Sawyer Kowieski
BROKER ASSOCIATE
Mid America Real Estate
skowieski@midamericagrp.com
(414) 617-9007
I joined Mid-America Real Estate – Wisconsin, LLC as a Broker Associate in the Asset Advisory Group in June of 2024. I specialize in the leasing of specialty retail and power-anchored shopping centers. Some of my responsibilities include conducting market analyses, presenting sites to national and local retailers, and developing relationships with prospective clients. I am a Wisconsin native which provides me knowledge of trends, shopping patterns, and retailer performances throughout the state.
Q) What do you enjoy the most about commercial real estate?
A) I enjoy many aspects of the commercial real estate industry, but what I value most is the variety—no two days are ever the same. After graduating in May 2024 with a degree in Finance, I sought a career that was fast-paced, financially driven, and above all, people-oriented. CRE offers the perfect balance: it allows me to apply my financial expertise while leveraging my people skills to stay adaptable, engaged, and results-driven.
Q) What is the best piece of advice you have received?
A) The best piece of advice I’ve ever heard is: “Growth and comfort do not coexist.” I believe this mindset is especially true in commercial real estate, particularly on the brokerage side. Being a broker is often a balancing act—navigating the needs of all parties in a transaction, which can mean having tough conversations, constant outreach, and frequently stepping outside of your comfort zone. Success requires the willingness to embrace discomfort, adapt under pressure, and ultimately grow through those challenging moments.
Q) What is your favorite quote?
A) “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life” – Charles Darwin
Q) Where did you grow up?
A) I grew up in the downtown area of Oconomowoc. While this town is a buzzword for development now, this was not always the case. Growing up there, I saw the complete transformation of the eastern Pabst Farms district from the Barley field of Pabst Brewing to the CRE powerhouse it is turning into as well as a complete revitalization of the Downtown. Being an involved citizen of the community, it was truly amazing to see what has/is taking place and it’s an amazing honor to be included on some of the projects that are underway now.
Q) What was cool when you were growing up but isn’t cool now?
A) Tech Decks. But they’re making a comeback.
Q) What’s your favorite place to travel to?
A) A campsite near water.
Q) Which projects are you involved in/most excited about?
A) The project I am most proud of is the leasing of Meadowbrook Marketplace in Waukesha. When I joined the assignment, the center had five vacant units totaling 8,000 SF. Working closely with Scott Satula, we successfully leased all of the vacancies simultaneously to three tenants. This required developing and executing a comprehensive marketing plan, identifying the ideal merchandising mix, and proactively engaging both new and expanding retailers. From presenting the vision of the property, to negotiating LOIs and leases, to guiding tenants through the permitting process, I was directly involved in every step. The result was a fully leased center for our client, Broder Sachse—a rewarding outcome that showcased the impact of teamwork, persistence, and strategic execution.
Q) If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be?
A) I would love the opportunity to have lunch with Jerome Powell. Over time, I’ve become a hobby economist, and studying the Federal Reserve has turned into a real passion of mine. Given the unique macroeconomic cycle we’re in, I admire how Powell has successfully navigated the challenges so far. I’d enjoy picking his brain on broader macro concepts and decision-making at that level. A dream lunch would also include Jamie Dimon as a guest, adding another layer of perspective from the private sector.
Q) What made you choose Commercial Real Estate?
A) I chose a career in commercial real estate for the same reasons I continue to enjoy it today—it’s a fast-paced, people-oriented industry with strong financial roots. CRE gives me the opportunity to apply my background in finance while constantly engaging with clients, tenants, and partners in ways that challenge me to think creatively and strategically. No two days are the same, and that variety keeps me energized. Beyond the numbers, it’s a relationship-driven business, and I find real fulfillment in building connections and delivering results that create value for all sides of a transaction.
Q)What is a goal you would like to accomplish within your Commercial Real Estate career?
A) My current goal is to get to a point of success within brokerage where I am able to own assets personally.
Q) What do you hope to get out of your NextGen Experience?
A) An understanding of the entire CRE circle from planning, to financing, to architecture and building, etc… Learning how we all work together to bring things to fruition.