Caplan will focus on "brokerage services that involve investment property sales, development and development opportunities and retail leasing in Chicago," he says. Caplan had also previously worked at Inland Real Estate Sales and serves on the board of directors for the Chicago Association of Realtors. Caplan says it was difficult to leave his past job, but was interested in the opportunity to join the new office. "After a long process, it became clear that this was really the right fit for me and the right time to join the organization," he says.

Sperry Van Ness added a Chicago office late last year, Caplan says. Scott Maesel, executive managing director of the Chicago office, had previously formed the commercial division for Sussex & Reilly Residential. Maesel "bought that commercial division, which was called SR Commercial, last year and then was approached by Sperry Van Ness about becoming a local Chicago office," Caplan says.