First Responder Financial Workshop

LEADING THE WORKSHOP: Ed Ruiz

Ed’s unique business perspective includes extensive knowledge and experience in both commercial real estate and commercial lending.

Ed became an Illinois licensed real estate broker in 1992, and an Illinois licensed managing broker in 1999. He has been an active broker and investor for over 20 years. He and his wife, Blanca, bought their first investment property in 1992 and their most recent multi-family property in 2013.

Ed spent over 18 years at The Northern Trust Company in different roles including CRE Lender, Private Banker, Investment Representative, Managing Director and Vice- President. Ed worked as a CRE Lender for over 10 years after he completed an intensive credit school program in 2000.

As Managing Director and Vice President of Northern Trust’s Logan Square Financial Center, Ed managed a $300M CRE portfolio which included all commercial property types including multi-family, mixed-use, office, retail, industrial and land. Ed leverages this vital experience to understand the uniqueness and inner workings of each type of property.

Ed’s business background extends to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange where he was a Broker from 1986-1998 and served as a member from 1992-1998. He brokered in the foreign exchange futures and options pits, specializing in Canadian futures and options.

Holding Series 7, 6, 3, and 63 investment licenses has contributed to Ed’s understanding of the futures and stock markets and their influence on the real estate market. Ed has an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana.

Ed is committed to and takes great pride in volunteering in community organizations. He has served as a board member and advisor for several non-profit organizations. He is a recent empty nester, of two children, who now enjoys traveling and golf.