Chad Barrett is one of the founding principals of AQUILA. He specializes in project leasing and has worked on a number of high-profile assignments, including the preleasing of Capstar Plaza and 801 Barton Springs.

Chad was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and has commercial real estate in his blood. A die-hard Cubs fan, you’ll often find him sporting the team’s red, white and blue attire or cheering on his beloved team during the season.

He began his real estate career in Chicago working for a national real estate development company that eventually brought him to Austin in 2001, where he quickly built a name for himself within the industry. In 2007, he joined forces with five other top Austin brokers to form AQUILA and hasn’t looked back since.

I sat down for a Q&A with Chad to learn more about him. Read his answers below to get to know him a little better!

Let’s Start With the Basics:

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: Wheaton, Illinois (suburban Chicago).

Chad Barrett with his sister

Chad with his sister Betsy in 1983.

Q: Where did you go to college?

A: University of Iowa.

Q: How long have you been in Austin?

A: Since 2001.

Q: What is it about Austin that has made you stay?

A: The warm climate, the small big city feel, and all the outdoor activities.

Q: What is your favorite part about working for AQUILA?

A: The people.

Chad Barrett on vacation with AQUILA principals

Chad on vacation with AQUILA Principals.

Q: What makes AQUILA different?

A: It’s fun and collaborative.

Q: What would you say is your key differentiator? Why would I want to work with you?

A: My knowledge of the Austin Market, and I’m always looking to negotiate the best deal for my clients.

Chad Barrett at a client appreciation event.

Chad enjoying the AQUILA patio at a client appreciation event.

Now For a Little Fun:

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

A: Lots of European travels.

Q: If you won $50 million in the lottery, what would you do with it?

A: I’d buy new residences in Austin and Chicago and take care of my family.

Q: If you could live anywhere in the world and money didn’t matter, where would you live?

A: Austin and Chicago.

Q: What’s something most people may not know about you?

A: I hold a high school track record that has stood for 22 years.

Chad Barrett High School Track

Chad was a high school track star at Wheaton North High School just outside of Chicago.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Austin?

A: I’d say Eddie V’s for the food and Ranch 616 for the atmosphere.

Q: What’s your favorite show to binge-watch?

A: Cubs baseball games.

Chad Barrett + his dad at Wrigley Field

Chad loves the Cubs. Pictured here at Wrigley Field with his dad.

Fast Facts:

  • Torchy’s or Tacodeli? Tacodeli
  • South Congress or Domain? South Congress
  • Chicago-style pizza or Texas BBQ? Duh, Chicago style
  • Early bird or night owl? Night owl
  • Beach or mountain? Beach
  • Passenger or driver? Driver
  • Queso or guacamole? Queso
  • 6th Street or Rainey? Rainey
  • Lake Travis or Lake Michigan? Michigan
  • Cubs or longhorns? We’ll go with the cubs
  • Maudie’s or Matt’s El Rancho? Maudie’s
  • Call or text? Text
  • Dine in or take out? Take out
  • Tacos or BBQ? Tacos
  • Dogs or cats? Cats
  • Tito’s or Deep Eddy? Tito’s
  • Grilled or fried? Grilled
  • Would you walk, run or bike the Hike and Bike Trail? Run
  • Frozen or on the rocks? Frozen
  • Mopac or 35? Mopac

For more on Chad, check out his bio page on our website. Don’t forget to check back each month to see who we feature next!

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