James Willenborg stands as a notable individual within the realm of property dealings, acknowledged for his remarkable contributions as a Chicago-based real estate developer. Having accumulated an impressive record spanning almost ten years, James has become a master in the field of home construction, overseeing the successful finalization of more than 300 projects under the esteemed Willenborg Properties brand.
As the chief impetus behind Willenborg Properties, James has played a crucial role in establishing the company as a highly regarded and dependable developer of sophisticated single-family homes, townhouses, multi-unit condominium complexes, and rental properties in and around Chicago. Willenborg Properties’ enduring legacy lies in its ability to enhance the aesthetics of neighborhoods with graceful single-family residences while simultaneously leading the transformation of neglected commercial and industrial areas into thriving residential zones and coveted communities.
Throughout his professional journey, James has consistently showcased his unwavering commitment to excellence, guiding the growth of Willenborg Properties into a fully integrated enterprise offering a comprehensive range of real estate development services. From strategic acquisition of land and architectural planning to site preparation, construction, and property management, Jim Willenborg ensures that every phase of the development process is executed with meticulous attention. This seamless integration not only maximizes efficiency but also exceeds market standards, resulting in accelerated sales and unparalleled value, quality, and personalized service to both property owners and residents.
With his astute vision for innovation and an in-depth understanding of market dynamics, James has consistently pushed the boundaries of real estate development, staying at the forefront of industry trends and establishing new standards for success. His unwavering dedication to transforming neighborhoods and crafting exceptional living spaces has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a forward-thinking leader and a reliable collaborator within the real estate community.
In his quest for excellence, James Willenborg continues to redefine the landscape of Chicago’s real estate, leaving an indelible impression on the city and its inhabitants.
James Willenborg is a dedicated father to three children and serves as a steadfast pillar of support to his wife, Laura, who operates a successful fashion studio showcasing her textile creations. Together, the couple takes pleasure in embarking on global explorations and indulging in novel culinary experiences.
Describe your typical daily routine and how you maximize productivity.
I have a unique approach to my daily routine that differs from that of traditional business individuals. While I don’t follow the early morning, marathon-running, and cold plunge routines, I do incorporate certain aspects into my life. When I wake up, I always kickstart my day with a cup of coffee. If I don’t have any scheduled calls, I prefer working on my laptop in various spots around my house, like the reading area, couch, or sometimes even at cafes. I find that confining myself to a typical “cubicle” or desk hampers my productivity.
Being a firm believer in the importance of connecting with nature, I make it a point to step outside and take short breaks to rejuvenate. I also prefer incorporating exercise into my outdoor activities. While gyms offer great equipment, nothing beats a walk with a weighted vest while listening to an engaging podcast. To make the most of my time and avoid excessive technological stimulation, I try to multitask whenever possible. This includes activities like meditating while taking a shower, combining workouts with listening to personal development content, and integrating content creation into my workday.
How do you transform your ideas into reality?
When it comes to bringing my ideas to life, I’m what you would call a “chaotic creative.” I jot down my ideas in various places, such as notes on my phone, a project management tool, and multiple whiteboards scattered around my home. Embracing organization was a skill I had to develop over time. As the complexity of my business and personal lives increased, I realized the importance of moving beyond the “wing it” mentality. Finding the right balance between preparation, determination, and execution is key.
I evaluate my ideas based on their return on investment (ROI) and how they align with my current focus and ongoing projects. For instance, I conceived the idea of launching a text community for my company last year, but I recognized that the timing wasn’t right until 2023. During the interim, I filled the gaps with marketing efforts, strengthened our systems, and clarified our company’s value proposition. I didn’t wait for perfection, but I did wait for the right moment when I could dedicate adequate time and resources to it.
What’s a trend that particularly excites you?
You know what’s really exciting? The way social media is changing the game in the real estate world. It’s all about building relationships and sharing knowledge. Real estate professionals now have this incredible platform to connect with potential clients and show off their expertise. By sharing valuable insights, tips, and advice on social media, they can establish themselves as trusted authorities in the field. It’s not just about making connections, though—it’s also about educating others about the industry.
