Jeff Kurtz

Background

About Jeff Kurtz

My career has taken me from the classroom to the boardroom—and even to the firehouse and basketball court. As a business professor, broker, firefighter, EMT, and referee, I’ve learned that no matter the setting, success hinges on trust, ethics, and a deep commitment to service. These qualities form the backbone of my work with business owners and commercial real estate investors. With an MBA from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois and over a decade in banking, I’ve built expertise in debt capital, business valuation, and exit strategy development. As a business broker, I’ve helped entrepreneurs navigate high-stakes transitions, using clear communication and meticulous planning to achieve optimal outcomes. For over 24 years, I’ve been a faculty member at Gies, where I’ve guided more than students and led 1,500+ consulting projects for businesses ranging from Fortune 100 companies to family-owned enterprises. These experiences have taught me the power of collaboration and the importance of crafting innovative, client-focused solutions. Having owned a small business myself, I understand the critical role a business plays in its owner’s financial portfolio. Similarly, for commercial real estate investors, I recognize how property acquisitions and dispositions are key to building and preserving wealth. Whether it’s maximizing the value of a business exit or structuring a real estate deal, I thrive on problem-solving to create strategies that align with long-term financial goals. Now, as a member of the SVN North Star team, I specialize in guiding business owners and investors through wealth transfer and financial stability strategies. Through networking, I connect clients to the right opportunities, resources, and partners, ensuring they achieve meaningful, lasting success.