Meet the Experts Behind the Success.

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. 

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

Core Cares

We are committed to being a positive force in our communities. Our co-founders have volunteered with or served on the Boards of the American Red Cross of SE Minnesota, Boys &
Girls Club of Rochester, the Commercial Builders Council of the Rochester Area Builders, Habitat for Humanity, Red Wing Port Authority, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Sports Commission, Rochester Sports Foundation and YMCA of Red Wing.

Our Team

Co-Founder and Principal

Chad Behnken, Co-Founder and Principal at Core Real Estate Group, is an experienced commercial real estate professional with specialties in real estate sales and development, investment sales and multi-family development and management.

Co-Founder and Principal

Chris Terry, 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. For the past 13 years, he has focused on commercial development and construction projects throughout the Upper Midwest and nationally.

Associate

Tyler Cain, Associate at Core Real Estate Group, recently entered the commercial real estate profession after a 1-year stint in residential realty and a 14-year career as a professional basketball player in Europe. The skills that made Tyler successful on the basketball court – perseverance and a relentless work ethic – are reflected in his tenacious and dedicated approach to property transactions.

Office Manager

Sammie Davis, Office Manager at Core Real Estate Group, is an experienced customer service professional who joined the commercial real estate industry in 2022. A versatile team player, Sammie excels at overseeing the firm’s operations, coordinating development projects and delivering exceptional service to Core’s investors, clients, vendors, property managers and commercial tenants.

Chad Behnken, Co-Founder and Principal at Core Real Estate Group

Chad Behnken, Co-Founder and Principal at Core Real Estate Group, is an experienced commercial real estate professional with specialties in real estate sales and development, investment sales and multi-family development and management.


In recent years, Chad has brokered a wide range of real estate transactions for both companies and individuals. Whether representing an investment buyer in the purchase of a $25 million property or helping a solopreneur lease office space, Chad’s market knowledge, extensive business network and financial expertise bring significant value to his client relationships.

Chad’s Impact

  • Completed approximately $250 million in brokerage transactions throughout his 8 year real estate career
  • Developed approximately $150 million worth of ground-up real estate

Notable projects include:

  • Fleet Farm, Rochester, MN – $25 million
  • Fleet Farm, Owatonna, MN – $15 million
  • Goodwill, Mankato, MN – $5 million
  • ACME Tools purchase of Toys R Us Store – $5 million
  • Industrial development for two Fortune 500 tenants.

In addition, Chad has been involved in 15 ground-up development projects including   multi-family, office, industrial, hotel, retail and self storage. Chad’s aspirations for Core center on developing and maintaining long-term client relationships built on trust and integrity. He’s known for forming connections with clients quickly, understanding their goals thoroughly, and delivering results that exceed expectations.

Chad’s background reflects both his commitment to excellence and his professional expertise:

  • Holds the prestigious CCIM designation from the Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute. This is one of the most respected designations in the industry and is held by less than 10% of commercial real estate professionals.
  • Significant experience in local and regional commercial real estate market gained while serving for 8 years as Vice President of a respected regional commercial real estate firm.  In-depth knowledge of buying, selling and managing commercial properties.
  • Extensive background in banking and finance, with 16 years’ experience in management, business banking and real estate lending at a financial institution.
  • Co-owner of multi-family management company with 1600 units under management.


Outside of work, Chad enjoys traveling with his family and cheering for his kids’ soccer and softball teams. A lifelong resident of Rochester, Chad is a deeply rooted member of the community. He has served or is currently serving as a board member with the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, Rochester Sports Foundation and Leadership Greater Rochester.

Chris Terry, Co-Founder and Principal at Core Real Estate Group

Chris Terry, 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. For the past 13 years, he has focused on commercial development and construction projects throughout the Upper Midwest and nationally.

Chris’s Impact

  • Completed over $1 billion in transactions throughout his career
  • Involved in developing and leading over 60 commercial projects since 2010
Notable projects include:
  • The Nest – Iowa City, IA – Student Housing Tower
  • 1200 Jade Apartments – Clear Lake, IA – Multi-family Housing
  • PrairieCare Center, Rochester, MN – Medical Center
  • Marshfield Clinic, Eau Claire, WI – New Hospital, Cancer Center, and Multiple Interior Remodel Projects
  • University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY – New Modular, Pre-manufactured Operating Rooms
Chris developed Core’s motto – Unlocking Opportunities, Building Success – to reflect the firm’s commitment to helping investors and clients explore new ventures and achieve their real estate goals. He’s known for his ability to develop unique and innovative approaches to every project and for fostering clear communication to keep clients informed throughout a project’s lifecycle.

Chris’s background is a powerful blend of commercial banking, relationship management and real estate expertise:

  • 20 years in leadership roles for regional and national financial institutions, specializing in commercial real estate development and construction.
  • 10 years as a project executive and owner’s representative, managing projects from concept to completion across various sectors including housing, healthcare, higher education and municipal.
  • 5 years leading development work for various firms with a focus on healthcare, multifamily housing and hospitality.

Outside of work, Chris loves to spend time with his family at the lake and exploring new destinations. In addition, he’s actively involved in the community, currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Rochester Sports Foundation and American Red Cross of SE Minnesota.  Chris has served in volunteer roles for the Commercial Builders Council of the Rochester Area Builders, Boys & Girls Club of Rochester, YMCA of Red Wing, Red Wing Port Authority and Rochester Sports Commission.

Tyler Cain, Associate at Core Real Estate Group

Tyler Cain, Associate at Core Real Estate Group, recently entered te commercial real estate profession after a 1-year stint in residential realty and a 14-year career as a professional basketball player in Europe. The skills that made Tyler successful on the basketball court – perseverance and a relentless work ethic – are reflected in his tenacious and dedicated approach to property transactions.

Tyler’s Impact

Using his talents to contribute to a winning team is Tyler’s core aspiration.

A graduate of John Marshall High School who played college hoops at the University of South Dakota, Cain earned his real estate license while still playing basketball overseas. Cain approaches every client interaction with passion and purpose, and is committed to leveraging his background to assist clients in finding their ideal investment opportunity or commercial real estate property.

Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, especially coaching their sports and activities. Tyler and his family like to travel, try new things, spend time at the lake, and fish together.

Sammie Davis, Office Manager at Core Real Estate Group

Sammie Davis, Office Manager at Core Real Estate Group, is an experienced customer service professional who joined the commercial real estate industry in 2022. A versatile team player, Sammie excels at overseeing the firm’s operations, coordinating development projects and delivering exceptional service to Core’s investors, clients, vendors, property managers and commercial tenants.

Sammie’s Impact

Building and maintaining strong relationships is one of Sammie’s core values.
A lifelong Rochester resident, Sammie honed her organizational, communication and time management skills in the medical administration and childcare fields prior to entering commercial real estate. At Core, Sammie’s diverse responsibilities include project management, budget tracking, accounting, property management, office operations, marketing and social media management.

Sammie is a photo enthusiast and loves to spend quality time with her family and friends. When she’s not busy chasing after her two children, you can often find her settled on the couch enjoying a great movie or TV series. She also enjoys weekend camping trips and playing with her pets, which include two dogs and three cats!