And not only that, but social media has also completely transformed how professionals network and build relationships. They can reach people from all over the world and expand their networks like never before. By engaging with others on social media, they can exchange ideas, learn from each other, and make some fantastic connections that might even lead to new business opportunities. It’s a game-changer.
When you think about it, the power of social media in the real estate industry is truly remarkable. It’s exciting to see how this trend is revolutionizing the way professionals work and the incredible potential it holds for the future. It’s like a whole new world out there, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.
Share one habit that enhances your productivity.
You know, when it comes to being productive as an entrepreneur, planning is absolutely key. It’s something that has made a huge difference in my work. I always make it a point to look ahead, usually about a week in advance, so I can stay on top of what’s coming up and figure out my priorities. I like to ask myself a simple question before adding anything to my to-do list: “Is this really the most important thing for me to be focusing on right now?” It helps me stay focused and make sure I’m spending my time wisely.
Another aspect of my planning process is regularly reviewing my goals. Every quarter, I take a step back and look at them to see if they still align with my overall vision. And you know what? I’m not afraid to adjust them if needed. Flexibility is important in this ever-changing business world. It’s also helpful for me to break those big goals down into smaller weekly targets. It keeps me motivated, and I can see tangible progress along the way.
So, yeah, planning has been a game-changer for me. It keeps me organized, helps me prioritize effectively, and ensures I’m steadily moving forward. I believe it’s a habit that can benefit anyone. Give it a try and see how it works for you.
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Embrace the present moment more fully. I used to have a tendency to detach from reality, getting lost in my thoughts and failing to be truly present. Looking back, there were numerous instances where I could have fully immersed myself in trips and conversations if I had been more grounded instead of lost in my own head.
What is a belief you hold that is unpopular?
I firmly believe that we can have it all. While those in the self-development space may resonate with this idea, it is often met with disagreement from my family and earlier friend groups. They believed that achieving one thing meant sacrificing another. For example, they thought that wealth came at the cost of having a family, or that being healthy meant not enjoying good food. However, I reject these limiting beliefs and excuses. I believe that by overcoming our self-imposed restrictions, we can attain all aspects of a fulfilling life without compromising one for another.
What is a practice you frequently engage in and recommend to others?
Taking cold showers. While I may not adhere to a rigid 5 a.m. cold plunge routine, I do appreciate the benefits of cold showers. They release endorphins, enhance willpower, and aid in muscle recovery. If you haven’t tried it before, start small by ending your regular hot shower with a few seconds of cold water. Gradually increase the time spent under the cold water each day. It may not be easy or initially enjoyable, but you will come to appreciate the positive effects it has on your well-being.
When you feel overwhelmed or unable to focus, how do you regain control?
I find solace in nature and take walks as a means to regain focus. As you may have noticed, I thoroughly enjoy being outdoors, and I have discovered that walking serves as a form of meditation for me. Instead of struggling to sit still, I put on my workout attire and went for a stroll.
Even in a bustling city, you can find a local park or a pleasant area to walk in. Depending on the level of stress, my walks can last from a few minutes to several hours, but I always return feeling better than before.
What is a strategy that has significantly contributed to your business growth or career advancement?
You know, one thing that has made a huge difference in growing my business is understanding my strengths. There was a time when we were taking on all sorts of projects that just didn’t align with what we were good at. It was a big waste of time and money, and it felt like we were stuck in this never-ending cycle of frustration. But then I realized, hey, I need to pay closer attention to what’s actually working for us.
Once I started being more strategic about how my personal strengths complemented the services we offered, things really started to change. I mean, it was like opening one door after another for Willenborg Properties. It’s amazing what happens when you play to your strengths and focus on what you’re truly great at.
Oh, and here’s a bonus strategy for you. It’s so important to know what kind of customers you want to work with. Let me tell you, I’ve had my fair share of clients, including some famous ones that you would think are a dream come true for any real estate agency. But guess what? Plot twist: it turned into a total nightmare! We were treated terribly, and I finally made the tough decision to let go of all those clients and start fresh with ones I actually wanted to work with.
