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About Us

A Team Committed to Your Success

We're committed to building impactful, lasting relationships with investors and clients' and cheering for them when they achieve their real estate goals!

Founded by commercial real estate veterans Chad Behnken and Chris Terry, the firm provides highly personalized attention to each client, expert market knowledge and concept-through-completion involvement in real estate projects.

Core is also distinguished by both founders' extensive backgrounds in banking and finance, which translates to deep knowledge of loan processes and project financing options.

Associates Tyler Cain and Larry McGraw, and Office Manager Sammie Davis round out the Core team, providing exceptional operational and project support.

 

Contact Us

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Meet Our Team

chad
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Co‑Founder and Principal
Chad Behnken
phone-icon 507.251.7667

Co‑Founder and Principal at Core Real Estate Group, brings extensive experience in commercial real estate sales, development, investment transactions, and multi‑family projects. He has brokered deals ranging from major investment properties to small office leases, supported by strong market insight, financial expertise, and a wide business network. Chad has completed 15 ground‑up developments across multiple property types, is known for long‑term client relationships built on trust, and holds the prestigious CCIM designation.

chris
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Co‑Founder and Principal
Chris Terry
phone-icon 507.398.5250

Co‑Founder and Principal at Core Real Estate Group, is a seasoned commercial real estate professional with decades of experience in construction, development, finance, and investment. He has led commercial development and construction projects across the Upper Midwest and nationally. Chris created Core’s motto—Unlocking Opportunities, Building Success—to reflect the firm’s commitment to client growth. He’s known for innovative project strategies and clear, consistent communication throughout every project lifecycle.

sammie
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Office Manager
Sammie Davis
phone-icon 507.990.4785

Sammie Davis, Office Manager at Core Real Estate Group, is a skilled customer service professional who joined commercial real estate in 2022. A lifelong Rochester resident, she brings strong organizational and communication abilities to Core, supporting operations, projects, and client relationships. Outside of work, Sammie enjoys sitting around a campfire and spending time with family and friends. She stays busy with her two children and their pets, including two dogs and three cats.

tyler
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Associate
Tyler Cain
phone-icon 507.993.1671

Associate at Core Real Estate Group, transitioned into commercial real estate after a year in residential realty and a 14‑year professional basketball career in Europe. A John Marshall and University of South Dakota alum, he earned his real estate license while playing overseas. Tyler brings perseverance, work ethic, and passion to every client interaction. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, lake time, and coaching his two sons in their sports and activities.

larry
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Associate
Larry McGraw
phone-icon 507.884.5875

Larry McGraw has more than 35 years of experience in commercial and agricultural real estate lending, leadership, and financial management. A former community banker, he previously served as Chief Credit Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Home Federal Savings Bank. Larry holds a degree from Luther College and an MBA from Augsburg University. Beyond his career, he stays active in the community, operates his family farm, and mentors emerging finance professionals.

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Our Values

Our Core Values guide our everyday activities and help us set the standard for care and service in real estate partnerships.

Integrity | client focus | collaboration | Empowerment | community

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Our Client Testimonials

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Core Real Estate Group helped us secure a site for our new Acme Tools store in Rochester. Without their help, we would not have been able to secure such an outstanding building and location. Thank you, Chad, and the team at Core!

Steve Kuhlman
Co-Owner and President of Corporate Operation at Acme Tools

It has truly been a joy working with Core Real Estate Group throughout our construction project and broader commercial real estate needs. The Core team are consummate professionals who partnered with us every step of the way, from the early conceptualization of our new facility, through groundbreaking, and all the way to occupancy. Their expertise, responsiveness, and deep knowledge of the local market made a complex process feel seamless, and I would highly recommend Core Real Estate Group to anyone seeking trusted, high-quality commercial real estate services.

Artyce Thomas
WSSC

Trustworthy, experienced, and incredibly thorough.  Communication was excellent from start to finish and I received detailed updates regularly without even asking. I highly recommend CORE with absolute trust that they will meet or exceed expectations.

Nick Pederson
Vice President, Senior Commercial Loan Officer at Sterling State Bank

We had opportunity to work with Chris and his team on a significant multi-family housing project in Clear Lake. We were very impressed with their attention to detail and how smooth the project went from concept to completion. The project is a great addition to the community.

Marc Younge
Executive Vice President, Clear Lake Bank and Trust Company

We had a great experience working with Core. Their team was very attentive throughout the whole process and worked hard to get us the property we wanted.

Brian Leary
CEO at Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc.