Humble Beginnings in Kenosha County, WI
A family-owned and operated organization, Bear Real Estate Group started as a small brokerage firm in Kenosha, WI. The company was founded as “I.J. Bear” in 1924 by I.J.Bear and carried on by his son, Manford Bear. Steve Mills Senior joined Bear in 1970, learning the ropes of the real estate industry. Mills took over the business in 1980, kept the “Bear” name, and grew the brokerage team immensely.
Bear Experiences Rapid Growth
Years later, Mills and his family founded “Bear Property Management” in 1989 after purchasing their first property in Bristol, WI in the mid 80’s. Over the coming years, Bear evolved and established three additional operating companies in real estate construction (Construction Management Associates, Inc.), development (Bear Development) and single-family home construction (Bear Homes).
A Family Company From The Start
Today, Bear Real Estate Group owns and/or manages over 3,500 units of multi-family housing and over 1,500,000 sqft. of commercial properties. What began as a boutique brokerage firm has grown exponentially, now being a dominant force in the real estate sector across 20 states. 2024 marks the 100 year anniversary of providing innovative real estate solutions. Bear strives to uphold genuine corporate citizenship through high quality real estate projects and is committed to creating long-term value for all stakeholders in the communities where we live, work and serve.
At Bear Real Estate Group, our roots run deep. Established in 1924, our journey spans nearly a century, where our commitment to building better communities has never wavered. What began as a boutique brokerage firm has grown exponentially, now being a dominant force in the real estate sector across eighteen states.
We’ve achieved this by focusing on more than just properties – we focus on people. Our fully integrated operating companies, specializing in Development, Brokerage, Construction, and Property Management, stand tall due to the dedication and expertise of the professionals that drive them.
BREG IN THE NEWS
Bear Real Estate Group's Core Values
WE ARE TEAM PLAYERS
At BREG, every individual's effort matters, but the magic truly happens when we collaborate. We believe in working together across boundaries, embracing diverse perspectives to produce outstanding results.
NO EGO / NO NONSENSE
We pride ourselves on our straightforward and honest approach. Every BREG member acts with the highest levels of respect and integrity, fostering a workspace where everyone feels valued and heard.
PASSION & LEVITY
We are passionate about what we do and always strive for excellence. But we also recognize the importance of a balanced life. We work hard, celebrate our wins, and make sure to have a good laugh along the way.
FIND ANOTHER WAY
Challenges? They're just opportunities in disguise. We value employees who don't just point out problems but think creatively to find effective solutions.