Chicago Office Summit

Molly is a partner in the Chicago Office of Siegel Jennings, a national property tax law firm. As a litigator and trusted advisor, she collaborates with Owners, Asset Managers, Acquisition teams and Tax Departments to identify, create and execute property tax reduction strategies. She becomes a member of her clients’ management team. Her goal is to maximize and protect the full potential of real estate assets, minimize related tax liabilities, and resolve disputes with tax authorities and government entities. Molly’s client experience ranges from family owned 1031 portfolios to national commercial investment funds, including special use properties such as hospital campuses to multi-million-dollar manufacturing facilities. Her comprehensive understanding of the commercial real estate market was developed in part through her time as a real estate broker in the Chicago area prior to starting her legal career. Molly regularly represents clients in hearings before review boards, local assessors’ offices, the Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board, and the circuit courts.

The visionary mind behind lndusPAD Group of Companies, OHomez, XOLogistic, and HuddleUp is a seasoned serial entrepreneur with over 27 years of experience in real estate investment, redevelopment, and community development. With a keen eye for identifying value-add opportunities, he brings a unique perspective to transforming real estate projects. His expertise lies in dissecting the multifaceted challenges inherent in real estate ventures, including location dynamics, cultural nuances, economic landscapes, financial limitations, market fluctuations, architectural constraints, community dynamics, leadership demands, and policy frameworks. Through meticulous analysis and strategic foresight, he surgically enhances the agility and adaptability of assets, ensuring their seamless alignment with the ever-evolving market dynamics. Mr. Makkar's journey reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in the realm of real estate. Beyond his academic accolades, he has amassed invaluable hands-on experience in both traditional and avant-garde approaches to urban development. His passion for revitalizing communities and reimagining urban spaces has propelled him to the forefront of the industry. Throughout his career, Mr. Makkar has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. His projects not only generate economic value but also prioritize environmental stewardship and community engagement. By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge design principles with practical solutions, he has earned a reputation for delivering projects that transcend mere aesthetics, leaving a lasting positive impact on the surrounding environment and its inhabitants. Furthermore, Mr. Makkar's entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond his professional endeavors. He actively seeks out opportunities to mentor and empower the next generation of innovators and change-makers in the field of real estate and urban development. Through workshops, lectures, and strategic partnerships, he fosters a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, ensuring a legacy of sustainable growth and progress. As a forward-thinking leader in the industry, Mr. Makkar remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in real estate development. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a relentless pursuit of excellence, he continues to shape the future of urban living, one transformative project at a time. Now, as the company has expanded its footprint to encompass 8 different states and a diverse portfolio of ventures, Mr. Makkar has charted a new course for IndusPAD. Recognizing the potential of the Midwest region, he has relocated the company's headquarters to the vibrant Chicagoland area. This strategic move signifies his commitment to embracing new challenges and opportunities, as he sets his sights on shaping, molding, and leaving an everlasting positive impact in the region.

Austin oversees day-to-day leasing efforts for several of the firm’s Chicago office assets. Since joining Sterling Bay in 2014, Austin has closed over 750,000 square feet of marquee transactions, securing major tenants like West Monroe Partners’ global headquarters at 311 W Monroe. Austin holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Communications from Augustana College and is a licensed Illinois real estate broker. He is an active member of COLBA (Chicago Office Leasing Brokers Association) and City of Hope’s ‘Building Hope’ Board.