Who We Are

Our Name Wasn’t Chosen by Chance

ACCESS is dedicated to creating value in the communities we serve by doing just that: Giving people access to resources and opportunities. We give developers access to prime real estate, employees access to meaningful and financially rewarding careers, and our community access to beautiful spaces to live, shop, work, and entertain.

ACCESS: Two Partners, One Vision

From Vision to Fully Integrated Platform

The beginnings of ACCESS date back to 2005, when Darren Hicks and Kirk Hanson began working together for a national retail power center and mall developer. The two quickly discovered a shared passion for commercial real estate, gaining experience across large- and small-format retail projects as well as select mixed-use and hospitality developments.
When the market shifted in 2009, Darren and Kirk saw an opportunity to build something new. They officially launched ACCESS at the 2009 ICSC convention, bringing a solutions-driven approach to a struggling industry. In the early years, ACCESS worked closely with financial institutions—serving as a receiver, stabilizing challenged properties, and repositioning or disposing of assets throughout the Midwest.
As the market rebounded, ACCESS leveraged its deep network of tenant and broker relationships to lead multiple national retail expansion programs, successfully completing more than 300 new locations for clients capitalizing on growth opportunities in a recovering economy.

Today, ACCESS has grown into a fully integrated real estate platform built on strong systems, proven processes, and trusted relationships nationwide. Our team provides comprehensive expertise in Real Estate Investment, Development, Brokerage, Asset Management and Construction—delivering results through collaboration, integrity, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

Team of Experts

ACCESS is dedicated to creating value in the communities we serve by doing just that: Giving people access to resources and opportunities.

Mission Statement

To form strategic partnerships and maximize value for every stakeholder involved in a project.

ACCESS Values

Attitude is Everything
Make  a Difference
Create Value
Be Relentless
Every Client is a Partner.

Community Involvement

We’re committed to giving back to the people and community that we love through our annual Folds of Honor fundraising event.