Michael Bender, CCIM, SIOR

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Direct: (605) 782-1662

With a career spanning over four decades, Michael’s expertise serves clients throughout the region in all areas 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.

Michael founded Bender Commercial in 1997 after moving to Sioux Falls in 1992. Originally from Dallas, he earned his BBA in business from Texas Christian University in 1981 and began his career with Henry S. Miller Company, one of Texas’ largest commercial real estate firms. He spent a decade in Dallas working with firms including Swearingen Company and Shannon Corporate Real Estate Services before relocating to South Dakota, where he served as director of commercial brokerage at Hegg Companies.

As a trusted advisor to his clients, Michael has guided sales and lease transactions exceeding $1 billion throughout his career. He was the first broker in South Dakota to attain the SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors) designation, achieved by only 1.5% of commercial brokers in the United States.

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