NIU’s College of Business is known for producing innovative and resourceful entrepreneurs who make their mark in their industry.
Mike DeGiorgio, ’10, is founder and CEO of Commercial Real Estate Exchange Inc. (Crexi), the commercial real estate industry’s fastest-growing technology platform. Because he is a prime example of NIU’s emphasis on pioneering entrepreneurship, the College of Business will honor him with the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award this year.
“I was born in New Jersey, but lived most of my adolescent life around Chicago,” DeGiorgio said. “I’ve always loved sports, being part of a team, watching professional games and building strong friendships.” This love for community and fostering relationships would later become the bedrock of his entrepreneurial journey.
When it was time for DeGiorgio to go to college, he chose NIU because he hoped to be in the business world after graduation and knew NIU’s College of Business had an impressive reputation.
“NIU’s sales and marketing degree felt like the right fit. It was a great entrepreneurial overview,” he said. “NIU was the first place I started to think about my future, and the life I wanted for myself.”
DeGiorgio’s time on campus was full of growth moments, and he began to come into his own.
“I enjoyed my classes and was able to learn a little about all aspects of business — from finance and operations to sales and marketing,” he said.
After graduation, DeGiorgio went on to work for Auction.com as a transaction manager in business development, and he was eventually promoted to vice president. In 2015, he founded Crexi, making his entrepreneurial dream come true.
“The highlight of my career has been starting and growing Crexi,” he said. “We started in a small house in Venice, California, and today, we have over 350 employees and offices across the U.S.”
DeGiorgio is proud of his company’s influence on the commercial real estate industry.
“We’re bringing transparency to the industry,” he said. “Crexi is creating a single-source hub for stakeholders to market, analyze and trade commercial property. We’re revolutionizing how professionals succeed by accelerating deal velocity and democratizing access to both properties and industry data.”
Even as his success grows, DeGiorgio is grounded by his simple mission.
“Empowering our industry and using technology to help people is at the core of what I stand for,” he said. “I want to create change and impact people for the better.”
As he reflects on his career, DeGiorgio credits NIU with helping him to reach his goals.
“NIU gave me valuable educational tools to start my career. I got an introduction to business through my college classes and for that I am eternally grateful,” he said, noting that much of what he learned is still with him.
“I still reference the book ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People,’ which I read in one of my business classes. [I remember] the experience of conducting business meetings on video with the whole class watching and then immediately critiquing us, which prepared me for the cold-calling I did in my first job. At NIU, we were encouraged to work collaboratively and cross-functionally on projects. It was real-life business experience in the classroom.”
DeGiorgio appreciates the diverse education he received across all business functions at NIU.
“The school puts you in real-world situations, guiding you but also letting you learn from failures,” he said. “NIU taught me the importance of making a good first impression.”
DeGiorgio shares meaningful words of wisdom for budding entrepreneurs and recent graduates: “Treat yourself like you are your own business. Put in the hours, dedication and constantly work on yourself. Everyone has wisdom or insight to offer. Never hesitate to reach out and ask questions.”
Mike DeGiorgio and all the 2023 College of Business award winners will be honored at a celebration dinner on Oct. 20. To learn more or to register, go to go.niu.edu/COBAwards23.
