Michael Bender, CCIM, SIOR

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Direct: (605) 782-1662

With a career spanning over four decades, Michael’s expertise covers all facets of commercial real estate.

Michael Bender is both a leader and an innovator in the realm of commercial real estate and his community. As the founder and one of the principals of Bender Companies, his efforts have produced a dynamic family of companies, each a driving force in their respective domains—Bender Commercial Real Estate Services, Bender Midwest Properties, and Bender Realtors.

Hailing from Dallas, Michael attended Texas Christian University, where he earned his BBA in business in 1981. His professional career began with one of Texas’ largest commercial real estate firms, Henry S. Miller Company, where his acumen caught the industry’s attention. He spent a decade honing his craft in Dallas and worked at esteemed firms like Swearingen Company and Shannon Corporate Real Estate Services, each adding a new layer to his expertise.

In 1992, the Bender family moved to Sioux Falls. Michael assumed the role of director of commercial brokerage at Hegg Companies before founding Bender Commercial in 1997. His leadership has set a high standard for commercial real estate brokers in Sioux Falls, culminating in sales and lease transactions exceeding $1 billion.

Michael’s impact has earned him many accolades, including recognition as one of the “Top Ten Leaders” in Sioux Falls by the Sioux Falls Business Journal. A trailblazer, he has the distinction of being the first broker in South Dakota to attain the coveted designation of SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors), a pinnacle reached by only 1.5% of commercial brokers in the United States.

Michael’s influence extends beyond real estate into the community fabric. Michael has been and remains actively involved in many Sioux Falls community activities and boards as well as state and national organizations.

Community Involvement

• SIOR Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter: 1996-Present; Chair: 2003-2004
• DakotaCare Board of Directors: 2016-2025; Chair: 2019-2025
• Avera Health Plans Board of Directors: 2016-Present; Chair: 2019-2025
• Dakota Institute for Business & Economic Analysis, Founding Board Member: 2021 – Present
• South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry Board of Directors: 2017-Present; Chair: 2024-Present
• Dow Rummel Board of Directors: 2019-2025
• Avera Heart Hospital Board of Directors: 2014-2019
• South Dakota Ellsworth Authority Board: 2011-2019
• Avera McKennan Hospital Board of Trustees: 2008-2018; Chair: 2014-2016
• First National Bank in Sioux Falls Community Board of Directors: 2010-2018
• Sioux Falls Rotary West Member, Paul Harris Fellow: 1995-2015
• Forward Sioux Falls Joint Venture Management Committee: 2011-2012
• Zoological Society of Sioux Falls Board of Directors: 1994-2011
• Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors: 2004-2011; Chair: 2010-2011
• Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Community Appeals Committee: 2002-2010
• Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Council: 2004-2008
• Habitat for Humanity of Sioux Falls Board of Directors: 1999-2005; Chair: 2004-2005
• SIOR National Council of Presidents: 2003-2005
• South Dakota Symphony Board of Directors: 2002-2003
• Christ Community Ministries Board of Directors: 1996-2000
• Crimestoppers of Sioux Falls Board of Directors: 1993-1998; Chair: 1998
• Leadership Sioux Falls, Class of 1994