The Wisconsin School of Business proudly recognized Derek Chen, Jerry Fink, and David Kim, co-founders of The Bascom Group, with the 2025 Distinguished Business Alumni Award. This honor is reserved for alumni whose careers have had far-reaching impacts on their industries, communities, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Founded in 1995, The Bascom Group began with a bold vision: to acquire residential properties during a time of rising defaults and unemployment and reposition them to create long-term value. Thirty years later, the firm has become a powerhouse in real estate investment. Bascom ranks among the top 50 multifamily owners in the United States, having completed over $28.9 billion in multifamily and commercial value-added transactions, including more than 428 multifamily projects and over 110,000 units.
Michael Brennan, chairman and managing principal of Brennan Investment Group and former executive director of WSB’s Graaskamp Center for Real Estate, praised the founders:
“The Bascom Group founders—Derek, Jerry, and David—represent the greatest in the aspirations of what a Wisconsin Real Estate alum would want to be: accomplished, generous, humble, and in love with our industry. We should all be proud of the example The Bascom Group sets for both our school and our industry.”
Each founder continues to play a defining role in Bascom’s growth:
- Derek Chen oversees corporate finance and strategic development, while also serving as founder and chairman of Chenco Holding Company, LLC, a Las Vegas-based firm specializing in real estate and venture capital.
- Jerry Fink directs the transactions team, focusing on property acquisitions, financing, refinancing, and dispositions. He is credited with creating Bascom’s investment strategy and acquisition process.
- David Kim leads new venture development, construction and portfolio management, and investor relations. Prior to Bascom, he was a senior analyst with the Disney Development Company, where he contributed to more than $400 million in retail, office, and residential projects.
The impact of Bascom’s founders extends beyond their firm. They have mentored countless WSB students, sponsored alumni events, named a classroom in Grainger Hall, and actively supported the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association (WREAA). Their dedication has strengthened the Wisconsin Real Estate program and provided invaluable opportunities for students pursuing careers in real estate.
Bascom has also distinguished itself as a leader in community service, earning 52 awards for community impact, creating scholarship programs for residents of their apartment communities, and being recognized nationally as one of the best places to work.
The Distinguished Business Alumni Award acknowledges not only professional excellence but also the profound legacy that Derek Chen, Jerry Fink, and David Kim continue to build at the intersection of business, education, and community.