Since then, things have gotten a lot better. Sure, there have been a few clients who weren’t exactly amazing, but you know what? It’s become easier and easier to sniff out the ones that are not a good fit from the start and politely decline working with them. Trust me, having the right mindset about your customers is crucial. The wrong ones will always find something to complain about and make your life a living nightmare. But the right ones, oh boy, they’ll challenge you in all the right ways. And even if conflicts arise, you can work through them together and come out stronger on the other side.
So, yeah, knowing your strengths and choosing the right customers are two strategies that have worked wonders for me. Give ’em a try and see how they work for you.
Could you share some instances where you encountered setbacks in your career, how you overcame them, and the valuable lessons you gained?
Early on, I made the mistake of neglecting to safeguard myself with legal precautions like contracts, disclaimers, and policies. Many people, including myself, tend to avoid dealing with such bureaucratic measures. Unfortunately, my lack of action left both me and my company vulnerable. Nowadays, I prioritize taking the necessary steps to have clients sign contracts for significant engagements, obtain non-disclosure agreements from interested parties, and disclose policies on our company’s website. By taking these precautions, I ensure the protection of myself, my employees, and my clients. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of this practice.
Are there any business ideas that you are willing to share with our readers?
Absolutely! You can dive into consulting on a subject in which you possess expertise starting today. As more individuals seek opportunities to earn money and work remotely, becoming a consultant presents a business venture with low overhead and substantial potential for growth. If you are already pursuing a particular career, chances are you have enough knowledge and expertise to offer consulting services beyond your regular 9-to-5 job. While there are risks involved, starting with a price-per-consult model and gradually progressing can lead to success.
Which software has significantly contributed to your productivity, and how do you utilize it?
ClickUp: it has revolutionized the way we manage tasks, allowing us to sort and assign them, communicate internally, track time, set deadlines and goals, and gain a comprehensive view of our work. A year ago, we struggled to maintain organization and visualize our workflow, but ClickUp effectively solved that problem.
What recent purchase of $100 brought you the most satisfaction?
Indulging in my favorite cigars! I have a particular fondness for brands like Padron and Perdomo. Occasionally, I treat myself to a celebratory cigar when I successfully complete a project, receive recognition, or have an exceptionally productive day. These moments provide me with an opportunity to relax, reflect, and recharge.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast that has had a profound impact on you?
Certainly! I have two favorites to share. The Ed Mylett Show is a podcast that holds immense value for me. Ed Mylett, one of my virtual mentors, prioritizes family values, upholds ethical principles in both business and life, and approaches interviews with a childlike curiosity. I’ve listened to approximately 80% of his interviews, and what sets his podcast apart is that he covers a wide range of topics, not limiting it to business alone. He features athletes, comedians, doctors, and others, resulting in diverse and engaging conversations.
Regarding books, one that I’ve started reading and find captivating is “The Power of Will” by Frank Channing Haddock. Published in 1907, this book explores willpower as a potent energy and force that one can harness and leverage. It predates many of the contemporary self-help books we often study and holds the status of a hidden gem.
Have you recently enjoyed a movie or series? What appealed to you about it?
Recently, I completed a rewatch of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson. While I acknowledge that the movies may not adhere strictly to Tolkien’s original writing, they hold a special place in my heart due to the cherished memories associated with them. The impeccable musical score composed by Howard Shore and my love for every aspect of the films make them truly enjoyable. I recommend investing a few extra hours to watch the extended versions, as they include important details that were omitted from the theatrical versions, and expand on the story.
Key learnings:
- Give significant attention to enhancing your individual brand. Utilize your identity and standing to advance your business and professional journey, facilitating the discovery of opportunities.
- Explore effective tactics and resources that streamline your work process, such as AI technology and the utilization of ClickUp.
- Stay mindful of activities that promote tranquility and concentration. This could involve taking nature walks or working from diverse locations.
About The Author
