March 1, 2022

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Isaac Jorgensen, a commercial real estate sales and leasing agent with Bender Commercial Real Estate Services. 

Name: Isaac Jorgensen

Age: 32

Hometown: Sioux Falls

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

My parents! I was born in Rapid City, but my family moved to Sioux Falls when I was 6 months old, and I have lived here since, minus the three years my wife and I served in Haiti for.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

The people. Sioux Falls is filled with so many genuine, real people who care about more than just themselves. In a world that can be so “me” focused, it’s refreshing and inspiring to live in a city that works to help one another and meet the needs of those that get to call Sioux Falls home.

You recently made a major career change, going from nonprofit leadership into commercial real estate. What prompted you to make the move?

There wasn’t one specific thing that prompted the change but rather just a feeling that had become too strong to ignore that it was time for me to start a new career path. It was a very difficult decision to leave Mission-Haiti as it has been a huge piece of Chelsea’s and my life for seven-plus years and our love for/belief in Mission-Haiti hasn’t changed. I’m at peace with the decision to leave now because Mission-Haiti’s director, Paul Perissien, is moving to Sioux Falls with his family and will be able to step into more of a development role and ensure the mission continues to thrive.

What’s been your biggest surprise or eye-opening moment since taking on your new role?

The most eye-opening thing I have experienced so far is just how much Sioux Falls is growing and how rapidly it’s happening. Growing up in Sioux Falls and even through my time at Augie here in town, I was pretty oblivious to how healthy our community is. Then, we left for three years and came back to a Sioux Falls that was recognizable but drastically different in a good way. Now with Bender, I get to learn about and assist in the continued development and health of our community, and I have loved it so far!

Describe Bender Commercial in three words.

Honest. Caring. Quality.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I really don’t like birds! I like when they peacefully fly at a safe distance above me, but other than pheasant hunting, I have no need to be close to birds.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

Chelsea and I like to give back to our community by connecting with people in our church and neighborhood and building relationships with them. We also like to support the East River Foster Parent Network Foster Care Closet, where Chelsea volunteers multiple times a month.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Publix grocery store.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I see myself continuing to learn and grow in the commercial real estate world, have our four kids’ adoptions finished and Chelsea pregnant with our fifth — and final — child!