As president of NAI James E. Hanson, Hanson remains focused on ensuring the firm remains the largest New Jersey-based independent commercial real estate brokerage in an increasingly competitive and challenging marketplace. Founded in 1955 by William’s grandfather, the Teterboro-headquartered firm has long been a fixture of North Jersey’s commercial real estate scene as the go-to team for companies seeking to buy, sell or lease space in the tri-state area.

After assuming the role of president in 1993, Hanson continued to build upon the firm’s legacy while evolving it to meet the changing needs of clients by adding more dedicated groups, such as property management, corporate services and capital markets, as well as increased capabilities in specialties like logistics, financing and cold storage. Within the last decade, NAI James E. Hanson’s 70-plus associates across two offices have completed over 2,500 transactions valued at more than $4.8 billion, encompassing over 45 million square feet.

This year marked a milestone for Hanson, as he – along with his uncle, Jon Hanson, and cousin, Jimmy Hanson, the founder and chief executive officer of The Hampshire Cos. – celebrated the 100th anniversary of their family’s work in the real estate industry.

William Hanson, who makes a point to give back via volunteer work – through involvement with groups like the Commerce & Industry Association of New Jersey, Rutgers Center for Real Estate, Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation’s board and the board of the ARC of Bergen & Passaic Counties – will be recognized this month by the Bergen County Historical Society for his efforts to help the organization complete a museum at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. Additionally, NAI Hanson was named as one of NJBIZ’s 2023 Best Places to Work.