Charlie Grapatin

Assistant Project Manager

Keller Inc

Growing up in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, I attended Cedarburg High School before pursuing a degree in Construction Management with a minor in Environmental Studies at St. Cloud State University. During my college years, I gained valuable experience working for an HVAC and refrigeration contractor, before starting my career in the design-build sector at Keller.
In my professional journey, I have contributed to a wide range of projects, including school additions, industrial buildouts, and medical facilities. Outside of work, I enjoy spending my free time outdoors, skiing and playing hockey during the winter, and hiking, camping, and fishing throughout the summer.

Q) What do you enjoy the most about commercial real estate?
A) I really enjoy analyzing real estate from a business standpoint. For instance, I think about what size building makes sense for growth while remaining financially feasible or how to optimize the space effectively without moving. Plus, there’s something extremely rewarding about helping to create a new space, whether it’s for a small family-owned business or a large corporation. That excitement never gets old!

Q) What is the best piece of advice you have received?
A) Consistency, hard work and dedication will always beat luck

Q) What is your favorite quote?
A) “Time is man’s most precious asset. All men neglect it, all regret the loss of it, and nothing can be done without it.” – Voltaire.
In our industry, this quote serves as a principle for me. This perspective motivates me to address difficult conversations promptly, benefiting everyone in the process. I hope that every interaction starts a successful relationship, as wasting someone’s time is detrimental to all parties involved.

Q) Where did you grow up?
A) Cedarburg Wisconsin

Q) What’s your favorite place to travel to?
A) I really enjoy exploring new places, but every winter, I find myself heading back out west to ski. Whether I’m in Colorado, Montana, Utah, or Wyoming, there’s something special about being alone in the Rockies. It’s a little slice of paradise in the dead of winter.

Q) What is a goal you would like to accomplish within your Commercial Real Estate career?
A) By the end of my career, my goal is to have grown alongside multiple companies, serving as a reliable partner and building strong, beneficial relationships. My goal is to help people navigate the challenges of this industry, offering support and guidance whenever possible. I want to leave a lasting impact by empowering others to succeed, making their journey a little easier.

Q) What do you hope to get out of your NextGen Experience?
A) My goal with NextGen is to gain a well-rounded understanding of the commercial real estate industry while actively networking and developing my skills. Although I have a solid grasp of the construction industry, I believe that broadening my knowledge across other areas will allow me to be more valuable to everyone I work with. By expanding my knowledge, I’ll be able to be more of an asset to all of my working relationships.