Craig Nelson, CCIM 
Vice President
Craig Nelson has been creating and implementing plans for commercial site selection, development and disposition for over 23 years. His National Realty Network clients also benefit from Craig’s experiences as an entrepreneur and business owner, his work with franchises, and his understanding of real estate investment properties.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Illinois at Urbana, Craig joined a development firm and began focusing on commercial real estate development of single tenant net lease facilities and small multi-tenant retail projects.
The expertise he gained in this position led him to join a national automotive franchise company. Here, Craig was put in charge of selecting sites for company-owned and franchised facilities in a 14-state Midwest region. Then he made the transition to franchisee, developing and operating numerous locations while building a background in running a multi-unit, multi-state business. During this time, his fellow franchisees voted Craig the recipient of the John Harvey Award, for the individual who best exemplified the principles of integrity, intensity and intimacy.
After selling the majority of his automotive franchises, Craig acquired, operated, and ultimately sold a 9 store, $14 million dollar chain of children’s furniture stores. Craig has bought, operated and sold 18 locations for four different businesses over his career and is very attuned to unlocking value in business through the real estate process. His interest in all aspects of the commercial real estate industry—site selection, financial analysis and feasibility, brokerage, and development enable Craig to utilize his expertise to its full potential.
Craig has always been active in his industry. He is a CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member. Craig is an active member of the Commercial Investment Committee for the Realtor Association of West/South Suburban Chicagoland (RWSSC) and also a Director of the Chicago Area Realty Exchange (C.A.R.E.). He served on the board and as President of the Jiffy Lube Association of Franchisees. He was a founding board member of the American Franchise Association, an advocacy organization for franchisees. Craig currently serves as the President of the Elmhurst Historical Museum Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. He is also a member of the Museum’s Strategic Leadership Team, and an active participant in the Museum’s fund raising efforts.
Contact Craig
Phone: 847-852-3212
Fax: 630-261-0879
CNelson@NationalRealtyNetwork.net