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Michael S. Bender, CCIM, SIOR
Principal - Office and Land Market

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Michael S. Bender was raised in Dallas, Texas.  In 1981, he graduated from TCU with a BBA in business.  He became a commercial real estate broker and was associated with the Henry S. Miller Company from 1980 to 1982.   From 1982 to 1987, Michael was associated with the Swearingen Company, Dallas, TX.  Following that, he was associated with Shannon Corporate Real Estate Services from 1987 to 1992.   In March 1992 he moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Since moving to Sioux Falls, Michael has averaged a sales volume of approximately $12 to $15 million per year.  Michael's total career sales volume exceeds $400 million in sales and lease transactions.  He is the first broker in South Dakota to attain the designation of SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors).  Out of approximately 150,000 commercial real estate brokers in the United States, only 2,300 have attained this designation.  He has also achieved the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation.  

Michael is the founder and one of the principals of Bender Commercial Real Estate Services.  He also owns Midwest Property Services., a full service property management company in Sioux Falls.  He specializes in commercial real estate sales and leasing of office properties.  In June of 2006, Michael was spotlighted in the Sioux Falls Business Journal as one of the "Top Ten Leaders" in Sioux Falls.  This article showcased business executives who have transformed Sioux Falls and helped position the city to remain a leading city in the Midwest for years to come.

• Precision Computer - 8,222 sq. ft.
• Hematech - 12,405 sq. ft.
• South Dakota Investment - 5,695 sq. ft.
• CorTrust Bank - 4,200 sq. ft.
• Principal Life - 8,100 sq. ft.
• Wells Fargo - 3,300 sq. ft.
• Raymond James - 1,125 sq. ft.
• Sioux Falls Ambulance - 2,300 sq. ft.
• Runway Company - 1,621 sq. ft.
• Woodman of American - 2,073 sq. ft.
• Rels Title - 3,320 sq. ft.
• L & S Teleservices - 16,992 sq. ft.

Tenant Representation:

• Cigna Tel Drug - 17,364 sq. ft.
• Somitech - 1,631 sq. ft.
• Walgreens - 3,748 sq. ft.
• FDIC - 8,240 sq. ft.
• Colorado Technical University - 21,000 sq. ft.
• VeraSun Energy - 43,000 sq. ft.
• Principal Financial - 8,100 sq. ft.

Buyer Representation:

• Avera McKennan - 41,200 sq. ft.
• Midland National Life - 15 acres
• McDonald's USA - 9.2 acres
• Avera McKennan - 7.0 acres
• DM&E Building - 42,000 sq. ft.
• Midland National Life - 12 acres

Seller Representation:

• The Edges Office Park - 42.9 acres
• Main Stage Ballet - 8,536 sq. ft.
• Former Gateway Building - 127,500 sq. ft.
• Grace Church Land - 39.31 acres
• Lundstrom Land - 75,000 sq. ft.
• 69th St. & Western Ave. (SW Corner) - 1.66 acres
• PineCrest Land - 50.56 acres

Michael has also been involved in many Sioux Falls community activities and boards, as well as national organizations.  They include:

• Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors (2004 - present)
• Avera McKennan Hospital Board of Trustees (2008 - present)
• Sioux Falls Rotary West (Paul Harris Fellow)
• Zoological Society of Sioux Falls - Board of Directors (1994 - 2001)
• Habitat for Humanity of Sioux Falls - Board of Directors (1999 - 2005)
• Christ Community Ministries - Board of Directors (1996 - 2000)
• Turning Point Partners Annual Fund Drive - Chair (1998 - 1999)
• Crimestoppers of Sioux Falls - Board of Directors (1993 - 1998)
• Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Diplomat Committee (1994 - 1996)
• Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Community Appeals Committee (2002 - Present)
• Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Council (2004 - 2008)
• Leadership Sioux Falls Class of 1994
• New Life / New Haven Center, Board of Directors (1995 - 1999)
• Legends Sports Classic - Co-Chair - 1995
• South Dakota Symphony - Board of Directors (2002 - 2003)
• Society of Industrial & Office Realtors (SIOR) Mid-Continent Chapter President (2003 - 2004)