Ten days into his new business, and Chad Firsel has hired an analyst, a marketing coordinator, and already made a deal. Quantum Real Estate Advisors, based in Oak Brook, will specialize in investment sales of $2 million-$20 million retail properties in the city and suburbs. Chad recently left NAI Hiffman  to become more nimble and proactive, and he tells us the name refers to getting the right energy in the right places. You know, like quantum physics.

After pointing out a low-pressure front and giving the 7-day forecast, Chad showed us some suburban retail hot spots. He expects a lot of business in the far-out suburbs because overbuilding  of homes and retail has led to high vacancies and demand on the sell side from lenders and developers with problems. He's hunting for deals in the city, too, using neighborhood retail connections from Baum Realty, where he worked before NAI. While some investors may feel more comfortable with a large firm, Chad says technology can help him be accountable. His programs allow clients to see who he's emailed about the property, what he's doing to market it, and what kind of response he's generated.