About the Authors

Bill Lee

Bill Lee (1942-2021) had an illustrious career in Commercial Real Estate that spans nearly four decades. He began in the business in 1970 at Grubb & Ellis as a transactional broker, winning many company sales awards while also serving as the salesman’s representative to the Board of Directors. In 1979, he founded Lee & Associates, a commercial real estate company with a dynamic new business model. The company was, and continues to be, owned equally by its transaction shareholders, a concept that created a sense of shared responsibility and cooperation throughout the organization.

Today, Lee & Associates is the fourth largest real estate sales organization in the country, with 54 offices, over 900 brokers and 450 equal owners. Bill oversaw much of this tremendous growth before retiring in 2008 to pursue his hobbies of surfing, gardening, owning a bed and breakfast, and spending time with family and friends.

R. Craig Coppola

R. Craig Coppola is the top-producing Broker in Lee & Associates’ 36-plus-year history. He is also one of the eight Founding Principals of Lee & Associates Arizona. He holds the three most coveted designations in the industry: CCIM, CRE, and SIOR. He has been a 23-time top producer at Lee & Associates, 6-time NAIOP Office Broker of the year, and an additional 16-time finalist for NAIOP Office Broker of the Year. He is also the author of three additional books, How to Win in Commercial Real Estate Investing, The Art of Commercial Real Estate Leasing, and The Fantastic Life. Outside of the office, Craig is an avid backpacker, husband, and father to four remarkable children.

  • Chasing Excellence is a phenomenal roadmap for success in business and life! Bill and Craig have provided perspective, examples, and direction for business professionals and anyone who is interested in focus, success and excellence. A great read!

    Curt Johnson, Principal, CGJ Advisors

  • The goal of this book is to leave the reader inspired to chase excellence in his or her own life. In this, it succeeds 100%. Anyone looking to perform to the best of their ability can learn a thing or two from this book.

    Rod Santomassimo, Founder and President, the Massimo Group

  • I worked with Craig for many years on a professional level and always respected his high level and performance and professionalism. This book enlightened me about the Craig that I did not know, the Craig who excelled in life as much as he did in his profession. This book is not just a roadmap to professional excellence, it is a testimonial on building a foundation for successful personal achievement in all facets of our lives.

    Stephen Newman Manager of Real Estate and Development Western Region Motorola – Retired