they aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves, make tough decisions, and do what is necessary to establish our company as one of the most respected real estate investment and development platforms in the nation.

Together, we adapted and pivoted successfully to meet new trends head-on and became stronger and more resilient. I’m proud that we pulled through in light of a volatile market and created a well-insulated and vast portfolio that can weather any potential storms in 2024.

Our world is undoubtedly different in ways we could not have imagined just half a decade ago. In three years, we’ve seen a level of digital transformation that experts anticipated would take up to more than a decade to accomplish.

The shift to digital has disrupted some real estate sectors while bolstering others. In the midst of this, CRG’s dedicated teams performed an unprecedented balancing act that allowed us to divert to face the future. Since CRG is a cautious early adopter of new technology, we’re prepared for the obstacles that lie ahead as disruptive movements begin to settle into predictable patterns.

Like every year, 2023 was terrific for investing in communities and charitable causes. After launching earlier this year, PILLAR continues to gain momentum on its mission to address the lack of diversity in the commercial real estate sector by removing barriers to entry for developers of color. Collaborating with Chicago-based developers to overcome obstacles in design and development has been instrumental in facilitating project partnerships and fostering environments where shared knowledge leads to shared success.

The Clayco Foundation’s production of the 7th annual Illumination was a HUGE success! Once again, we raised over $1 million to support our research to find a cure for RVCL , an ultra-rare and fatal genetic disease. Since the inception of Chicago’s greatest Halloween Gala in 2016, we’ve raised $9.8 million to date for the advancement of treatments that include gene therapy, siRNA, and custom drug development that utilizes CRISPR technology. Our research teams are also working on a therapy specifically designed to target the side effects of RVCL.

As an increasing number of patients are being identified on a monthly basis, The Clayco Foundation’s progress serves as a beacon of hope for detecting, understanding, and treating RVCL via a tailored plan for each individual. Our research teams are also working on a therapy specifically designed to target the side effects of RVCL. I’m happy that we are working with the best of the best, including Drew Weissman, MD, Ph.D., who received the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for HIS pioneering work on mRNA technologies.

Because once a year isn’t enough to cast a light on rare diseases, we will be launching our first-ever Illumination coffee table book in 2024! The edition will take a look back at our shared moments via vivid visual documentation and special inside scoops. Illumination is not a myth. Its existence is as real as its impactful contribution to RVCL. Make sure to pre-order the limited edition book here! All proceeds go towards taking rare disease research to the next level of progress.?

My personal life is also undergoing some major changes. We’re adding another little boy to the Clark family! I can’t wait to meet him and embark on a fresh adventure in parenthood – with double the trouble. I’ve really enjoyed creating family traditions and values with our young family and can’t wait to pass those on to another child as we strengthen our family unit. I’m excited to keep building on cherished moments with my family and to have another piece of my legacy carried on!?

Growing CRG has been a truly humbling experience that I am deeply grateful for. I was honored to have been selected for the Crain's Chicago Business 40 under 40 class of 2023! It has been an incredible journey supported by exceptional mentors and an awesome team. I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to meet and work with some of the smartest, most creative, and hardworking individuals in the industry. We are just getting started.?

I’m thankful for this amazing and arduous year that has molded me into an even better person, husband, father, businessman, and leader. Looking ahead, my commitment to our team, clients, and investors remains steadfast.

I hope that everyone enjoys the holidays safely with friends and family. I am eager for what changes the new year will bring and how we will embrace new possibilities to positively impact the world we build. In 2024, let’s turn dreams into reality and make every moment count!?