This podcast features Heather Ewing, Founder of ABSTRACT CRE, and dives into her experience in retail leasing brokerage and building deals, relationships, and establishing community in downtown Madison.

In this episode, host Shanti Ryle, Director of Content Marketing at Crexi, sits down with Heather, known as the ‘Queen of downtown Madison,’ as she shares her journey from operations management to becoming a nationally recognized commercial real estate expert specializing in retail, restaurant brokerage, and mixed-use developments. 

They discuss Heather's strategies for building a successful CRE career, the importance of understanding market nuances, and the impact of relationships and detailed market knowledge in closing deals. Additionally, they delve into Madison’s thriving market and touch on the unique dynamics of retail and restaurant leasing. Heather also highlights the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and giving back to the next generation of CRE professionals. The conversation wraps up with rapid-fire questions on investing, client acquisition, and common misconceptions about being a broker.

• Introduction to The Crexi Podcast
• Meet Heather Ewing: The Queen of Downtown Madison
• Heather's Journey into Commercial Real Estate
• Building a Successful Career in CRE
• The Importance of Relationships in CRE
• Challenges and Strategies in Retail and Restaurant Leasing
• National Tenants and Market Trends in Madison
• Matching Clients to Neighborhoods
• Gathering and Utilizing Market Data
• Success Stories and Unique Concepts
• Exciting Neighborhood Projects
• Advice for New Brokers and Investors
• Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

Watch “Matching Tenant Needs & Trends in Downtown Madison Retail” on YouTube

Heather Ewing is a nationally recognized commercial real estate expert and the Founder of ABSTRACT Commercial Real Estate, specializing in Retail and Restaurant Brokerage and Mixed-Use developments in Madison, Wisconsin. Known as the “Queen of downtown Madison,” Heather blends over 40 years of local insight with a bold national perspective to serve landlords, developers, tenants, and investors with precision.

Heather proactively secures off-market pocket listings for developers and investors, pairing strategic deal making with an art-forward marketing approach to maximize visibility and close complex transactions.

Heather has served as:

• 2025 1st RVP for Region 7, CCIM 
• 2024 President, CCIM Wisconsin Chapter receiving the 2024 President’s Cup Tier 3 First Place
• 2024 President, Commercial Brokers Group
• 2018-Present, Member, City of Madison BID Board 

Heather is the Founder | Host of Heather Ewing: The CRE RUNdown podcast and Founder of the annual Bright Lights Run-Walk to benefit Girls on The Run. She’s been featured by iHeart Radio, CARW, DMI, NAIOP, Channel3000, Midwest Real Estate Journals, and others as a sought-after national speaker on CRE and Mindset. 

An international marathoner, Heather has raced in Berlin, London, Paris, Milan, New York, Boston, and more—bringing the same discipline, endurance, and drive to every deal and audience.

About Crexi’s Commercial Real Estate Podcast: